Visit the new AsenaTv Website

https://asenatv.com

Democracy around the corner with the right Chemistry

Democracy around the corner with the right Chemistry By Fetsum Abraham//4/28/2013 The Forum I have been advised by some concerned Eritreans to ignore the so seemingly confused, haters and intentional infiltrators and probably government officials as well that

Democracy around the corner with the right Chemistry

By Fetsum Abraham//4/28/2013

The Forum

I have been advised by some concerned Eritreans to ignore the so seemingly confused, haters and intentional infiltrators and probably government officials as well that share the forum with no tangible substance to contribute to our society. This would, however, be against their freedom of speech, which is anti democracy in practice, needless to state that some of them are more valuable and respectable than the many impotent Eritrean intellectuals who are quietly watching the show from distance in their psychological entrapment. I respect them more than some of our scholars who are scared of taking their freedom of expression despite their education and responsibility.

Unfortunately, no one can expect decent communication with government freaks that are wasting our society like their own human essence for no other concept of life except destruction. One example is the old Zeleke and today’s Asmara3 who sounds very much like one in the government (from top to bottom and in Asmara) and comes here with intense emotional discharge, frustration, sense of uselessness and defeat. Pushed all these to the limit, the result is an explosive sufferer good for nothing including the self. These are all symptoms by which the system’s terrified and backward psychological state of mind have been academically characterized internationally: this person can not help representing the so called Eritrean leaders very well and that is why he is important here: Let people directly see what they are. We want them here to disclose themselves as part of the struggle for all rounded freedom including theirs (from themselves), without personalizing their offense. Vulgarism (illegal by law) was Asmara3’s exit from Ghenet’s intellectual confrontation because he does not know better; there is no more intelligent Eritrean mind that lives in today’s Eritrea.

After Ghenet challenged brother Belay on the merit, he responded as; “GHENET: SELF RELIANCE WAS A SELF EXPLANATORY, THAT THE ISSUE RAISED IN 1961 WAS NOT ONLY, NOT EASY TO DEAL WITH,BUT WILL STAY FOR EVER,UNLESS OTHERWISE. AND BELIEVE ME AS FAR AS WE KEEP ON CHEATING OURSELVES ON RELATING ERITREAN PROBLEM WITH THE PRESIDENT WE KEEP ON GOING FROM BAD TO WORST.”

Comment: I am fascinated by how Belay Nega’s mind stopped at one psychological and historical fixation; by how it is conditioned to spin around the axis of his existence, Mr. Afwerki, who destroyed the concept of Eritrean SELF RELIANCE through division, exodus, ignorance and dictatorship. Anything ERITREAN collapses for this brother in the absence of Afwerki. “AND BELIEVE ME AS FAR AS WE KEEP ON CHEATING OURSELVES ON RELATING ERITREAN PROBLEM WITH THE PRESIDENT WE KEEP ON GOING FROM BAD TO WORST.” says the mind of Belay nega that has no answer to ‘what After Afwerki?‘ Life stops at that point for brother Belay who I love to see in the forum because of his no-solution consistency and mostly for his entertaining responses. Check this out for instance.

Eritrea:

“belay; Be creative learn how to write don’t copy; if writing is hard for you, just read what others want to say; you consistently rewrite  & & &. oh! i forgot you r on DIA payroll. you should go back to school & make something of your life. ask question and get to know HGDF & PFDJ O P E N your eyes; may God help you”

belay nega:  “ YERDAKA/YERDAKI”

Comment: I laughed so loud to the extent I was surprised about how addictive his responses can be. Of course I do not think Belay is in DIA payroll since DIA is a parasite programmed to take, never to give. If ever brother Belay is rewarded for his service, it will only be humiliation like all others in the category needless to say he is addicted to humiliation to the point of no return like I am addicted to his responses.

The others, I don’t know but to say something, I think Dawit was riding in the fast lane of HATE before running out of steam at least in this forum. The extreme nationalist Trully is still around with his pages of Weyanne Panic; he is welcome to continue his contribution (what ever it is).

I hope I will have a cappuccino in downtown Asmara with Belay nega, God willing pretty soon.

Quote of the moment: The older intellectual community created this mess through silence, conformism and fear; therefore it is responsible for saving the society by declaring freedom from its self-inflicted psychological confinement to reverse the situation. There is no justified fear of a dying regime any more: the intellectual substance of an individual is a derivative of personal freedom, slavery otherwise.

In this article, I want to discuss how close we are to success and the missing link to crank the engine to Asmara from two important points of view, the RESISTANCE and the DEMOCRATIC air in East Africa.

