By Teddy Fikre
Every time there is an Ethiopians for Obama event, it seems that at least one person asks the invariable questions: “Why should Ethiopians support Obama?” The question has profound implications, because it rests on the premise that a candidate has to cater to every ethnic group, every religion, and every orientation. In this way, the question is really a perpetuation of the divided landscape we find ourselves in today. This question begs for the continuation and of the deep divides that are evident in our community and so many communities throughout the world.
My answer to this question is not a litany of specific policies that cater only to one country or one ethnic group. To the contrary, it is an articulation of universal goals that are near and dear to all, irrespective of race, religion, or creed. The common hopes of all mankind are unencumbered by the boundaries of micro-targeted policy initiatives. Specific policies and initiatives that cater only to a certain group of people could–by extension–exclude others. The aim is bring people together under the broad umbrella of democracy and equality.
The initiatives that Obama espouses, and which I support whole heartedly, are those of democracy, opportunity for every child, respect for human rights, and changing the political discourse that has made it reflexive for us to view those with opposing view points as adversaries. This is the change that Obama stands for, a change borne out of the hope that enabled him to succeed while navigating life without the guiding hand of a father. Some might see this idea of hope and change as nothing more than platitude. However, most of Ethiopians came to American with nothing more than hope and with the desire for a change. We took this undiminished hope and our determination for change and became part of the United States success story and a part of the American dream.
So the question is not what will Obama do for us. The question should be what will we do for ourselves. Ethiopian-Americans have the ability–in this election and beyond–to participate fully in this vibrant democracy of ours. We cannot demand of anyone without demanding of ourselves first the simplest of all struggles—voting. We cannot bemoan the lack of democracy elsewhere when we don’t participate in the birthplace of democracy here. We have no right to complain about a lack of opportunity anywhere when we don’t take on every opportunity that we have here. It is easy to look externally for the answers that we can find within.
It is for these reasons that Ethiopians for Obama strives to encourage everyone to register and vote. We live here in untold numbers; no one knows how many Ethiopians live in America. Some say thousands and others say hundreds of thousands. The truth is we don’t really know, and without knowing our numbers, we simply don’t count. Moreover, without voting, we won’t be heard. It is up to us to be the change that we have been waiting for. No longer should we ask what someone would do for us when we don’t know what it is that we will do for ourselves.
Ethiopians for Obama is a group of hundreds of Ethiopians who have supported and continue to support Senator Obama because in him we see a way for our own destiny with unity. We work together from coast to coast, boarder to boarder, in every state where Ethiopian-Americans call home. We are not lead by anyone but we are our own leaders. We are a decentralized group who believe that change occurs not from the top down but from the bottom up.
The grassroots passion that made Obama’s improbable journey possible is the same passion that motivates us to register our fellow Ethiopian-American. There is no president or chair of Ethiopians for Obama; we are all leaders of this vibrant group. Every Ethiopian who supports Obama in effect is a member of Ethiopians for Obama, in that way, we are all founders of Ethiopians for Obama. Thus, the question starts with us, and the answer will end with us. Once we arrive at that answer, we can then ask—with our registered voice and our votes—what is it others will do for us.
24 thoughts on “What Will Obama Do for Us?”
I have an answer for you tell them this “He is a co-sponsor of HR2003 let them figure the rest out for themselves!
