Why Ethiopian-Americans should vote for Obama (opinion)

By Mamo Berhan (berhanmamo@rocketmail.com)

Oct. 31, 2012 President Obama has done a lot to change the foreign policy of the United States and worked hard for the development of Africa including Ethiopia. President Barak Obama is also good for world peace. Ethiopian-Americans should be greatful for him.I recently read an article titled, "why I will not vote for Obama again' in one of the so- called opposition web sites. I feel guilty for visiting such web sites.  I feel the same guilt whenever I watch Fox News because of the lack of a semblance of common sense, impartiality and depth in such media outlets.The writer said he is not voting for President Obama because Obama failed to change the economy and because Obama refused to punish EPRDF, the Ethiopian ruling party, as the writer had hoped so four years ago. The writer also agreed with the Republican activists that President Obama is 'a food stamp president'.  As converted Republican would do, the writer added that 'a God fearing Ethiopian' cannot vote for a president who supported same sex marriage.  Basically, the writer is pushing Ethiopian Americans to vote for the Republican Party.I respect anybody's desire to vote for the Republican Party. But I could not understand what a 'God fearing Ethiopian' has to do with the Republican Party? The current Republican Party was shaped largely by the civil rights movement. All these southern and mid-western states, which strongly support the Republican ticket currently, became a stronghold for the Republican Party as a result of their contempt for racial equality of black Americans.Some call the Republican Party ‘the party of Abraham Lincoln’, thus historically crediting it for ‘emancipating’ salves.  But the Republican Party was not the same after the civil rights movement.  This trend continued to this day. I am not suggesting all republicans are racists, but one must wonder why the Republican Party remained overwhelmingly only white. Just to give you an example, Dick Cheney voted against a resolution for the release of Nelson Mandela. Mr. Cheney walked out when Mandela came to speak to the US Congress later after his release. Mr. Cheney also opposed the naming of a holiday in honor of Martin Luther King. Mr. Cheney is an influential leader and an opinion-maker in the Republican Party to this day.Our good writer invokes religion and asks American-Ethiopians not to vote for Obama because of the same sex marriage issue. I have also heard an Ethiopian Protestant Pastor in Washington DC, who believes Ethiopian Christians should vote for Republicans because of the abortion issue. Personally, I wish marriage was only between man and woman and also want to see a world without abortion.   But what baffles me about Christians who stand for Republican politics (they do overwhelmingly in the United States) is when they act as if Christianity is all about abortion and same sex marriage. What about standing for the poor and immigrant, for racial equality and over all fairness?  This is the hypocrisy Jesus spoke about in the New Testament. We know that Romney said the poor are not important and he spoke about 'self-deportation' and other anti-poor and anti-immigrant slogans. We know why they oppose 'Obama care', which aims at benefiting an uninsured Americans, a demography that includes immigrants from poor countries.   The 'God fearing Ethiopian' or the atheist one for that matter, better vote for his/her interests rather than hypocritical social issues which are beyond our control.  This is not even about voting for Obama because he is ‘black’. There is no doubt the Democratic Party has its own shortcomings. But the platform of the Democratic Party at least inclusive of minority and immigrant interests. The Democratic Party attempts to balance the evils of capitalism by creating opportunities for the disadvantaged, investing in education, health and elderly care.The more important reason for the writer of "why I will not Vote for Obama again' is the fact that Obama did not help the hateful and extreme Ethiopian Diaspora in their fight against EPRDF. First of all, the foreign policy of the Obama administration cannot essentially be different from the reality of international politics, i.e. national interests dictate all foreign policies.  Secondly, there is no basis to punish the EPRDF, a party that have placed Ethiopia on the map of the fastest growing economies of the world.As an Ethiopian who is not affiliated to any Ethiopian political party and the ruling party, I am thankful that the Obama administration did not side with the embarrassing Ethiopian Diaspora opposition.  Case in point, I would not cite any better testimony other than David Shinn's recent disgust with Ethiopians who came to oppose or disrupt Church ceremony held the in honor of the late PM Meles. (http://davidshinn.blogspot.com/2012/10/meles-zenawi-memorial-service-at.html). One has to be happy that the Obama administration recognized the late PM Meles as able and effective leader, whatever reservations he or she might have about the EPRDF as I have. President Obama has done a lot to change the foreign policy of the United States and worked hard for the development of Africa including continuing the much admired HIV-AIDS assistance to Africa started by Ex-president Bush.Calling on Ethiopian Americans to vote against President Obama without good reason is another sign how the extreme Ethiopian Diaspora is driven by hate and bias. If we are to learn from our Ethiopian root and culture, as the writer suggested, it is standing for the truth. If we have to support any movement or cause let's do it with principles and oppose based on facts and reason.