The resistance: the future Eritrean political condition is the question for us to design carefully in order to stop opportunist politicians from stealing freedom in post-Afwerki Eritrea. I am saying this because the regime is done internally and externally only waiting for us to do the right thing and finish it off either peacefully or violently. Until we do what we have to do for the final push, Afwerki is helping a lot chopping himself off by eliminating his most dedicated slaves in the system (jail, death). He is part of the resistance in this regard and I welcome him warmly to continue the purging so that the society does not have to deal with the leftovers after his departure.

I think our people are ready for change and applying the right formula is delaying the solution. I find it interesting to substantiate this theory through the following reality although this alone cannot prove my hypothesis.

Eritreans are today communicating through the Pal-Talk media and the breakdown of room members at least at randomly picked time looked as the chart here-under:

 

ROOMS

Members

Semmer

424

Unity worldwide

124

Dem + Justice

78

Mensei ndem + fithi

45

Teshamo ndem + Fithi

78

Viva EPLF

26

Aynfalale

11

Akeleguzai tsere Hamasien

1

787

This many Eritreans were in different politically oriented PaLTALK rooms out of which AYNIFALALE considered neutral (subjective view based on the name) and the last room in the list considered Nazist (divisive infiltration made by the regime), the rest breaks down to 26 pro government and 749 pro democracy and justice (Resistance). Now adding the two biased numbers (26 +749) equals to 775. This means 97.6% Eritreans in the rooms (749/775) were for the resistance and 3.3%  (26/775), pro government. This reflects the extent of damage Afwerki and his system inflicted to their legacy. This also says that Afwerki can be easily nullified with his system with correct resistance; people are ready for change through correct leadership to future Eritrean democracy.

In the mean time, the few supporters of the regime are still napping in denial while the quietist intellectual community could not yet free itself from fear.

In so observing, I wonder what the hater at the bottom of the rooms was doing there by himself and what he was thinking of accomplishing through unanimously rejected loneliness. This proves that Eritreans do not allow haters as such to disturb the society; they leave them to figure out their issues in terrifying solitude.

The DEMOCRATIC air in East Africa:

There is no doubt that misery needs company. It was for this reason that the system in Asmara wasted many precious years of the society helping anti-democratic terrorists to kill the democratic environment of the region until stopped by the united forces of democracy in East Africa and elsewhere in the world.

Now, let us checkout today’s East-African political picture to see where we are all heading in the near future:

Ethiopia: We know that the EPRDF government under Meles Zenawi had at least went for election twice so far and ha peacefully transferred power to the next man in the line Mr. Desalegne until the next election is held in the country. There is no doubt this development tells the foundation of democracy and constitutional government are put to place in the country though a long way to go to get it straight.

Djibouti: “Voters in Djibouti re-elected President Ismail Omar Guelleh by an 80% margin in that nation’s April 8, 2011 presidential election. He defeated Mohamed Warsama Ragueh, an attorney and former judge who took 19% of the vote.” There is no doubt that this country is heading on the right way (Democracy and constitutional government).

Somalia: Somalia chooses new leader in presidential elections; 2012

“Hassan Sheikh Mohamud defeats the incumbent president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to become Somalia’s new president. Ahmed, the outgoing president, conceded defeat [and said] “I am happy to see the first free and fair election happen in Somalia after 40 years. I want to congratulate the new president for the fair election, and I want to declare that I am fully satisfied with the results.”” There is no doubt that this country has finally produced one of the best African Democracies and constitutional government.

Kenya: Nairobi, Kenya (CNN): 2013 – “The Kenyan Supreme Court on Saturday upheld Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory in the presidential election, dismissing a challenge by his chief rival. The nation’s highest court declared the election “free and fair,” ending weeks of uncertainty after the disputed March 4 poll. Kenyatta, the 51-year-old son of Kenya’s founding leader, won the election with 50.07% of the vote [and] Raila Odinga, who got 43.31%. After the court issued its ruling, he said he accepted its judgment and would abide by it. “The court has now spoken,” Odinga said, “I wish the president-elect and his team well.” There is no doubt that this country has chosen to go democratic.

Southern Sudan: ”General elections were held in South Sudan between 11 and 15 April 2010 as part of the Sudanese general elections. The result was a victory for Salva Kiir of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, who received almost 93% of the vote.” There is no doubt that this newest African country has chosen to go democratic at least potentially with a lot of work ahead.