Don’t be fool. Fascist meles and He’s supporters like to see OBAMA in white house since obama doesn’t know or doesn’t care about what fascist Dictator and terrorist. How many of you know that OBAMA was voted against the removing of fascist dictator sadam Hussein. Obama was said that there is no enough reason to remove sadam from power. But this (stupid ignorant) so called obama did not even know that sadam jailed and kill more than 1 million Iraq’s. What kind of reason obama went more than that? Late me tale you at that time the people of Iraq doesn’t need a reason or doesn’t care sadam has WMD or not they gust went to be free from his fascist rule for 35 years. Because Iraq is in bad ship right now doesn’t mean removing sadam from power is wrong. You Think obama will say the same if one of his family member killed by sadam? I don’t think so. Some one even here tailing me I have to vote for obama because he is a Blackman. Look all of you (stupid and ignorant obama supporters) I know I am black but I will never vote for OBAMA. The obama I know who voted against the removing of killer Sadam. The obama I know who like to set down unconditionally with fascist killer like meles zanawe. The obama I know who like to set down with terrorist and talk. . Fascist leader and terrorist don’t understand peace full negotiation their only language is gun.turest me if you set down with them you will loss. If you don’t believe me ask the kingit (cud) lieder who tray to set down and talk with fascist meles zanawe end up 10,000 their supporters killed and 100,000 thrown in to jail. So gust because obama is a black man you went me to vote for him? I don’t think so I am not ignorant like you. You hypocrite attacking bush the war in Iraq but you never say anything about OBAMA who tray to save sadame. Anyway what is the deferens between fascist lieder and the person who like to see them stay in power?
Finally I gust went to ask those ignorant obama supporters some simple question
1, what kinds of reason sadam or meles have when they kill and jailed civilians? If they don’t what kind of reason you need to have to remove those fascist lieder from power?
2, how many innocent civilians have to be killed by fascist lieder tile stupid OBAMA say enough is enough?
3, what is the deferens between OBAMA AND that stupid man INHALF the senator form Oklahoma who voted against HR2003?
4, do the fascist have to kill one of your family’s to change your stupid mind?
5, OBAMA stand for YES WE CAN, HOPE, CHANG, what the f**** it mean anyway
Obama does not have a clue or could care less about us as Clinton and Bush did before him! Obama is for Obama. That is it.
Supposed “One Ethiopia”,
I can truly say that I am ashamed if you are Ethiopian, from what I see, you are just ignorant. Please, before you start lecturing people, first learn how to spell. The uneducated should not try to educate the educated. As far as your ramblings about Iraq, the war was unjust and as Obama predicted a turmoil. The Bush administration did not plan properly, bungled the post-invasion, and today Iraq is argueably worse off than they were before the war. Millions have been displaced, hundreds of thousands killed and injured, and in the end the Sunni and Shia are forestalling a larger war once we withdraw. In the end, Iraq will probably end up with another dictator, meanwhile thousands of American soldiers have lost their lives. But what do you care, you clearly are not a man that pays attention to the facts you just care about your political bias. Let me ask you a question though, would you have supported the Italian invasion of Ethiopia? What was Italy’s justification of invading Ethiopia? Based on your ramblings, you probably would have been fighting on the side of the Italians. I really did not even want to respond to your post, but your ignorance so far strayed from rationality that a response was required. I am sure you will post another ignorant response rambling about what I just said without any core facts to back up your insane thinking besides accusing me of supporting a black man. Please change your name, you definitly are not One Ethiopia
@#2
You are just simply against Obama.Ofcourse,Obama will have great impact on the Ethio-American community and for Ethiopians too. He is a good model for black kids raised in USA.Who knows,Ethio-American guy will be president one day in USA,and will change the situation in Ethiopia.
Listen the reality is who ever the next president there won’t be that much difference for ethiopians at home or abroad because the answer is there whoever knows how the USA politics work knows the answer… the US politician is there only for the US.
Dear Ethiopians for the people at home my advice is work hard for your better life and struggle for your freedom in anyway you can. Ethiopians abroad especially younger ethiopians this is big lesson to you if you work hard you can be any thing you want that will be good for you and also after your success god for your country you may do one day good thing for Ethiopia using your power or knowledge.
I think that is what we learn from all this nothing more my friends!
