Syllogism than the imposition of will
By Wondem WoldeEmanuel
June 4, 2006
A week or so ago, I wrote an article welcoming the Liberation Fronts to the ALLIANCE, AFD. I had likened it to a "TENT" and will continue with that analogy. Apparently, I had failed to impart the message that I wanted to convey. Many people , confusing the width and breadth of an Alliance, its contents, structures, operations and accommodations , still argue that such an Alliance should not have been formed with the Liberation Fronts, before they denounce their long held beliefs.
Right off the bat, if our objective is to narrow our differences and reach to a mutual understanding , we must agree on the syllogism of the issue and a set or system of ideas of a philosophical or political doctrine in which other ideas are interpreted, with assigned meanings and implementations, accordingly. I am talking about CONCEPTS, UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED NORMS AND PRACTICES. If not, we will be meandering all over the place and imposing our individual wills of what we want things to be than they really are. If we continue to speak louder and louder to the extent that we reach to the degree of shouting and screaming, we will not make a deaf person hear, other than confusing and impairing the ear drums of those around us with perfect sound perceiving senses and willing to listen to us.
An Alliance is an entity that has more than enough space to accommodate anyone and everyone, to include the dictatorial regime, to resolve the current Ethiopian situation peacefully, in armed struggle or both. It has no stringent rules that higher forms of organizational relationships requisite. Just as a Tent, it does not posses iron bar windows or doors and must not deny access or stop those ingressing or egressing, if they meet the minimum requirements. A TENT is not designed by architectures with intricate plans or details and built over a period of time. It is easily set-up in the middle of nowhere and can be taken down in a matter of minutes. Same applies to an Alliance.
A tent, as we pretty well know, is neither a mansion nor a building with brick walls, marble floors or with corrugated iron/tile and cresting roofs. It has no guards, strong doors with card readers or sensory devises to identify, give or deny access to a selected few. It does not facilitate electricity or running water. It has no showers or bath rooms. There are no sofas, TVs, electric or gas stoves, refrigerators, other amenities or luxury items.
Similarily, an Alliance is a lower form of an organization in which the requirements to become members or partners is not intended to be difficult. As such, no member is required to change its principles, strategies or tactics. Given the nature, the content, the width and breadth of an Aliiance, most of the tough unrelated questions we ask and requirements we suggest to be fulfilled in the formation of AFD is not pertinent or possible for such an entity to accommodate.
Most of us are sensitive to the suspicions and biases of all genuine brothers and sisters towards liberation fronts, given their past history and operations. On the other hand, in some instances and corners, it is my belief that it has unforunately reached to the point that we are questioning our own self confidence and eroding our self respect, while over estimating our new partners. I am really worried and saddened by the lack of trust and reliance we are displaying for the ability of our Camp and its leaders to discern, act and come out as winners. In other words, who are these Organizations that we know from stem to stern to take us for a ride? There have been infinite contacts with them and have also attended innumerable meetings and conferences of the Opposition as observers, if not as active participants. There have been informal political discussions with them to solve our national problems. Why are we so vehmently opposed to the formal preliminary cooperation, when we can demand transparency and accountability and be part of the processes ourselves, insist in the inclusiveness of all opposition forces, to include our civic societies? Why don't we encourage them to form higher degrees of cooperation and then state or demand the basis, applicable terms and conditions, for the desired entity? Why do we assume and insist that this first stage, only the beginning of a long march in forming unity, as the end? Why don't we show guarded optimism and encouragement when all the reports from the geographically different locations where the Leaders of the Liberation Fronts that formed the AFD briefed fellow Ethiopians is amazingly positive? Why don't we be practical and constructive in pointing out specific articles of resolutions that we do not agree upon and offer alternatives for consideration rather than this blanket and biased opposition to the whole association? Why were we so critical of scessionists and our Leadership in failing our Citizens by their divisionary tactics and then we ourselves become obstacles when an effort to lay the foundation of unity is finally started and in progress?
We know the Eritrean People's Liberation Front and its intentions. To be frank, I personally do not mind if they attend all the conferences as observers. The outcomes of each meetings will be reported to them, anyways.
Nobody is saying the new venture will be a dandy or hunky-dory, unless we are dreaming of a ready made unity. As our elders advise, we can only trust upon verification. Let us also remember the Ethiopian adage, " Lijim kehone yigefal, ehilim kehone yitefal" (The belly will continue to grow or bulge out overtime only in pregnancy and not when temporarily full from food consumption). Why not give the AFD a chance, even if we don't have high expectations?