The National Flag Day was celebrated (October 29) across the nation for fifth time colorfully

The National Flag Day was celebrated (October 29) across the nation for fifth time colorfully.This year's theme was: "holding our flag high, we shall realize the Ethiopian Renaissance initiated by our great architect Meles". Here in Addis Ababa, a grand celebration was held at Addis Ababa Stadium. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Demeke Mekonenen, Abadula Gemeda, Speaker of the House, General Samora Yenus, Chief of Staff of the National Army and other high level officials and thousands of residents of Addis Ababa and members of the Police and the army. Demeke Mekonenen on the occasion said: "By eradicating poverty we will keep the honor of our flag in the way we did for years through immense sacrifice". He then hoisted the flag accompanied by the Federal Police and Defence forces Guards of Honor. Children wearing costumes of different nations and nationalities presented different activities that reflect the plurality of the Ethiopian people waving National and regional flags. Following the flag hoisting, oath taking ceremony was conducted by Tegene Getaneh, President of the Federal Supreme Court. Citizens across the nation vowed to strive for the realization of the Ethiopian Renaissance. The National Flag Day was observed in similar manner in regional states.

Ethiopian Airlines Signs Agreement with Lufthansa Technik

Monday, 29 October 2012 |Ethiopian Airlines has entered in an agreement with Lufthansa Technik for technical support for the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet.The Total Component Support agreement for the latest aircraft in the Ethiopia long haul fleet will be effective for the coming ten years.Lufthansa has taken on the role of supporting the airline using its pool of material in Germany starting from when Ethiopian took charge of the plane in August. The contractual agreement includes repair and logistics for the Dreamliner fleet comprising the three that airline is already operating and the seven on order.Lufthansa Technik is already engaged in helping Ethiopian Airlines with optimizing the support it gets from the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul sector as well as providing component support for the Bombardier Q 400 aircraft and the MD 11.The current contract is an extension of the existing relationships between Ethiopian and Lufthansa Technik said Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive of the airline. The partnership is expected to enhance the MRO capacity of the airline and reduce maintenance associated costs as well as developing the effectiveness of the management of the new high tech aircraft he said.Lufthansa Technik is delighted by the long term contract and is confident that it will be able to support the economic operation of the new long haul fleet according to Dr. Dr. Burkhard Andrich, Head of Aircraft Component Services with Lufthansa Technik.

Source: The Reporter

Addis Ababa named one of the world’s best cities to visit in 2013

Oct 23rd, 2012 / Lonely Planet, the global travel guidebook company, has named Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as one of the world’s best cities to visit in 2013.Lonely Planet placed Addis Ababa 9th in a top 10 cities list in its Best in Travel 2013 publication.San Francisco, California finished top in the list followed by Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Hyderbad (India) in second and third place respectively.Addis Ababa’s Profile: Like the Ethiopian marathon runners, Addis Ababa (often shortened to plain ‘Addis’) is evolving at a fast pace. The fact that the country’s economic growth should reach almost 5% in 2013 helps create a feeling of confidence and stamina. Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in Amharic means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis, but also a groovy city that takes pride in its multifaceted assets.
Best in Travel 2013 – Top 10 cities
1. San Francisco, USA – Darling of America’s west coast- Best for: Culture, events, food.

2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Golden Age charmer prepares to party- Best for: Culture, events, food.3. Hyderabad, India – Old City recapturing past glories - Best for: Culture, food, value for money.

4. Londonderry/Derry, Northern Ireland – Packed calendar for UK City of Culture - Best for: Culture, events, family.

5. Běijīng, PR China – Capital on cusp of greatness - Best for: Culture, value for money, food.

6. Christchurch, New Zealan – Rising from the rubble with flair - Best for: Culture, events, family.

7. Hobart, Tasmania (Australia) – Harbour town becomes hip - Best for: Events, culture, food.

8. Montréal, Canada – Mélange of cultures marries brains and beauty - Best for: Culture, events, value for money.

9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopian metropolis evolving at pace - Best for: Culture, food, value for money.

10. Puerto Iguazú, Argentina – Much more than just a waterfall - Best for: Family, activities, adventure.Related

Link:http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel-2013/top-10-cities/

South Sudan plans mediation between Ethiopia and Eritrea

Wed Oct 24, 2012 2:09pm BST

By Aaron MaashoADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Newly independent South Sudan plans to help resolve the long-running border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, a senior official said on Wednesday.
http://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUKBRE89N0V120121024?irpc=932

