Dear Sir:

I have read your comment on the big interview of PMZ with Jonathan Dimbilbey. You seem to suggest the PMZ has still unfinished business with Eritrea. I found this comment very sad.

First, the PMZ is acting on collective vision. The Bible says that people with out vision perishes. Although very important, the premier is an individual. He has a shared vision. The vision can be all inclusive that includes all aspect of economic and social life of the people of his country. The relation ship with our neighbors (Eritrea included) is one aspects of the vision.  Vision often outlives leaders. The leaders see the vision crystal clear that compels them to give up all their resources for achieving it (including their own precious life). It is like a bright city on top of a mountain. It is far but clear. Leaders pass this vision to their followers or members of their party because they know they alone will never achieve it. Moses has a great vision of taking the Jewish to the Promised Land. But, it was Joshua who led them in to it. When leaders retire, others take the cane and ran. Many may run but one wins, Paul said in one of his epistles. The PMZ and his party recently told us the vision they have for our country – to put Ethiopia among the second income countries of the world.  That is the bigger picture we should look at. 

Second, we need to learn to appreciate our leaders. We always tend to look at what they did not achieve or their failures.  That is the pessimistic way of seeing at life. The bible says ‘’a man thinks, so he is”. Our attitude or the way we see things determines our behavior, action and our environment. Leaders are the product of society. They are the way we see them. Negative attitude is destroying our country. There is a big difference between saying ‘the bottle is half full’ and ‘the bottle is half empty’.  We need to see at what the PMZ did rather than at what he did not do. The PMZ gave his whole life for what he believes. I think the bottle is already half full with or with out the issue of Eritrea resolved or not. His comrades are on line to fill the remaining half.

Finally, we need to avoid another dangerous trend of creating rivalry between the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia.  Let’s stop beating the drums of war. I know the government of Eritrea is trying hard to destabilize Ethiopia. They are killing and kidnapping innocent people. But, should we follow the ancient law of eye for an eye? No, that is not a mature politics. It is good to acknowledge the positive development that is occurring in Eritrea every day. Many Eritreans are crossing (including politicians) the border to find security and safety in Ethiopia.  They still consider Ethiopia as second home and Ethiopians as friends in need. I am reading different Eritrean website, which I found them edifying and see the light at the end of the channel. It will be good to build at that and destroy the leaven of hate in Eritrea.

God bless you

Mbargu

May 28, 2007