To Our Elected Leaders By Tewodros Abebe

You stood firm and with dignity and unwavering determination.

You spoke for the voiceless.

You won the hearts, respect, and trust of the people.

You were incarcerated because

Your honorable mission and dynamic ideas

Threatened the status quo.

You suffered.

Your families suffered.

Indeed, Ethiopia suffered even more.

Your mission and ideas, however, were never incarcerated.

They bloomed.

They flourished.

They served as sources of light and hope while you were held in prison.

They are embedded in Ethiopia ‘s heart.

They will serve grander purposes.

We rejoice in your release

But we also grieve because

We have a sick nation.

You have the right formula for the remedy.

Stay well.

Rest. Relax. Enjoy your families.

Then, together . . .

Let’s cure her.

——-
Tewodros Abebe

Springfield, VA

July 23, 2007