Toronto
Why would Ethiopians think Obama’s presidency would be a turning point to Ethiopia.The expectation created by Ethiopian diaspora seems the United States elects a King.A king could do whatever he says or promises and Ethiopians accustomed to a totalitrian leader think as If Obama could change every thing with a snap of his finger . Obama simply will be in the White House to keep the status quo.And his main concern like the priovious adminstrations will be ” IF IT IS NOT BROKEN ,DON’T FIX IT”.In Ethiopian case ,you can answer it yourself.
So called paulos see how stupid ignorant (DEDEB) you are? I never say I am educated and perfect. When did ER say only educated people have the right to comment in their website? See you prove me right .when I say OBAMA supporters are stupid and ignorant one of them are you. Anyway who said if you spell right you are educated? Because you can type, it doesn’t mean you know politics. You are so stupid comparing Italian invasion in Ethiopian with USA invasion in Iraq. Look my stupid brother late me tale you some thing. When USA went to war with Iraq they were supported by 80% Iraq people. If you dot believe that go check all the news before the war. How you explain the people of Iraq who were dancing and singing all over the world. Are you telling me they are so happy because they are about to became colonies by USA? Look ignorant at this time you can’t take over some ones country and leave peacefully. Since you are ignorant you don’t understand.
Thanks ER for posted my privies comment about OBAMA that telling me you are not blinded some ignorant OBAMA supporters
The Issue of Obama Presidence is not what he will do for me or my Country.The most Important of all is pride, Imagine, son of black African, becoming the President of USA, the only true superpower in the World.
You as a black race, you will not be seen as an Inferior or not smart enough anymore, believe me, that is how the rest of the racist world see as today.The notion of black man ruling the only Superpower in the world is a choker to a lot of those who are filled with hate whether here at home, or anywhere in this world.
For this reason alone, I support the brother.
How naive can we be? If Obama is elected to the Whitehouse, he will not do anything substantially different as far as the Horn of Africa is concerned. We should always try to understand the platform he is using both for his domestic and foreign policies. His foreign policy seems to like the idea of Laissez Faire. Remember the Democrats’ main focus is domestic. Do you recall Carter? What happened? My concern about him is that he is promising too much. There is an elation of expectations from all minority groups which he will not be able to fulfill in 4 years or even 8 years. I am concerned about the effects and consequences of such wild promises and expectations. When they are not fulfilled, all these enthusiasts will be demoralized. I don’t take comfort with that. But his election will have one historical accomplishment: There will be a black president for the first time in the Whitehouse. That is it. Please do not be emotional with me for saying this. Just wait.
I think we can benefit and learn a lot from Obama including:
1. How to respect people. React to ideas not to the people.
2. Finding a common ground to move ahead rather than tearing each other down by counting differences.
3. Can press some dictators around this planet, rather than leaving aside as “I don’t care”.
4. Thanx to Bush, most developing countries including ours benefited from his generiousity in food aid, direct budget aid, huge support in HIV, Malaria, TB, etc. Without them, it is hard for us. More than 75% of our budget is from them.
5. If US pledges as what G8 has proposed earlier, I believe Obama may support it, it will help significantly. I understand we have to care for our problems not others, but that has not been the case. We can not argue, each day we existed is Westerns money.
We can learn a lot from Obama:
1.Endurance and being patient.
2.How it is possible to be successful starting from family management.
3.How to handle diversity in every aspect(religion,race,politics,etc..)
4.How a single individual can influence a nation even the whole world.
5.The fact that honesty matters.
6.Hard work really pays off.
7.Following the right path i.e based on truth and fact leads to success etc….
one ethiopia #2 & #8
Your anti Obama stand and make believe Wayane opposition indicates that you are in fact a cunning desperate Wayane fox dressed in sheep skin.
Frurstrated and future unsure Wayanes are propagating anti Obama idiocies because they are afraid deep down to their small bones and small souls about the coming changes. They want Bush to stay in power and feed them money for jailing, killing and starving Ethiopians.
With Obama, change and our own strong efforts added, Wayane’s genocide and inhuman dictatorship will be a thing of the past.