We must also remember that these organizations are not dummies. I have no doubt that the result of the May 15, 2005, elections may have woke them up from their sleeps and hallucinations. The fact that citizens they claim to represent and whom they have been agitating to be defiant and allergic to multiparties and the formation of a democratic and unified government, voting for such Coalitions like CUD and UEDF, right under their noses, might have taught them mighty lessons. They may have assessed their situation and come to the conclusion that they will soon be marginalized and their survival put in big question, unless they reformed. So, there is this aspect of a political consideration for their new change of attitude and positive transformation, even if we believe that they have been forced by Isayas to come to the round table. We cannot unwisely push them away and give them justifiable reasons to plead to their 'constituency' to support them in their efforts to secede as they are not welcomed. This is a complex and delicate situation that must be handled by the professionals with great care. I am not saying that we should not express our feelings and aspirations, but should refrain from antagonisms, unhealthy and unproductive comments or remarks, unreasonable and unrealistic suggestions and demands.
I feel some of us are determined to impose our wills and conditions of what an Alliance should be instead of accepting what it really is, due to a misunderstanding while others may have a different agenda. I am also puzzled by those who deliberately flutter pessimism based on procedural matters than focussing on real and specified substances and facts.
As mentioned above, unless we submit ourselves to the widely and universally accepted norms, the contents and applications of the entity itself, we cannot intelligently discuss the issues pertaining to an Alliance and reach a common understanding. We will be putting ourselves and others under unnecessary pressure and unrealizable expectations, as well. We are not doing justice to those who have sacrificed a lot to bring the various factions together and begun the arduous assignment to forge higher forms of relationships, either.
To be brutally honest, if this lower form of cooperation, the AFD, at this stage passes a sincere and practical resolution not to be an obstacle in the efforts to remove the undemocratic regime BY INCITING DIVISION amongst the Ethiopian people, side with the regime to antagonize or engage in a combat directly or indirectly against other Opposition groups, IT IS A SLUM DUNK VICTORY. If they agree to oppose and retaliate the dictators as an allied Oppositon, if and when necessary, it is a BIG PLUS.
As said many times, the Alliance can also be the basis or a platform where negotiations can be dialogued and compromises reached to uphold principles that promote the will and aspirations of the majority to form higher relationships such as United Fronts, Coalitions, even mergers or coalescing to build a democratic and united Ethiopia. By failing to comprehend or deliberately ignoring such simple concepts as opposed to using them as a guide in our future endeavors is comparable to committing inexcusable blunders.
CUD has not betrayed its mandates or the Ethiopian People, as some boldly but unreasonably accuse or suggest. Infact, it is discharging its responsibilities by heeding the call of the majority of the Ethiopian people to collaborate by forming an 'alliance' ( "TEBABERU woim tesebaberu"). We sometimes fail to take note of the sophistication of the Ethiopian people in their understanding of politics. They did not say create a United Front ("Ginbar Fiteru"), merge or coalesce ("Tewahadu"). They are demanding that we begin with the lower form of cooperation (tibibir), transform as we go along and be led to victory. So, this notion that CUD has to have a mandate to form an Alliance does not hold water. Rather, it is misleading and unfair to the organization and its followers.
While I am at it, the questions posed such as : why the CUD leadership is QUIET on the formation of AFD ? (a), is understandable. They could have spoken had they chosen to do so and if there was any need at all, is it not? We have to remember that CUD is a registered political party under the TPLF CONSTITUTION and must not complain about the Liberation Fronts accepting it (b). As to the question of CUD COOPERATING WITH ARMED LIBERATION FRONTS (c), the regime itself is openly seeking negotiations and compromises with one or more of them. Therefore, what is good for the goose must be good for the gander.
In a nutshell and without giving tips to the regime, I hope we can use these hints and others to reach to our own conclusions and not try to put our Leadership in a binding position to unnecessarily jeopardize theirs and the well being of followers by coming out and making 'declarations'. We must also understand the need to assign a Leadership abroad and be wise enough to stretch our imaginations that without local 'commanders' nothing can be accomplished. I have no choice, but to be vague.
Inberta!
-------------
The writer can be contacted for comments at wondem19932@earthlink.net.