Uganda: Ugandan president comfortably wins re-election; 20 Feb 2011

“Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan president, was comfortably re-elected on Sunday, taking more than two thirds of the vote in elections. Mr Museveni, 66, won 68.38 per cent of Friday’s vote, according to full provisional results. The commission declares the candidate Yoweri Museveni elected president of the Republic of Uganda,” commission chairman Badru Kiggundu said.” There is no doubt that this country is also heading on towards or has at least accepted democracy as the only means of peaceful coexistence universally.

Sudan: By Mohamed Osman; “Sudan’s president said he intends to step down in 2015 after more than 20 years in power. In an interview published in several Sudanese dailies on Wednesday, Omar al-Bashir said the people of Sudan need “fresh blood and a new impetus to continue their march”. The next presidential election is due in 2015.” There is no doubt that this country has finally accepted democracy as the only way to go in running a society. I hope this promise will be put to effect and we encourage President Bashir to pass on doing something good to the Sudanese.

Eritrea: Out of the show and nowhere to be traced in the democratic environment of the East African community. The isolated dictatorship is now sandwiched by the unstoppable democratic atmosphere of the region with no other alternative to giving it up or kicked out through the resistance. Time is catching up for the dictator and his officials to become history together. The system is desperately trying to survive alone and it is manifesting its frustration by chopping itself off a piece at a time (jailing officials and some dying in custody).

The missing link:

Too many Phds and professors in all areas of social science are silently navigated to freedom by the mass and the traumatized kids like sheep and goats directed by a shepherd in this wired Eritrean experience. This is the most mesmerizing surprise of my life as an individual from that society. The shepherd is at least a human being with higher level of intelligence but what do you call the relationship in the first?

How do you explain an Eritrean law professor scared of his/her freedom of speech against what he/she teaches in the classrooms?

How do you characterize an Eritrean social science professor who teaches the concepts of freedom and justice sliding off in substance by failing to advocate freedom and justice in one’s own society?

How can an educated person confront his/her intellectual integrity after silently herded to Asmara by the mass and expect to “contribute” or take advantage of the Eritrean freedom without any tangible contribution to that effect?

aseye.asena@gmail.com

Review overview
53 COMMENTS
  • Embasorya The Mighty April 28, 2013

    “Ghenet’s intellectual confrontation ”

    Ghenet is clearly a Woyane agent.

    • ahmed saleh April 29, 2013

      Arrogant HGDF supporters jump to call WEYANE to anyone who criticize their master Issayas . Since
      you know we are all Weyane why do not leave us alone and join with those zombies in your likes forum .

      • belay nega April 30, 2013

        No body call you WOYANE.
        If you do not know your name, let me explain to you

        YOU ARE THEIR GLOVES, WHEN THEY WANT KILL
        YOU ARE THEIR SUIT, WHEN THEY WANT MAKE AN ISSUE, LOOK LIKE ERITREAN
        YOU ARE THEIR ACCENT, WHEN THEY PARTICIPATE IN ERITREAN PAL TALK

        Over all you are their ready made joker

    • fithawi April 29, 2013

      Embasoyra??
      Trash of the trashes.
      bizeben wube zitsememe wube kibil yinebir… you always sing “Woyane!”, “America”, and worst of all, you tempt to divide the society.
      BIG TRASH!

    • MightyEmbasoyra April 29, 2013

      Didn’t I tell you not to say Woyane because the biggest Woyane (your Boss’s boss) will get mad at you?
      You are here to divide and create conflict between Eritreans. How is that working for you? Grow up and use your brain.

  • MightyEmbasoyra April 29, 2013

    Fitsum,
    I believe, what you have stated below (C&P from your article) is the main problem.
    My answer to that is “1) they don’t care, 2) fear of isolation, 3)lack of confidence 4) Kab mihros ye’emro”. They just think of themselves.

    “How do you explain an Eritrean law professor scared of his/her freedom of speech against what he/she teaches in the classrooms?

    How do you characterize an Eritrean social science professor who teaches the concepts of freedom and justice sliding off in substance by failing to advocate freedom and justice in one’s own society?

    How can an educated person confront his/her intellectual integrity after silently herded to Asmara by the mass and expect to “contribute” or take advantage of the Eritrean freedom without any tangible contribution to that effect?”

  • Asmara3 April 29, 2013

    Can anyone guess when and why Funny hat(Fitsum) changed his pic from the one that clearly shows the true Fitsum, (homeless and vagabond look alike, with some kind confusing hat, DC-vagabond style of open collar, some kind of necklace and an e-ring)? You guessed right, when people start to call him “Funny hat” and commenting on his homeless image. Meaning it is so easy to play with this fool. So childish
    Meaning; what funny hat does is read comments the whole day, and write nonsense – and dumps it here as if he has anything good to offer. Meaning he doesn’t offer anything new, he just shuffles comments of people day in and day out. What a loser!