Shame on doomed and futureless Wayane cadres cunningly operating in the shadow of “one ethiopia”
What Obama will do to us is to be seen. But, do not expect a thing from his administration, nor from McCain’s. History tell us unequivocally that no country helped Ethiopia out of her problems. They only add more.
My fellow brothers and sisters, please realize that if there is anyone who can solve our own problems, it is only us (not U.S.). Noone else!
One Ethiopia
OK, let’s have a rational debate. First, you said that 80% of Iraqis supported a foreign occupation. Please please show me a reputeable newspaper or organization that reported that fact. If you do, I will concede that point. As far as the Iraqis dancing in the streets, I guess those were the same ones throwing chocolate and flowers and greeting us as liberators. It seems that you are cutting and pasting your infomration straight from the desk of Dick Cheney.
Let me give you a few facts:
-During the time that the Iraqis were supposed to be dancing in the streets, they actually started looting the banks, businesses, and saddest of all, the museums (where artifacts centuries old are still missing).
-Almost 100% of Shia vote for other Shia, 100% of Sunni vote for other Sunni. The two sides are consolidating power and in the short term, there is no prospect of a cooperative government
-Iran is more powerful today than they have been in 30 years. The main Shia party in Iraq has a cozy relationship with Iran
-Oil output today is less than it was before the invasion
I can go on for days, but I want to give you a couple of minutes to give me some positives that came out of this ill-begotten war…
We, Ethiopians, are not asking from Obama anything specifically designed for Ethiopians; that is not going to happen even if we ask anything specific. Let’s all remember, if Obama is elected president of the US, he is going to be the president of all the people, not of a particular group of people, and we expect him to be that way also. As far as I know, I don’t think Obama has any vested interest in us, Ethiopians,why should he? He can’t even appease the needs of the African American community here in the State. Whatever we need, we have to get it ourselves, “NO HANDOUTS” — there, I agree with your comments.
Having said that, we would like to ask only one thing from Obama — that is, to Be Democratic! Don’t ignore the desire of the Ethiopians like President Bush and Secretary Rice did. Don’t claim you are democratic and, at the same time, support repressive regimes in Africa. Don’t spend hundreds of billions of dollars on one country alone, such as Iraq, while completely ignoring the cry for democracy by the Contnent of Africa. A prime example here of a country that has been COMPLETELY ignored for the past three years, despite continuous cries by its citiezens for democracy, is Ethiopia. President Bush knows it and Secretary Rice knows it.
That is all we want from Obama, if he becomes the next President of the US — for God’s sake, don’t completely ignore the Continent of Africa’s cries for democracy. Support those who are democratic, not those who have guns and repress their own people.
THOSE OF WHO HAVE EARS, LET THEM HEAR! THAT IS THE TRUTH THAT WILL MAKE ALL OF US “FREE AT LAST!” AS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ONCE SAID.
The author of this article wrote in his own words, “…So, the question is not what will Obama do for us. The question should be what will we do for ourselves.”
So, why “Ethiopians for Obama”? If we do not expect anything from Obama, then why not Ethiopians for McCain? This article does not provide any compelling reason for supporting Senator Obama nor for joining “Ethiopians for Obama”. I am not saying Obama will not produce anything for Ethiopians. Also, I am not saying no reasons exist for voting to Senator Obama. I am saying only that the author of this article does not provide any except saying that we should participate in the election and vote for Senator Obama merely for his inspirational and motivational impacts on Ethiopians. That, I do not agree. If the organizer of “Ethiopians for Obama” movement does not know how his constituents benefit for voting in a certain way, how good is he as an organizer?
Sure, Ethiopians need to come together, participate in elections, and seize an important voting block in any elections. They should, however, vote for not only those who inspire them but also help them fulfill their dream.
I strogly support #14
that is true, we were not supported by the world at desperate times in history,it is for that mater true that we are required to live as we are.so, please dear ethiopians,don’t expect anything from abroad instead put the reconciliation first and work hard to illiminate the tyrany and build the new ethiopia,after that we can bargain with whoever in the world.so the change should first come from the inside.