ETHIOMEDIA.COM - ETHIOPIA'S PREMIER NEWS AND VIEWS WEBSITE
© COPYRIGHT 20001-2006ETHIOMEDIA.COM. EMAIL: webmaster@ethiomedia.com
June 4, 2006
A week or so ago, I wrote an article welcoming the Liberation Fronts to the ALLIANCE, AFD. I had likened it to a "TENT" and will continue with that analogy. Apparently, I had failed to impart the message that I wanted to convey. Many people , confusing the width and breadth of an Alliance, its contents, structures, operations and accommodations , still argue that such an Alliance should not have been formed with the Liberation Fronts, before they denounce their long held beliefs.
Right off the bat, if our objective is to narrow our differences and reach to a mutual understanding , we must agree on the syllogism of the issue and a set or system of ideas of a philosophical or political doctrine in which other ideas are interpreted, with assigned meanings and implementations, accordingly. I am talking about CONCEPTS, UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED NORMS AND PRACTICES. If not, we will be meandering all over the place and imposing our individual wills of what we want things to be than they really are. If we continue to speak louder and louder to the extent that we reach to the degree of shouting and screaming, we will not make a deaf person hear, other than confusing and impairing the ear drums of those around us with perfect sound perceiving senses and willing to listen to us.
An Alliance is an entity that has more than enough space to accommodate anyone and everyone, to include the dictatorial regime, to resolve the current Ethiopian situation peacefully, in armed struggle or both. It has no stringent rules that higher forms of organizational relationships requisite. Just as a Tent, it does not posses iron bar windows or doors and must not deny access or stop those ingressing or egressing, if they meet the minimum requirements. A TENT is not designed by architectures with intricate plans or details and built over a period of time. It is easily set-up in the middle of nowhere and can be taken down in a matter of minutes. Same applies to an Alliance.
A tent, as we pretty well know, is neither a mansion nor a building with brick walls, marble floors or with corrugated iron/tile and cresting roofs. It has no guards, strong doors with card readers or sensory devises to identify, give or deny access to a selected few. It does not facilitate electricity or running water. It has no showers or bath rooms. There are no sofas, TVs, electric or gas stoves, refrigerators, other amenities or luxury items.
Similarily, an Alliance is a lower form of an organization in which the requirements to become members or partners is not intended to be difficult. As such, no member is required to change its principles, strategies or tactics. Given the nature, the content, the width and breadth of an Aliiance, most of the tough unrelated questions we ask and requirements we suggest to be fulfilled in the formation of AFD is not pertinent or possible for such an entity to accommodate.
Most of us are sensitive to the suspicions and biases of all genuine brothers and sisters towards liberation fronts, given their past history and operations. On the other hand, in some instances and corners, it is my belief that it has unforunately reached to the point that we are questioning our own self confidence and eroding our self respect, while over estimating our new partners. I am really worried and saddened by the lack of trust and reliance we are displaying for the ability of our Camp and its leaders to discern, act and come out as winners. In other words, who are these Organizations that we know from stem to stern to take us for a ride? There have been infinite contacts with them and have also attended innumerable meetings and conferences of the Opposition as observers, if not as active participants. There have been informal political discussions with them to solve our national problems. Why are we so vehmently opposed to the formal preliminary cooperation, when we can demand transparency and accountability and be part of the processes ourselves, insist in the inclusiveness of all opposition forces, to include our civic societies? Why don't we encourage them to form higher degrees of cooperation and then state or demand the basis, applicable terms and conditions, for the desired entity? Why do we assume and insist that this first stage, only the beginning of a long march in forming unity, as the end? Why don't we show guarded optimism and encouragement when all the reports from the geographically different locations where the Leaders of the Liberation Fronts that formed the AFD briefed fellow Ethiopians is amazingly positive? Why don't we be practical and constructive in pointing out specific articles of resolutions that we do not agree upon and offer alternatives for consideration rather than this blanket and biased opposition to the whole association? Why were we so critical of scessionists and our Leadership in failing our Citizens by their divisionary tactics and then we ourselves become obstacles when an effort to lay the foundation of unity is finally started and in progress?
We know the Eritrean People's Liberation Front and its intentions. To be frank, I personally do not mind if they attend all the conferences as observers. The outcomes of each meetings will be reported to them, anyways.
Nobody is saying the new venture will be a dandy or hunky-dory, unless we are dreaming of a ready made unity. As our elders advise, we can only trust upon verification. Let us also remember the Ethiopian adage, " Lijim kehone yigefal, ehilim kehone yitefal" (The belly will continue to grow or bulge out overtime only in pregnancy and not when temporarily full from food consumption). Why not give the AFD a chance, even if we don't have high expectations?