    • Bana April 29, 2013

      Asmara3,
      Seb brEsi (batehasasba) yzareb nskhan khemakam kaa bQobE.
      You have no gut to talk of thoughts, you prefer to talk all day long of hats; meskinai.

    • Genet April 29, 2013

      Asmara3

      Such a lost boy/man
      When you get challenged, you do a disappearing act. Then you come back with childish comment like a fool you are. I wonder how mach you are getting paid for acting like a fool.

      Genet

      • A.A Yassin May 1, 2013

        I wonder how mach you are getting paid for acting like a fool.

        • Genet May 1, 2013

          AA..
          Hi Zombie, Wake up!
          Genet

  • Ghenet April 29, 2013

    Asmera3,
    Is this all you have got??? no substance just ugly adjectives and names to people who you think have defeated your ideas? No ideas left to argue for and discuss? no creativity and most of all not an iota of maturity and wisdom left in you? just hiding behind ‘asmera2′ asmera3’? no photo, no courage to present and demonstrate? no conscience and compassion to display and exercise? moral bankruptcy?
    Yet, you call people names!You really have no human decency!

    • belay nega April 30, 2013

      ghenet

      “Genet,
      Don’t waist your time responding to people who lack basic communications skills. All they do is labeling, name calling, judging, blaming etc. those who have a different ideas. They are just bad losers.”

      After the above comment, i thought i am going to miss you in this web

  • Genet April 29, 2013

    Mr Fetsum
    Thanks again for the info.

    About the deafening silence of the Eritrean intellectuals, I think there is still fear and concern for their families back home. It is real. The other factor is simple greed. It is all about opportunity. They are accumulating wealth for their children. They are part of the PFDJ system. My thought

    Genet

    • Ghenet April 30, 2013

      Genet,
      Rightly said. But we should also not forget that the real intellectuals were DIA’s first victims starting from Gdli. After liberation they were humiliated a lot while the public was celebrating the liberation for years. If we look at it in retrospect after liberation the intellectuals were DIA’s first targets/victims while the public was looking the other way. His subtle attacks on education and educated from all sides has had adverse effect on how they see politics.
      This divided the ‘intellectuals’ into opportunists (seb bajela) and intellectuals! (the real ones) as you said PFDJ uses the opportunists because they have no ethical values can do anything for toothless positions.
      But what is most perplexing is though, the deafening silence of the intellectuals in diaspora!!!
      I think we need to coax them out of their holes and tell them that we do understand what they went through but this is their moment to shine and give back to humanity.
      We may be surprised at the results if we put some effort on it!!

    • fetsum abraham April 30, 2013

      Dear genet;
      Didn’t we leave everything behind when we challenged the Ethiopians during the struggle? Nothing stood in the way of our focus then and the reasons u gave shouldn’t stand in the way now? I am sure this is easy to say and hard to do but we can not continue being hostage for ever because nothing will change until we fight this entrapment and free our people from the evil dictatorship. We can not let his methods of control work and we need to fight that face to face. I think the problem is more of psychological than anything else.

      • belay nega April 30, 2013

        fetsum
        When we challenged the ethiopians,we had a good reason to stand and die for.
        But now…………that is why, your favourite cappucino is, way far from being enjoyed in asmera.

      • Genet May 1, 2013

        Mr Fetsum and Ghenet point well taken.

        We all should not underestimate the ruthless PFDJ propaganda for at least the past 15 years. The PFDJ system effectively divide our people in status, poor man rich man, Taxi driver VS professional, as well as region. There are many people who think Mr Afewerki is from their area of Eritrea. Thus, they feel an obligation to support him with his polices. Many of us, may think that intellectuals should know better. But they don’t. We all remember the time when PFDJ operatives were collecting the “bond” money. Many well to do intellectuals paid a lot more money than the regular Taxi driver. They may have a wishful thinking that if they are silent at this crucial time, then they may get their money back. Again, it is all about the Mighty dollar. Also, we live in an imperfect world. They may think that they don’t have to do any thing out in the open. No need to oppose/support any part. yet, they are confidence that they will get the upper hands one way or another. Is this ethical for Eritrean intellectuals? In reality, it doesn’t matter. Yes we Eritrean lost countless intellectuals who left their comfortable lives for the greater good; for their peoples’ freedom. Who by the way none of them came back home to their families. Yes, it beg to ask WHY THE DEAFENING SILENT BY ERITREAN INTELLECTUALS? DO THEY FEEL LIKE ENDANGERED SPECIES? DO THEY THINK THAT THEY ARE NOT NEEDED NOW BUT THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE ONCE THE DEBRIS FROM THE STORM IS CLEARED? OR IS IT SOME THING ELSE? THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAY EXACTLY WHAT OR WHY?. UNTIL THEN, WE WILL BE OUT THERE REMINDING THEM TO DO THEIR PART. THEY NEED TO INSPIRE THE YOUNG ERITREAN AND MAKE THE OLD PROUD.
        Genet

