|
A very definite sign of foolishness of the highest
degree is when one is so sure of a particular idea
or thought to be the truth, the whole truth and the
answer to all the problems facing human kind. I am
sure, to some, that conclusions of certain events,
or actions that must be taken, are very clear in
their minds because there is a lack of conflict of
ideas.
To others, uncomplicated answers to issues are
easier digested by their unquestioning followers. Of
course, to challenge and dispute a given belief is
hard work. Then, one could deduce from the previous
sentence, that it is leisurely to devour all
statements without any inquiry in spite of their
silliness for that matter.
Central to the essence of democracy is for citizens
to have informed and give responsible answers to
problems facing their societies. It is commendable
for citizens to know their rights, but the absolute
necessity for democracy to exist and flourish in any
given society requires citizens must know and carry
out their obligations. Democracy is based on
balance. Like any chemical imbalance in the head,
the absence of fairness in politics leads to
politics of hate, which is comparable to committing
suicide just to spite a political opponent.
When one studies the historical grandeur and
magnificence of Ethiopia, it is possible to expect
purposeful greatness from the political leaders who
are now in power and from those who wish to be in
power in the future. It so sadly happens that the
focus of so many is to attain governmental authority
at any price. For any one that follows Ethiopia's
politics, especially the Diaspora variety, there
seems to be sufficient essence of truth to that.
Love for people and country should be more than
waving flags. It should be more than insulting
others.
The primary question should be, "what have I done to
support the people and the country that I claim to
love so dearly? Have I played a part in defending
the national interest of Ethiopia? What role have I
played to improve the livelihood of the poor that I
always talk about? Do I have a reasonably accurate
picture of the country that I talk about? What have
I done to improve the image of the country that I
claim to love?"
These types of elementary but humble inquiries
should be advanced by all those that genuinely have
a vision of prosperous, peaceful and democratic
Ethiopia.
Is it possible then, that no matter how vociferous a
group is on an issue, or how much flag waving ritual
is involved, proves utterly zero? When a politician
is seen kissing too many babies during an election
campaign, it is not a proof of his love for
children. Whether he has the interest of the
children at heart would only be judged by the
pro-child policies he may institute once he comes to
power.
As they say, "the proof is in the pudding".
A sarcastic friend of mine asks why political
leaders in the Diaspora instruct their unquestioning
followers not to go and visit Ethiopia. Even though
I have no capability to answer this question
adequately, suffice it to say, that the answer must
have several key components. I shall only urge them
not to shelter their supporters. Let them learn.
Knowledge is beautiful; accurate information is
power. Creating hindrance on the free will of
citizens is the culture of authoritarians.
I wonder whether these political leaders tell their
followers not to visit the Alamo and the Eiffel
Tower, or are they limited only to Axum, and
Lalibela? Any organisation that tells people what to
do and what not to do is contrary to democracy and
inclusiveness.
After all, Ethiopia is not for the few, for the
chosen. It is a huge multi-ethnic country whose
people have diverse languages, cultures and
religions. The only uniting and equalising force
that makes each individual citizen feel proud as an
Ethiopian is when her own culture is respected by
all and has the freedom to exercise his legitimate
right to use any language, and follow any religion
of her choice. Peace and democracy will not be alien
to Ethiopia, only when each and every Ethiopian
citizen would avow that he is a proud Ethiopian
without anyone telling him of his identity.
While authoritarianism and dictatorship are simple
in ideological terms, on the contrary, democracy is
very difficult, sophisticated and a long-term
process. Democracy requires that one must respect my
idea and my right to espouse it freely, even though
one totally despises what I may have expounded. Let
the people be the judge. The mindset that says "my
way or the highway" does not exist in democracy.
Those who invoke democracy must be very careful so
as not to trample on the rights of others.
It is an unconditional truism that a chronic lack of
objectivity and a balanced outlook cannot lead into
forming a democratic culture. Of all its
manifestations, democracy requires inclusiveness the
most. Irrationality cannot supplant thoughtfulness
and objectivity. Strive for the higher ground. To be
obsessed with the simple and with the lowest common
denominator is an unqualified failure.
May I be allowed to be so brash and ask the
politicians in the Diaspora to let your supporters
be free to come to Ethiopia, if they so choose to do
so. Let them celebrate the Ethiopian Millennium with
their parents, friends and country folks, if they so
wish. Let them see what is going on in Ethiopia. Let
them be the judge. Let them speak to Ethiopians who
reside in Ethiopia as they carry the largest burden.
Those who try to control the emotions of their
followers must be aggressively challenged. Let the
people make their choices freely, without any
interference and pressure.
|