Adam Smith to Study Ethiopian Tax Revenue Potential for 10.7 million birr

UK consultants, Adam Smith International Ltd is to study Ethiopia’s potential to raise revenue from tax under contract to the Ethiopian Revenues and Custom’s Authority. The Consultant will conduct the study for 10.7 million birr according to the contract signed between the two parties last week. ERCA’s interest to engage a company to evaluate the potential tax revenue in the current economy initially attracted 16 companies. The  final shortlist consisted of six companies: included McKinsey & Co, KPMG of Netherlands, DFC &VNG partners, the local office of Ernst & Young, the India office of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd as well as Adam Smith. Three companies, Deloite, Mckinsey and Adam Smith passed the technical evaluations and Adam Smith was awarded the contract because its 10.7 million birr proposal was significantly lower than the 26.5 million birr offered by Deloite and the 38 million birr offered by Mckinsey.  The bid offered by Adam Smith was also lower than the 15 million birr ERCA had been offered two years ago in a bid that was later on cancelled. The project will be funded by financing from the World Bank’s Public Sector Capacity Building Program.  It is expected that the study will be conducted at the national level including all city and regional administrations to identify the potential revenue from each tax category and possible gaps.  The study will correct any flaws in the tax system by establishing the taxable amount in the economy thus ensuring that there will be no over or under collection according to an expert with the tax authority.  It is expected that Adam Smith will complete the job in 12 months.  Source (Merkato.com)

Who is Roman Tesfaye ?

We would like to share with you a little background on   the current Ethiopian first lady, Roman Tesafye . Lately there is a great rumor spreading about her parents and origin of birth. Here is an information we read from Tigrai on line on the PM wife.  As a remark we strongly believe that it really doesn’t matter where you born, or who your biological parents are, what matters is your deeds! Obama’s dad is originally from the small city of Kenya, maybe he is from Qukuiu tribe, his son however runs for the second term of presidency in the great country of US. ! It is certainly yourself to change the world around you.  

Ethiopia Roman Tesfaye was born in a small town near Wolayta soddo called Gacheno from a Wolayta father and mother. She attended her primary education in Gacheno, and soddo Comprehensive High school. After completing her High school studies she went on to study at Addis Ababa University and graduated with her first degree in Economics. Roman Tesfaye also holds Second degree in economics from an Indian university and An American Institution in Leadership. 

Source Ethiopia this week.com

Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines and Seattle Anesthesia Outreach Join Together for first 787 Dreamliner Humanitarian Flight

Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines and Seattle Anesthesia Outreach Join Together for first 787 Dreamliner Humanitarian Flight

- 20,000 pounds of humanitarian aid loaded on Ethiopian Airlines' third Dreamliner

By BoeingPublished: Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 - 9:30 am EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 23, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) joined with Ethiopian Airlines and Seattle Anesthesia Outreach (SAO) to deliver approximately 20,000 pounds (9,000 kilograms) of medical supplies to Ethiopia's largest hospital. The delivery was made to Black Lion Hospital using Ethiopian's third 787 Dreamliner, marking the first time a Dreamliner has been used as part of Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flights program. "Ethiopian Airlines is one of Boeing's most active partners in our Humanitarian Delivery Flights program," said Liz Warman, director of Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest region. "Our two companies have a long history together not only buying and selling airplanes, but also in leveraging our resources to help those in need."The airplane was delivered and flew away from Everett on Oct. 22 and flew directly to Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where it will land after an approximately 15-hour nonstop flight."Ethiopian Airlines continues to be a leader in corporate social responsibility activities in Ethiopia," said Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "As the flag carrier for the country of Ethiopia, we are viewed as not only an airline but also as a source of vital service for the people of Ethiopia. We are proud and honored to work with Boeing to help our people and country where we have such great needs."The shipment includes several anesthesia machines to be used in the hospital's operating rooms, patient monitoring equipment, as well as intensive care beds and other surgical equipment. SAO has more than 20 physicians, nurses and technicians in Addis Ababa who will help set up the equipment and spend the several weeks teaching in the hospital."Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines continue to be critical partners and supporters of our organization, helping us get these needed medical supplies to Black Lion Hospital, the largest public hospital and main teaching facility in Ethiopia," said Dr. Julian Judelman, board member of Seattle Anesthesia Outreach. "Thanks to this partnership, we have been able to ship 40 tons of medical equipment over the last two years at little to no cost, which is important for a small non-profit organization like ours."The Boeing Humanitarian Delivery Flights program is a collaboration effort between Boeing, airline customers and non-profit organizations to deliver humanitarian aid throughout the world to communities in need or crisis. The humanitarian items are loaded into the empty cargo space of new airplanes being delivered and transported to the customer's home destination.Ethiopian Airlines is committed to support worthy social activities that are designed to help build sustainable livelihoods for individuals, the community and the society in general. In doing so it has left its mark on major social initiatives in Africa.Ethiopian Airlines has seven 787 Dreamliners remaining on order. The airline is the first African operator of the 787, 777-200LR and 777 Freighter. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes in passenger service, and has 757, MD11, 777F and 747 airplanes in cargo operations.Contact: Adam Morgan Boeing Commercial Airplanes International Communications +1 206.766.2229 (desk) +1 281.386.4396 (cell) adam.k.morgan@boeing.comEsete Yeshitla Ethiopian Airlines +251 11(5) 178407 esetey@ethiopianairlines.comPhoto and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com