        • fetsum abraham May 2, 2013

          Genet,
          U said things of great substance and at the end of the day we just do what we have to do individually. It is hard to take it and it makes it more tiresome and longer but life does not go according to the plan …

  • belay nega April 29, 2013

    fetsum

    Considering the following:
    -as an eritrean you being only two times in your country
    -as an [amiche] you do not know the psychological make up of ethiopians
    When you were criticizing the president, i use to take it as a genuine mistake.
    Now that you are praising, the death of some political prisoners,who were in the same boat with the [ACCIDENTAL HERO] wedi ali.
    And praising the RWANDA 94 type pal talk entitled AKELEGUZAI TSERE HAMASIEN too

    You exposed who you are and what you are up to

    • A.A Yassin May 1, 2013

      “as an eritrean you being only two times in your country”

      Some would suggest that Fitsum Abraham doesn’t love his relatives.

  • Haile G. Tensae April 30, 2013

    To
    Asmarino2 & Asmario3

    This forum is for advocating to the voiceless
    Eritrean wherever they are.

    Mr Fitsum Abraha is a courageous man with Intellectual
    mind. He is teaching us civilized the manners. How effective communications will produce the highly needed results.

    It is better to learn from his wisdom.
    This forum is for serving the public not to the stugges of Magia HGDF and greedy friends of mafia.

    If you have a courage get out of the closet.
    Megateja Yokentet.
    Haile G Tensae
    Indianapolis Indiana

  • Haile G Tensae April 30, 2013

    Hi Asmara2

    I just wake up. I am glade you know me who am I. Get out of the closet be a man. You can do better than that. If you love your country love your people than smear campaigning.
    Tell us what your contribution is for the country you love at this trying time.
    Haile G. Tensae
    Indianapolis Indiana

    • Asmara2 May 1, 2013

      Get out of the closet? ummm. You got some nerves to say that, buddy

      In case your eyes are giving up on you, let me tell you where you can see me.
      – Come to Sawa, you will see me doing my duty of national service
      – Come to the border, you will see me safeguarding my nation
      – Come to “Gobotat Ertra”, you will see me doing “Zalas”
      – Come to mekete meetings you will see me and the majority of Eritreans
      – Come to our embassies all over the world, you will see me paying 2%
      – Come to Eritrea’s investment meetings, you will see me supporting the good and criticizing the bad
      – Come to our demonstration against sanction – you will see me with my firm stand
      – Come to Sweden, you will see me demonstrating against the criminals who burned Eritrean houses
      – Come to festivals and Eritrean events. You will see me cheering with my people
      – Come to Eritrea, you will see hugging my family, kissing my family and helping my family

      Just open your eyes and go where Eritreans are going, you will see us alright.
      Baring you ass in this God forsaken, menaharia Woyanie – anti- Eritrean website, you think you are doing something for Eritrea. Go about your usual useless self and sleep in your taxi after you finished “Zelefa” of the Eritrean people and the Eritrean government.
      Finally you said, “….I am glade you know me who am…..”
      Dude, I am not glad knowing your sorry ass.

      • Genet May 1, 2013

        Asmara2
        Typical opportunistic parasite. Most likely you are a nephew/niece of one of the generals who are killing our people.
        I know for sure you are not in Sawa. You never been in Sawa. If you were in Sawa like the ordinary Young Eritrean, You will never say what you are saying.
        I am sure, if you did your service, this is big IF, You did it in Asmara doing nothing; or you were cleared with false illness (unfit for duty). If you ever been at the border, you are the criminal who is killing our young Eritreans. Guilty as charge! If you ever been in any war, again big IF, you are the coward who was sent to Asmara in a fake emergency. our brothers and sister died safeguarding our borders. You are trying to take the credit like the pathetic coward you are. You are an excuse for a man. You are pitiful little man.

