For many years, Eritreans were stereotyped as hard workers but naive and short tempered. However, the after-independence war proved how Eritrean leaders were diplomatic, sophisticated, and no-kidding business people. We are so lucky that we do not have corrupted leaders like Ethiopia. It is very vital the maturity of a nation's leader for the advancement of its people economically. The best part of our leadership is it served as a model to its people that it needs hard work but it is possible to bring quality administration to your people. Well, our leaders may be they do not have time for golf or cocktail but they get things done.
We were also characterized as emotional. Only a serial killer is not emotional. When our people are bombed and openly US supports Ethiopia let alone as Eritreans even as an outsider it is cruel not to feel their pain and scream for help.
We were also charactered as arrogant that we do not want help from outsiders. Eritrea established well studied and planned entrepreneurial partnership with different countries and private investors. It declined debt driven investments that leaves the country with huge outstanding balances like Ethiopia. Since when is economic partnership become arrogant?
Ethiopians screwed up big time they think as usual the war is any way up north they are not going to be affected and the US is on their side no matter what. But the Clinton administration has a moral obligation toward its people and international community to play fair in this peace process.
Eritreans we need to keep this quality of administration in our country therefore, we need to get involved in activities where the government is short filling them. Such as writing articles, speaking in C-Span or any other shows. Just a good thought. The subjects could be peace and democracy in Africa or US involement in peace process does it help or destroy Africa? And so on. I strongly believe that there are a lot of Americans like Tom Campbell and Don Connell who support our set of values toward life. We need to reach out and talk to them.
We are able to tackle this political burden thanks to our community that followed the foot steps of our good leadership by staying united, discussing our problems, finding solutions, raising money, increasing international public opinions, and so on.
We Eritreans I want us to keep the good family values that we have been brought up such as commitment, respect and caring which are the keys to our success but I want us also to remember that trust is not granted but earned.
Awet N Ertra!