SEATTLE – The Seminar – “Kinijit is the Way” – was held in Seattle, Washington State, on April 30th. A similar and repeat session, by popular demand, is scheduled for Tuesday May 2nd at Gondar Mutual Association Hall.
Participants came from as far away as Reno, Nevada and Portland Oregon to attend a five hour marathon lecture by a veteran social activist and management expert, our own, Ato Abate Kassa from New York. “ I am thrilled and happy to be here in Seattle amongst fellow Ethiopians to learn, discuss and formulate plans to support my people in their struggle against poverty, injustice and bad governance” said one of the participants while another one declared that this seminar is the first of its kind for him and added that it is timely and necessary at this point in time since our people back at home need our help urgently more than ever”
The Seminar was divided into three portions, one of which dealt with historical references related to the arduous and long struggles the Ethiopian people endured through the years to attain their “fundamental human rights, such as fair and free elections, equal and fair trial, the legal protection of individual human rights , free and independent press and so on.” Ato Abate elaborated on how, in the past, our people rose in unison and victory seemed to be close only to be shattered first by the military junta and now by the current Stalinist dictators.
On May 15, 2005 the Ethiopian people, he said, has spoken loud and clear that they needed an overhaul change in the political structure of their country. They have emphatically rejected the rule of the current TPLF government but once again the rogue regime has resorted and still is continuing to brutally suppress any dissent, he added. However, this time, since the will of the people is overwhelming and strong it will prevail sooner or later, he said.
Ato Abate also drew similar experiences from other countries from which we can learn and apply to our situation. He also stated that bad governance, the absence of free competition in the market and suppression of basic human rights are the primary causes of poverty and stagnation.
He went on to describe in details his proposals for the role of the Diaspora in making a difference in our county’s affairs. He said, the first and foremost priority for the Diaspora is to organize as do many immigrants in this United States of America and devise plan of actions that can help alleviate the sufferings of our people.
The last hour or so was devoted to a dialogue where participants expressed their views and suggestions on the overall and specific aspects of the presentation. Finally, the participants thanked and expressed their appreciation for Ato Abate’s lecture in a continuous standing ovation.
Participants also attended a discussion over dinner program held in honor of Ato Abate Kassa at IBEX Restaurant hosted by The Seattle KINIJIT Support Group Chapter.