        You are pitiful liar and a coward. If you are in Asmara, you are a criminal and anti Eritrean. Asmara is being pulled back to stone age without clean water and light. Are we supposed to be impressed that an Eritrean parasite is going to Asmara and hugging his/her goddamn opportunistic family. I think not! Your end is near. Mark my word! You worthless SOB, the Eritrean taxi driver supported the Eritrean GOV. for 20 years. Now, you have a lot of nerve to open your mouth to insult him/her. You are the worst parasite contributed noting for our country.

        “Cowards dare others to do what they themselves do not dare to do” (Ana Monnar).
        The Eritrean Taxi drivers did more for Eritrea than you did. You should be quite and accumulate blood money in East Africa. The facts are clear. The crime is obvious to All Eritrean. Go head and run your filthy mouth, but you are fooling no one. I say no one!
        Genet

        • A.A Yassin May 1, 2013

          You are giving ” opposition activists” a very bad name. Cool down!!

          • Genet May 1, 2013

            I am telling it as I see it. I am not going to let a no good coward take the credit from our brothers and sisters. He should be ashamed of himself. But, Noo, he is coming hear to tell us lies. Again, NO apology!
            Genet

          • Genet May 1, 2013

            AA..
            You are busted! You are brainwashed Zombie.
            Do you real think, you can get away, by pretending to be opposition activists? I THINK NOT!
            Genet

        • Haile G Tensae May 2, 2013

          Genet!
          You are great Lady! Keep doing the good work.
          Hawki
          Haile

      • Haile G Tensae May 2, 2013

        Asmara2
        You are everywhere 0000333333!!!!!!!
        Again! Get out of the closet. Your response telling us that you are one of the top hired Gun of the Mafia PFDJ, are Distroying Eritrea. It is interesting to know that trying to silence us. The answer is No Way. I wish you know how to drive taxi in USA. It is not like Sawa to kille the youngsters and raping them.

        The value of Eritrean Taxi driver you just do not know anything what their contributions to the country and to their families. It is wise to understand, how to survive and to supporting for life the struggle and to supporting
        the parasite government, the sadist and the criminal
        PFDJ Gangs.

        I wish yout trying to think differently that will help you heal your sanity than to repeat the TV-ERE which is telling the lies everyday.
        Hawks
        Haile G Tensae Indianapolis Indiana

  • Petros Haile April 30, 2013

    Dear Fistum,

    I think your making a big mistake accusing the intellectuals, as if they have not done anything ! In fact, if you take your time and look at every measures taken by the U.N, European Union, and other international institutions, against the tyrant, most of the research and recommendations submitted to the respective institutions were made by Eritrean intellectuals , and it may not be all, but significant number of our intellectual’s input exposed the tyrant in a big way !!! just because you don’t see them on the street of DC shouting “down down Isayas”, that does not mean their contribution is non existent …. However you may not see these intellectuals waving the flag of the violent over through of a government … That is the work of EDA and the idea you indirectly promote … As a matter of fact, the rational behind violence (and I may ad not foreseeing the outcome of violence) is a turn off to many intellectuals !

    Again, don’t expect the intellectuals to organize meetings, forums and the likes … that is the job for those who engaged and committed to the struggle, such as political organizations, civic groups and others, who would like to learn from the expertise of such intellectuals, and hopefully to use their advice as a guidance to their actions … In short, Hold a forum, invite these intellectuals, and if they refuse, then accuse them of fear, opportunism, and other ism’s you can think of … As far as the intellectuals in Eritrea is concerned, what would you do if you were in their place ?

    • fetsum abraham May 1, 2013

      Petros;
      I would do exactly what I am doing now, openly Resist. They are not doing enough my friend… where are they and how persistently are they resisting the regime?

      • Petros Haile May 1, 2013

        Dear Fistum,
        I seriously doubt it, not to be offensive, but Me and You are the cowards, for the right reason, We left the suffering nation to save our skin … and the intellectuals in Eritrea do not have the luxury of democracy and free speech, let alone to criticize … simply, their profession is a suspect for the PFDJ thugs …. So, before passing judgement to the confined and subjected intellectuals, Let us question the magnitude of our contributions … trust me, it is next to none … and I challenge you to rise up to the call of the sufferings, and be the beacon of hope to the victimized population, or simply show them a road map on how they will come out of it … then, I will be one of your disciples … But at this time, please be humble, and the less antagonistic is the better …

        • fetsum abraham May 1, 2013

          Petros;
          U are either distorting my input or you did not read me well. I am not talking about those inside Eritrea at all; only those in diaspora. let me here u now!

        • A.A Yassin May 1, 2013

          Your expectation of the so-called ‘ intellectual class ‘ in Eritrea is exaggirated. bzuH aytfalasef. What we need in Eritrea is hard working, not talking too much.