Nothing! Unlike society and rule of persons, Obama is running to office to uphold the institutionalized values of the American ways of life. If people from Africa support Obama because he is a Kenyan-American and because he will have special affiliation with and pay back to his African supporters, that is a misguided position and we ought to reexamine that. Wrong investments, be it material or emotional, will come back to haunt the “investors”. Neither his biracial origin or Kenyan-African roots will come before his constitutional obligation to the USA, if elected. Besides, Americans, from school children to the holders of various state and national offices have neither lasting friends nor commitments; only personal (even selfish) and national interests. To meet that objective, they will do everything, everything. Once that interest is met, no matter how, they dump the so called their local supporters or international friends. That is why America doesn’t care to support all sorts of evil men in history, including many “democratic-dictators” across the globe at present as it did brutish military dictators of its choice of support.
Look; America was there when the league of nations betrayed Ethiopia; America was there when Selassie was overthrown; America was behind Woyanne when the bloody dergue was overthrown; America was there when Eritrea was given a free pass (without losing sight of their struggle for national self determination); America is everywhere in the name of democracy…Go and read the 1890’s Nile issues; the Carter Doctrine of the 70’s; the Clinton doctrine of making use of the so called NGO’s as weapons of American policy in other countries; the Bush doctrine freedom and democracy in the world, an old American foreign policy tool. Obama is an American and, if elected, he will act the American way. So, if you support Obama in return for the wishes and dreams you have down your deadened heart, that amounts to slavery and Obama will dump you first; as he writes and says, a person who doesn’t think and act independently doesn’t worth the name, “free human”. “Obama, what will you do to us in return for our support?” He will answer, “Folks, sorry, that is a stupid question,” followed by a lifeless and frozen smile, the American smile! So, don’t wait for anyone’s favor; just fight for your future.
When Obama is taking action against the actual government of ethiopia, taking them responsible for what is happening in Ogaden, well, Ethiopian actual “leaders” already made good contacts with the Chinese.
If they get dropped by the next us-government than they will shift even more to rely on the Chinese support.
Solutions not coming from foreign governments, they come from inside
doyo #18, Kidus #19 and people with similar thinkings!
Every one knows that no one from the outside may primarily come and put your house in order which you are putting and keeping on fire. That is absolutely sure and we all know it.
Even within the family, the family itself needs to wisely take care of its day to day family matterssince the presidents and governers amy not come in to manage it for you.
On the other hand where the family lives, say under a local and international facist dictator, or a local and international democratic welfare sytem matters a great lot.
All nations, governments and the civil societies are now days strongly interconnected, interdependent and mutaully influence each other and each other’s affairs in very significant ways.
Dictators, enslavers, exploiters and all the bad anti people elements nationally and internationally link with each other
and influence local governings and governances in a bad and strogly negative ways that may affect every individual in a negative way.Misery rules!
Democrats, humanists, egalitarians,welfare for all, etc. may also network, interconnected and influence each other in positive ways, thereby benefiting groups and indivuduals in humanistic ways both locally and globally.
World views, human views and assumptions of broad values of a political group and its leaders can make dramatic difference both locally and globally.
To say or imply that it is all the same even if it is Hitler or Mandella who rules the world, runs the united nations, or a grand super power is entirely wrong.
If Obama happens to become the United States president, he is of course the president of the united United States as the title clearly indicates and no one needs to expect that he is the president of the blacks, minorities,or Ethiopian immigrants chased by man hating dictator. He needs to serve the interests of American people both nationally and globally.
But if Ethiopians want to change their own fate for the best, they need to struggle themselves for their democratic and human rights, and the super powers democratic party and its coming president Brack Obama are for democracy and the promotion of human rights which is entirely congruent with the needs of change in Ethiopia.
