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Opposition figure calls for change of attitude to achieve democracy
By Mahidere Andinet
August 13, 2008
ATLANTA, Georgia - There was a complete silence in the hall that one could hear a pin drop. The people were on their feet, and with heads stooped; all eyes were gazing at the colorful carpet of the Holiday Inn Hotel in Decatur, Georgia.
Some had in fact closed their eyes with deep praying mood, while others kept their eyes open but with a profound sense of meditation. Soon, a strong and low pitch voice broke the silence: “Let us pray!!” That soft and melancholic voice was that of Professor Mesfin Woldermaiam, a human rights activist now a member of an opposition party.
The short and strong wordings of prayers by the visiting veteran activist read as follows:
“Ethiopia is in a deep serious problem; the Ethiopian people are in a deep serious problem. We, the people, are unable to agree, unable to cooperate and cannot create harmony among ourselves. Consequently, we are in a position where we can no more assist or help our people and country. Please (referring to the Almighty) open our minds to the truth, our hearts to love, and our spirits to harmony so as to make us save Ethiopia from disaster.”
During those moments of prayers some were seen fighting back tears, and yet others were trying to reach their pockets for a handkerchief... Read more
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(Andinet Atlanta)