    • Ghenet May 1, 2013

      For those intellectuals in Eritrea, if I were them
      I would do right by my colleagues, I would use my knowledge and responsibilities ethically and not abuse my position to satisfy sadist PFDJ. I would motivate, encourage, and practice values typical of educated. I would have communication (clandestine) with the opposition in the diaspora. What I would not be is ENABLER OF PFDJ!
      This is one kind of resistance against bandits who try to destroy a nation inside out.

      • fetsum abraham May 1, 2013

        Ghenet;
        You are talking about what u would do from within the hell in Eritrea; can u imagine what the diaspora intellectuals can do if they want?
        There is no excuse here at all.

      • A.A Yassin May 1, 2013

        sadist?

    • Genet May 1, 2013

      Petros

      Do you think a few intellectuals are enough to represent the rest of Eritrean intellectuals? I think, if they come out on the street with their brothers and sister, they will take the straggle to a new level. I don’t think any concerned Eritrean needs an invitation to do the right thing for our people. My thought.
      Genet

      • fetsum abraham May 2, 2013

        Genet;
        I agree with u 100%

      • Petros Haile May 2, 2013

        Selam Genet,

        I agree, it may enhance the success rate, or it may not, although engaging in political activism is not their thing… primarily the role of intellectuals is to engage in research, provide information, and on occasion advocate for a cause …However, if they can be able to participate in the day to day street battle, it’s even better … but my take with Fistum is – that I did not agree with his accusatory tone towards the intellectuals as a package, and I may add, He may not realize to what extent the intellectual force is shaping the political landscape, ….

        I was just describing the role of intellectuals, and those who are engaged in organizing the resistance, which is predominantly a different category of people, such as militants, politicians, civic groups with single agendas, and in most case, they tend to abide by a set of principles that guides them, and act upon it …

        All one has to do is look at the number of scholars who contributes daily on the well known Eritrean sites, including the one we visit on a daily basis … again, I want brother Fistum to realize, many forums were held, countless testimonies targeting vital institutions , frequent visits to various state and regional departments, quality papers written, and a lot of documents are available, if you are willing to research … but with all fairness, a lot more needs to be done …

        Thank you Genet, for helping me clarify myself,

        • fetsum abraham May 2, 2013

          Petros/Genet;
          Had the intellectual community did its ob right, all opposition forces would have felt the pressure to unite. Besides, there is no reason why intellectuals can not come out to demonstrate, they are people after all. All this division would have been avoided. To me, there is a very weak intellectual involvement and this is the truth.

          • Petros Haile May 2, 2013

            Brother Fistum,

            Again you are confusing intellectuals as managers, organizers and activists … most of the time they are not, in fact, they stink as political activist, simply because they intellectual integrity does not allow or require them to be an activist, or manage an organization, or hold / facilitate a forum … that is the job you were planing to engage, or you intend to work on … If I were you, I would stay focused on your original plan, which is the two stage phases to bring about a common platform, and I assure you, when you begin to invite intellectuals to debate and propose solutions, you will understand where their strength lies, and yours as well … but if you keep hammering these intellectuals, while you are not doing your part, then you will become part of the problem, not part of the solution !!!

            Stay engaged and focus on your mission, and hopefully you will earn my respect and others …

            Brother Fistum, don’t be stubborn, I am trying to meet you half way …

        • Genet May 2, 2013

          petros
          Thanks for your prompt response.
          I am sure many are doing a great deal of work for our cause behind the seen. However, there is a disconnect between the Eritrean intellectuals and the majority of our people, without a formal college education. You and I are fortunate enough to surf the net and find out first hand, what is going on; what is being done and by whom. By getting the info. first hand, we can make a sound decision. There is a gap between intellectuals and the ordinary diaspora Eritrean. Unfortunately, the gap is being filled by PFDJ operatives. The last thing we need is PFDJ operatives explaining to our people, about the intention of our intellectuals. This is one one of the main factor that kept the ordinary diaspora, skeptical of any intellectuals who are opposing the current disastrous PFDJ system.

