Commentary TV Network in Washington, DC

Sixteen thousands miles away from home beyond the natural land mass and the Atlantic water body, there are numerous other barriers clogging the information arteries to hear about the day to day lives of our people. The digital divide on the one hand and man made obstacles, like censorship, scrutiny, and blockage on the other have made steady flows of true stories literally impossible. At this crucial moment when real members of the free press are languishing in jails, and when the Ethiopian people are made to shut their mouth, close their eyes and ears at a gun point, contemplating this extra-ordinary step to bridge the gap is undoubtedly a noble one, and hence, I sincerely appreciate the individuals and wish them the best in their future.

After saying that, I would like to consider the remarks made in the initial article which draw my attention to make this response. These remarks were probably made by some one who has some community affiliations as his title implies. The so called African Resource Center Executive when asked about this new endeavor has replied this way, “American fast-growing Ethiopian community needs quality media to help it adjust”
“People will be free to speak their mind; yes of course, will they be neutral? I doubt it”
“The majority of Ethiopians here would like to hear negative aspects of Ethiopian politics. They don’t want to hear any thing positive about the government”.

Regarding the top two statements, of course the community needs a quality media, but to adjust to what? I will live the answer to him even though I have a room for his skepticism. As he said, it is true people are free to speak their mind here. We live where these basic rights are respected. Do we have to be neutral? No, we are not outside observers on the issues that directly affect the lives of our people and we can not be one unless we are morally or materially corrupted. Though too early to talk about it I believe we should always side with the wills of the majority of our people.

The most shocking statement surprisingly enough however, was the third one that echoed the deafening TPLF media by categorically slashing majority of Ethiopians in the Diaspora. Portraying us people who always like to hear the negative about our government is an insult to all of us and it smells arrogant, typical assertions of African dictators, who flatter, swear, and polish themselves with fountain of lies to rise high on the shoulders of their people and finally assume omnipotence. We had enough of those who tell us they always know better for us; we had enough of those who use us a transit for their own interest. We always oppose wrong doers when their wrong deeds out weigh their contributions to the society.

We Ethiopians are a people who love their country so much and this has been demonstrated at many fronts. This heroism doesn’t come without an inherent love to our people and our country. Our wish to stay connected, feel the pain of our loved ones and resound it does not deserve such ridicule; instead, it is worthy of respect.

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