Dear Mr. President,

My nation Ethiopia, more than any other sub-Saharan nation, receives the most money from your nation. In 2008 alone, Ethiopia had received u.s. $1 billion.

Since 9/11, the u.s. had found itself sleeping in the same bed with a kosher dictator [premier Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia].

The Bush administration had long suspected Somalia [Ethiopia's immediate neighbor] to be a safe haven for suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists (or sympathizers). And with the backing of the u.s., Ethiopia had duly invaded Somalia to exterminate any threat of terrorism. However, its success in fulfilling its objectives is still unclear, and knowing what we know thus far, one can safely bet against the u.s. or Ethiopia having achieved this objective in Somalia.

As time passes, we are learning even more that America’s warm relations with Ethiopia is without its benefits.

Since Meles Zenawi was hand picked as a staunch ally of the U.S. in East Africa, he has grown more daring, iron-fisted and tyrannical.  Also in the process, my nation (Ethiopia) had quickly sunk back into an era of repression, much like the ones that defined regimes of past (one socialist, and the other monarchist)

In addition to receiving more aid than any other sub-Saharan nation, Ethiopia also receives an unparalleled support in – military funds arms and special forces training.

Is “Hope” Really on The Way Mr. President?

Mr. President, you have given a phenomenal inauguration speech in my view. You have successfully managed to address your nation people while conjointly fitting in – and reaching to – the audiences of our small planet.

And in that speech, you gave me “HOPE”

You gave us (Ethiopians) hope because of your direct, deliberate and tailored message towards totalitarian regimes (the likes of Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia).

Mr. President, your administration can not and must not be willing to ignore the unfortunate events that are unfolding in today’s Ethiopia.

In the past year alone, premier Zenawi’s regime had imprisoned the leader of its major political opposition party (Judge Birtukan Mideksa); had banned independent human rights groups; and reports of human rights abuses have begun to spill out.

In addition, it has managed to eradicate any independent media, without which a burgeoning democracy is almost impossible.

Mr. President, you can’t be disappointed if one accuses your nation of aiding and abetting the Meles Zenawi’s regime in committing war crimes (in places like Somalia and Ogaden). Clearly, you can see how burdened you are. There is a great deal you must undo that has been done by your predecessor Bush. The good news in all this? We are willing to give you time, as you have a heck of a heavy lifting to do. (Around the globe, i might add)

Ethiopians Are Willing to Help And Do – Our Part!

We have now arrived at a defining moment.

I believe that with each destructive clash there is a lesson to be learned. The centuries past should all serve as a huge-lesson-learned, and if there is one single important lesson, it is the fact that – there is nothing to be gained from destructive clash.

It is important to remember that we cannot afford to miss this new opportunity that the 21st century provides.

The continued denial of our people’s civil rights and civil liberties by our autocratic government must cease.

The 21st century brings with it a rare opportunity to take advantage of ‘change’ and to martial global commitment and resources, and it should help us create a new dynamic of hope in Ethiopia. When we discuss Ethiopia’s progress, all of us, as Ethiopians, have a contribution to make. It is way past time when we used to leave the job of fixing Ethiopia to someone else.

Let Me Just Tell You “My Vision” For Ethiopia Mr. President

Ethiopians are just like Americans. They dream BIG dreams. These dreams include self-reinforcing peace, democracy and economic stability.

We do have goals and new expectations.

This is my vision for Ethiopia. A vision where Ethiopia can be in 10 years time:-

• It is a vision of ordinary life.
• A vision where every child can go to school,
• A vision where families are able to raise kids and plan long careers.
• A vision where 1st grade Ethiopian students of 2009 can look back as adults and have no memory of drought, famine, conflict and oppression.

History shows that people with bitter grievances can find reconciliation and go forward. This can happen in Ethiopia.

History shows that peace and progressive policies can create economic miracles in developing regions, and this can happen in Ethiopia.

• It is a vision of an Ethiopia that is at peace with its neighbors and is a part of its neighbors. History teaches us that long time adversaries can define new relationships and regional co-operation.

A sovereign, viable and thriving Ethiopia whose people are engaged in creating prosperity and progress, must be the end goal.

Building such a future requires courage and commitment.

The days of supporting an autocratic leader like Meles must cease.

Turning a blind eye on a strong man like Meles Zenawi and his government’s lack of respect for human rights and civil liberties should be confronted and denounced strongly.

Finally Mr. President . . .

I say to you that you have a historical role and responsibility to stand behind peace and democracy. Your determination to achieve results will be critical to success and will send a global message about your values and your leadership. Need i mention the 80 million Ethiopians that would be eternally grateful? Even for a “glimmer of hope”?

Sincerely,

Dr.Ethiopia