No one can put the democratic process back in a barrel in Ethiopia.

The dergue regime remnant and their supporters’ 0f diaspora are campaigning in the United States against the Ethiopian people. Many of us left our family and our country to save our lives in their era. Not only that but also dictated us at the time, the type of clothes we should wear and songs we sing. Thanks to Ethiopian heroes the regime is dismantled once and for all. Now, they are advocating representing the Ethiopian people.

 There is no stone unturned by the hard liners to get back power by any means.They are waiting to be given power as a gift from individuals abroad. They tried through Ana Gomse, Eritrea, Islamist court in Somalia and now through Congressmen Donald Payne and Christopher Smith., both democrats under the name HR 2003.

Power is not an award that can be provided by foreigners. It is a process that comes from the people. Even if the bill HR 2003 passes by the Senate it will not take the hardliners anywhere.

As we all know the Ethiopian people had been denied their citizen rights such as education, health care. Not only these, but also betrayed and forced to beg for food for centuries.

The Ethiopian people are together now, more than ever before. They celebrate their 2000 millennium and New Year peacefully. They are full of joy and hope using their democratic rights. Regardless of their religion, culture ant their language, they stand together hand in hand to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease. They strive to change the image of their country.

The extremists are not part of the solution to the problems of the country. Instead they are part of the problems by blocking aid from donors. Their blockage will not stop the democratic process. No one can put the democratic process back in a barrel in Ethiopia.

All Ethiopians in Diaspora need to challenge the enemy of the Ethiopian people and rally behind the Ethiopian government to achieve the primary goal of eliminating poverty. Call your Senators and oppose the HR 20003 bill that will kill the Ethiopian people.

Yohannes Beyene

From New York

Oct 22, 2007