From: Berhane Alazar (erigram@comcast.net)
Date: Sat Feb 28 2009 - 20:31:41 EST
Eritrea Marches On In Spite of Its Detractors!
Once again the enemies of Eritrea from within and without are reportedly
at it singing the doom and gloom hymn when Eritrea in fact is striding
high in practically every aspect of life - thanks to its sheer
determination to be in full control of its own destiny. They do this at
a time when their evil compatriots, no doubt under our enemy's payroll,
plant bombs in civilian facilities killing and maiming innocent fellow
Eritreans!
In the course of time, most of us have come to realize that the powers
to be have never had a principle on which to stand - short of their
unilateral selfish and egocentric interest. We have been talking of how
some countries and indeed many regional powers were bestowed with what
most of us have been parroting them verbatim such lofty ideals of
"Democracy", "Justice", "Good governance" and the" Rule of law". When
one thinks about it, who, in his right mind, can argue against such
doctrines? After all Eritrea was one of the first colonies in Africa
that started practicing such means of governance in a political platform
dating back in the 40s when such exercises were practically unheard of
in the rest of Africa. Moreover, right after its independence, Eritrea
drafted and ratified one of the most comprehensive and futuristic
national constitution only to be placed on hold because of the national
security threat created by the Weyane's unprovoked war of aggression
against Eritrea. Also the Eritrean people have been practicing these
ideals since time immemorial before it was a fashion of the day long
before it was introduced as "Repackaged" material to Africa by the
European colonizers.
In fact, in parts of Eritrea, one witnesses the implementation of one of
the most equitable land distribution system, the diesa system, where the
farmers' plots are rotated every seven years at random. Just about any
communal dispute is settled by respected Shmagle Adi (village elders)
who decide on issues that are willingly brought before them. Every
routine administrative and land management issues are brought about and
disposed of after extensive discussion on the matter by all the
participants of the baito Adi (village assembly). Moreover the Eritrean
people have a proud history and impeccable tradition of helping the
needy and the disadvantaged amongst them. They do this, not for some
sort of political expediency or to appease any benevolent power, but
because they strongly believe that it is the right thing to do. And
they are very proud of such a tradition.
That being the case, however, and as sadly and foolishly as it is, there
are some Eritreans who would not stop their melancholy drama for simply
having some axe to grind against the people and government of Eritrea.
These hapless individuals who apparently care more about satisfying
their personal grudges and their not-so-hidden agendas are vainly
attempting to taint Eritrea and the Eritrean government what they are
not. Their latest venue of shame is reported to be the European
Commission's (EC) partnership plan with Eritrea! Amazingly foolish an
attempt to say the least!
One wonders what exactly is it these messengers of doom and gloom hope
to achieve by their latest counter productive action. While it is true,
Eritrea could use some help especially at a time when there is global
economic downturn, any help she gets is by no means a matter of life and
death for Eritrea. The truth is Eritrea has been doing, what most
independent observers and political pundits agree, nothing short of
miracle primarily with its own meager resources. Without going into
details, in spite of the purposely introduced horrendous and seemingly
insurmountable obstacles placed by various enemies of the state, Eritrea
has managed to break the impasse and successfully implemented many
developmental projects through the "Warsay Yekealo" development
campaign. These development projects were meant to create food
security, ease of transportation, agricultural productivity as well as
the availability of accessible educational and medical facilities at an
affordable cost and, in many cases, at absolutely free of charge to the
users. Such a country and such visionary government and the ever hard
working Eritrean people deserve to be encouraged and supported in every
which way any national could. But, no - to some Eritreans who have been
cursed by their own mothers - such activity had to be curtailed if they
were to pursue their evil agenda. Such was the case when I understood
some shameful Eritreans had approached the EC and urged it not to go
forward with its plan to work with Eritrea!
Obviously any partner - be it the EC or others - would plan their
partnership based on what they perceive to be their best interest. So,
my intention was not to offer an argument on their behalf. But, I am
simply expressing my abhorrence to the actions of some Eritreans who
unashamedly stand with the sworn enemy of our people and against their
country at a time when we should do all we can to minimize our people's
economic lot brought about by mother nature and the imposition of "No
war -No peace" environment that was meant to cripple the Eritrean
economy.
However, the one thing these traitors and national sellouts need to
understand is that the Eritrean people are solidly behind their
government and any attempt on their part to create some kind of
misunderstanding between we, the people, and our government by their
utterance of the usual but senseless mambo jumbo will be fiercely
resisted and as usual would be met with utter failure! As to the
perpetuators of these crimes, they will still remain in the failed camps
of misery and disgrace. Charity begins at home and those who overlook
the misery of their people for the sake of perceived glory for
themselves are sure to be the victims of their own folly!
Eritrea moves on NOT because of BUT in spite of such few national
disgraces!
Awet nHafash!
Berhane Alazar