We must also remember that these organizations are not dummies. I have no doubt that the result of the May 15, 2005, elections may have woke them up from their sleeps and hallucinations. The fact that citizens they claim to represent and whom they have been agitating to be defiant and allergic to multiparties and the formation of a democratic and unified government, voting for such Coalitions like CUD and UEDF, right under their noses, might have taught them mighty lessons. They may have assessed their situation and come to the conclusion that they will soon be marginalized and their survival put in big question, unless they reformed. So, there is this aspect of a political consideration for their new change of attitude and positive transformation, even if we believe that they have been forced by Isayas to come to the round table. We cannot unwisely push them away and give them justifiable reasons to plead to their 'constituency' to support them in their efforts to secede as they are not welcomed. This is a complex and delicate situation that must be handled by the professionals with great care. I am not saying that we should not express our feelings and aspirations, but should refrain from antagonisms, unhealthy and unproductive comments or remarks, unreasonable and unrealistic suggestions and demands.
I feel some of us are determined to impose our wills and conditions of what an Alliance should be instead of accepting what it really is, due to a misunderstanding while others may have a different agenda. I am also puzzled by those who deliberately flutter pessimism based on procedural matters than focussing on real and specified substances and facts.
As mentioned above, unless we submit ourselves to the widely and universally accepted norms, the contents and applications of the entity itself, we cannot intelligently discuss the issues pertaining to an Alliance and reach a common understanding. We will be putting ourselves and others under unnecessary pressure and unrealizable expectations, as well. We are not doing justice to those who have sacrificed a lot to bring the various factions together and begun the arduous assignment to forge higher forms of relationships, either.
To be brutally honest, if this lower form of cooperation, the AFD, at this stage passes a sincere and practical resolution not to be an obstacle in the efforts to remove the undemocratic regime BY INCITING DIVISION amongst the Ethiopian people, side with the regime to antagonize or engage in a combat directly or indirectly against other Opposition groups, IT IS A SLUM DUNK VICTORY. If they agree to oppose and retaliate the dictators as an allied Oppositon, if and when necessary, it is a BIG PLUS.
As said many times, the Alliance can also be the basis or a platform where negotiations can be dialogued and compromises reached to uphold principles that promote the will and aspirations of the majority to form higher relationships such as United Fronts, Coalitions, even mergers or coalescing to build a democratic and united Ethiopia. By failing to comprehend or deliberately ignoring such simple concepts as opposed to using them as a guide in our future endeavors is comparable to committing inexcusable blunders.
CUD has not betrayed its mandates or the Ethiopian People, as some boldly but unreasonably accuse or suggest. Infact, it is discharging its responsibilities by heeding the call of the majority of the Ethiopian people to collaborate by forming an 'alliance' ( "TEBABERU woim tesebaberu"). We sometimes fail to take note of the sophistication of the Ethiopian people in their understanding of politics. They did not say create a United Front ("Ginbar Fiteru"), merge or coalesce ("Tewahadu"). They are demanding that we begin with the lower form of cooperation (tibibir), transform as we go along and be led to victory. So, this notion that CUD has to have a mandate to form an Alliance does not hold water. Rather, it is misleading and unfair to the organization and its followers.
While I am at it, the questions posed such as : why the CUD leadership is QUIET on the formation of AFD ? (a), is understandable. They could have spoken had they chosen to do so and if there was any need at all, is it not? We have to remember that CUD is a registered political party under the TPLF CONSTITUTION and must not complain about the Liberation Fronts accepting it (b). As to the question of CUD COOPERATING WITH ARMED LIBERATION FRONTS (c), the regime itself is openly seeking negotiations and compromises with one or more of them. Therefore, what is good for the goose must be good for the gander.
In a nutshell and without giving tips to the regime, I hope we can use these hints and others to reach to our own conclusions and not try to put our Leadership in a binding position to unnecessarily jeopardize theirs and the well being of followers by coming out and making 'declarations'. We must also understand the need to assign a Leadership abroad and be wise enough to stretch our imaginations that without local 'commanders' nothing can be accomplished. I have no choice, but to be vague.
Inberta!
-------------
The writer can be contacted for comments at wondem19932@earthlink.net.
ETHIOMEDIA.COM - ETHIOPIA'S PREMIER NEWS AND VIEWS WEBSITE
© COPYRIGHT 20001-2006ETHIOMEDIA.COM. EMAIL: webmaster@ethiomedia.com