          To me, leadership in any level is first and most a responsibility. If any one is willing to take that responsibility, then that some one is going to do some explanation about his/her intention. We have to understand now, as peoples, our behavior has been modified intentionally. We are more skeptical of any ideas. Even, we are more paranoid. Our trust has been betrayed. The last thing we need is some one to tell us “Just follow me and I will tell you when I get there” The ordinary and intellectuals Eritrean we see on the street are crying for some one to join them or to lead them. THE QUESTION IS HOW DO WE TALK THE ORDINARY ERITREAN OUT OF HIS/HER Skeptical mind? There will be no success of change for our people, if we are not able to fill the gap ourselves. So I say, any intellectual is itching to be a leader, come out and talk to the people. Tell us where you are coming from and where do you want to take us. Let us decide for our selves. Eritrean people are smart and with a good common sense. My thought.
          Genet

          • Petros Haile May 3, 2013

            Genet,

            Again, I agree with you, the people have been repeatedly disappointed by the so called leaders, This disappointment is across the board. I mean all political leaders, Civic leaders, that includes the emerging youth leaders as well … and as you correctly put it, the average person do not trust self declared leaders any more, and I don’t blame them … with out getting into the details, I personally believe it is a deep rooted problem that began during the era of armed struggle,… The same characters continue their activities after independence … In short, these characters don’t know any better, they can only reflect what they learned, “monkey see, monkey do” …

            THE QUESTION IS HOW DO WE TALK THE ORDINARY ERITREAN OUT OF HIS/HER Skeptical mind?

            1. Form a small group of like minded people, independent civic groups, Not to confuse the Civic with that of political groups, … The purpose should be to create a public forum …

            2. Develop a guidelines on how this civic groups conduct business, such as how it should maintain its independence, and it’s relations with political organizations, Intellectuals, and other civic groups should be ?

            3. Define clearly the mission of this group, such as to hold a forum to bring about unity between various civic groups, hopefully develop a loose federation with all civic association, across the nation and beyond …

            4. This group should work with advisers who can help develop the capacity for building a solid, solution oriented forum …

            Genet, This is what comes to my mind, However, based on your question we can develop it to the higher level … in fact, Fistum’s energy and input can help a lot …

  • Genet May 3, 2013

    Petros
    Thanks!
    From what I see most of the groups out there are still at #1. All of us could help to reach out to the groups sill at #1 for the sake of our people. However, what I noticed in the past is that groups are formed by family members, close childhood friends, former college friends and old neighbors. They crated a close circle based on the above status, that they tend to be seen as guarded to other like minded Eritreans. Don’t give me wrong, there is noting wrong to have close friends and family members participate in a good cause. At the same time, you have to be willing to let other like minded Eritrean to be included in that circle. If any group out there thinks that any like minded, educated, passionate and full of energy Eritrean are going to follow them blindly are mistaken. Because no body with a right mind wants to join a cult.

    Petros, you did an excellent job pointing out, the 4 points working plan. It is very crucial for us to understand, forming a group is not about us personally. It should be about the change and justice we are trying to bring for our people. I may be tend to be idealistic, but we all should be selfless. It shouldn’t be about what am going to get out of it, but about what am I going to achieve for my people and country.
    Genet

    • Ghenet May 3, 2013

      Petros and Genet, and Fitsum
      I have been following your discussion and you guys are brilliant. Petros, great points
      Intellectuals generally tend not to pursue politics. But they are always the indispensable part of the engine of politics. For politics to be successful there must be educated people at the wheels. On reason why PFDJ is in disarray is its arrogance towards education.
      Eritrean people are desperate for hope! at the moment what they hear and see is bickering, divisions, betrayals and no clear vision. Post DIA scares them like anything. The scepticism of the ordinary Eritreans comes from fear of the unknown. Unfortunately the opposition camp lacks sound leadership!
      I like the solution-oriented civic groups and forums especially if they are non- political ones! This is exactly what we need at the moment. We need positive energy right now!

      • Petros Haile May 3, 2013

        Ghenet, Genet, Fistum,

        Genet,

        Your concerns is also our concerns as well, form what I observe, we all are fed up with ongoing mischief and intrigues of the self declared leaders, and I agree “like minded” can have a negative meanings and understanding by many, In fact, for many “like minded” people, their loyalty is to their groups or immediate circles, as you correctly put it, not to their country, or to the collective interest… and I also agree with you that we have to be very careful not to repeat the mistakes of others. In my experience, I have witnessed a seemingly open and transparent civic groups, not only deviates, but end up being a subservient to a political organizations … In short, your fear and worries are legitimate.

        Ghenet,

        “Intellectuals generally tend not to pursue politics. But they are always the indispensable part of the engine of politics. For politics to be successful there must be educated people at the wheels” … Very well put, if you have interjected a little earlier in the discussion, You could have helped myself & Brother Fistum, see a different perspectives on the role of intellectuals and their intertwined natural link with politics … Thank you Ghenet !

POST A COMMENT