But divided and sitting like a duck and waiting fatalistically the biblical mana to drop from Obama and Christ will never work.
But that Obama is partially an Afro-American, a democrat, an East African, a black, a minority, etc. background has dramatic positive meanings and implications both for the United States and the world at large. It sets the atmospher for the relative positive change for the best and in the right direction.
Black and white nazis, black and white dictators, kuklux klans and other racists and slave lords can only be outraged as their grips on the common people and drinking their blood may be obstructed and objeted to.
In this local and inational fast social and technological changes of the 21st century, setting the general atmophere along a humanistic and democratic line matters a great lot.
The rest must be performed by the local actors in unity within diversity.
Remember who exposed the mass starvation of the Ethiopian people hidden from the world and other Ethiopians by the regime of the time while even dogs were being fed prime quality beef in the Ethiopian Imperial palace?
It was a foreign journalist and not an Ethiopian journalist!
What is true is that the world is a world of interdependence and those who have more power tend to dominate thos who have less power in their relationships while interacting for the promotion of their own national interests, be it through cooperation or conflict.
I am an OBAMA supporter, and I completely agree with what the Ethiopia for OBAMA support group said. Their view is what OBAMA stands for! Take leadership by yourself and do extraordinary job…as he always say…”ordinary people can do extraordinary Job”. OBAMA is the best role model we can get if we believe in hope and hard work to attain our destiny. Please, donot be such narrow minded and ask what he can bring / give to you, rather ask how, what you can do to get your voice heard. I am glad that the core Ethiopia for OBAMA support group shares the values that OBAMA cares very much. I have to tell you that Keep the great job and you will succeed as your basis of support are very deep. At last, we need to know that people are electing an American president that should care and focus in keeping and maintaining American strategic advantages…Ethiopians here and at home, learn a lesson and do what ever you can to ensure and maintain democracy in Ethiopia. Be ready to understand and respect a political view of some one which may be different from yours, learn accomodation and working hard for attaining the larger picture ..peace, democracy and prospority in Ethiopia…together yes we can bring change! If OBAMA can be elected here in US, learn that any Ethiopian from any ethnic group from any corner of the country desrves the right to be the leader of a democratic Ethiopia…NO ONE is entitled to lead!!
Very interesting points made! My comments as an Ethiopian back home who is following the elections very closely is that the US as a super power has the power to influence decisions which affect the average Ethiopian or any other nationality for that matter. I’m happy to hear people discussing Obama and polictics in the US – a perfect example is the Obama Vs. Clinton issue which made it possible for Ethiopians to see that at the end of the day what matters most is not who is the HEAD/LEADER but rather the focus of the party in putting their agenda forward. That is a valuable lesson!
I beleive that so many policies fail in our country because those in power are trying to do a cut and paste of what happened in “china” or wherever, solutions should be developed taking the best practices of other countries into consideration but at the same time giving them an Ethiopian feel ~ it is only US who know what we are experiencing and should therefore dig our way out. History proves that we’ve done it b4 ~ what is to stop us now!
We need to focus on capacity building of our nationals and only hope to take advantage of the atmosphere that will be created by a President Obama (if he is elected). As an individual, I appreciate Obama for his the discipline, patience and respect he emparts to mankind, he is a great role-model for anyone esp. those in the minority who are aspiring for greater social status. He is in a CLASS of his own ~ he makes us question the sincerity of so called African-American leaders such as the Rev. Jessie Jackson! Ethiopia is not Obama’s responsibility ~ favourable winds can take a ship far and that is what he is ~ the wind of change.
Thanks to the administrators of this site we got to hear the ideas of the good, bad, & ugly. America is the land of the free and that which offers opportunity be it for the air heads or the level headed ones. You’ll occasionally have “Ye Ergo Zemboch” wherever which gives a realistic view of far apart our thinking is.
The question should have been: What can we do for Ethiopia ?
We have been waiting for miracles upto now, time for action.Obama is another excuse to wait and not to do anything.