SOURCE BoeingOrder Reprint

Ethiopian Lion Population Proven To Be Unique By DNA

Ethiopian Lion Population Proven To Be Unique By DNA

October 13, 2012920Caption: Adult male from Addis Ababa Zoo in Ethiopia. Credit: Addis Ababa OnlineDNA has proven that the Addis Ababa lion in Ethiopia is genetically unique, prompting researchers to urge the animal be put on an endangered species list.
It has been obvious that some lions in Ethiopia have a large, dark mane, extending from the head, neck and chest to the belly, but it wasn’t known if these lions were a genetically distinct population.Researchers found that captive lions at the Addis Ababa Zoo in Ethiopia are actually genetically distinct from all lion populations both in Africa and Asia.The team compared DNA samples from 15 Addis Ababa Zoo lions to lion breeds in the wild, including eight males and seven females.“To our knowledge, the males at Addis Ababa Zoo are the last existing lions to possess this distinctive mane. Both microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data suggest the zoo lions are genetically distinct from all existing lion populations for which comparative data exist,” principal investigator Professor Michi Hofreiter, of the Department of Biology at theUniversity of York, said in a press release.He said they believe the lions should be treated as a distinct conservation management unit, and they are asking for immediate conservation actions like a captive breeding program.Lions are principal terrestrial predators in Africa and are a key species of the savannah ecosystem. However, their numbers are in decline and two significant populations have already become extinct in the wild.Ethiopia is one region with a declining lion population, which includes just a few hundred wild lions and about 20 Addis Ababa Zoo lions. The zoo lions belonged to the collection of the late emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. Selassie established the zoo in 1948, and the seven founder lions are claimed to have been captured in south-western Ethiopia.The team is recommending establishing a captive breeding program as the first step towards conserving this unique lion population.“A great amount of genetic diversity in lions has most likely already been lost, largely due to human influences,” Susann Bruche, with Imperial College London and lead author of the paper published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research, said in a press release. “Every effort should be made to preserve as much of the lion’s genetic heritage as possible.”She said they hope field surveys will identify wild relatives of the Addis Ababa Zoo lions in the future, but conserving captive populations is a crucial first step. “Our results show that these zoo lions harbor sufficient genetic diversity to warrant a captive breeding program.”Previous suggestions said no lions comparable to the Addis Ababa Zoo lions existed in the wild, mostly because they were hunted for their mane. However, Ethiopian authorities say lions with similar appearance to those at the zoo still exist in the east and north-east of the country.The researchers say these regions should be prioritized for field surveys.“A key question is which wild population did the zoo lions originate from and whether this wild population still exists; this would obviously make it a priority for conservation,”“What is clear is that these lions did not originate in the zoo, but come from somewhere in the wild – but not from any of the populations for which comparative data is available,” Hofreiter said in the release.

Source: Lee Rannals for redOrbit.com

Ethiopia’s Imperfect Growth Miracle

Shimelse Ali INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC BULLETIN, OCTOBER 20, 2011Ethiopia―Africa’s sixth-largest economy and second-most populous nation, home to 90 million people―has recently attracted global attention because of its double-digit economic growth. According to the Economist, Ethiopia was one of the world’s five fastest-growing economies in 2010. Despite the country’s remarkable growth performance in recent years, however, its record in promoting socio-economic development is mixed. Ethiopia has made significant strides in reducing rural poverty, improving life expectancy, and raising education levels. But these gains have come with rising urban income inequality and surging inflation. It is also not clear whether the services sector, which has accounted for nearly half of GDP growth since 2004, can continue to serve as an economic engine.

Portland, Oregon declares Sept. 2 to be Remembrance Day for late PM Meles Zenawi (Oct 12, 2012)

Portland declares Sept. 2 to be Remembrance Day for late PM Meles Zenawi (Oct 12, 2012)Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses", Sam Adams, announced publicly that September 2 starting from the year 2012 to be a day of remembrance for late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. A statement issued by the mayor's office said the late Meles was a wise and selfless man who gave up his bright future at early age 19 to join a rebel group in Tigray, to free his fellow Ethiopians from a military junta that hijacked the student revolution of 1974.It also underlines the late PM's unfaltering quest for democracy, economic growth, regional peace and stability that enables him to quickly becoming one of the strongest voices of Africa on the world stage.The Statement said Meles was so determined to lift Ethiopia out of poverty that the youth of Ethiopia are determined to carry the torch forward and lift their country out of economic hardship.Ethiopians in Portland have honored the demise of the late Prime Minister with a celebration of his life under the theme "it is not how long or well you lived that counts, it is how & what you contributed". mfa.gov.et/