Do All Lives Matter?

Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer

Before attempting to answer the question, lets just agree that, as a society, there is absolutely something wrong with us. In 2016, for the first time, we have built a spacecraft that reached Jupiter’s orbit. That is 1.7 billion miles away. Our moon is only about 239K miles away from Earth if that gives you any helpful visual. The unbound human ingenuity is unfathomable to most of us. Yet, in a shamefully disheartening way, we continue to kills our fellow humans callously; as though, it carries no value. All the while we cheerfully invest our time, our labor of love and ultimately our life for decades on end to search the vast unknown universe in hopes of finding anything of a value.

One morning last week, my coworker, looked at me and said, “Daniel, are you alright?” I replied, yeah why wouldn’t I? He responded, “You look sad…” Right away I turned around to say something, but I couldn’t formulate sentences to explain my thoughts and feelings. What I wanted to say was something along the lines of, yes I am sad, I am angry, I am disturbed, I am discouraged and so many other different feelings in between. Is it is not obvious, that we as a country are reaching a tipping point? Haven’t we reached a collective breaking point?

I feel insecure, like I am walking on a field of landmine forced to be cognizant of what lays on my periphery. I feel fearful like I am walking on a shaky ground that’s shifting beneath my feet, way faster than I am able to cope with. Don’t you feel that? Don’t you feel the same?

Before I uttered these words, I realized of course he doesn’t. He is not Black, he does not know what it is like to be a young black man. I contemplated for a bit, but realizing the time and the environment does not suit the kind of conversation I would like to have with him, I took the easy way out. I responded to him saying, hhmm nah I am doing just fine and walked away. For me, this was a sudden realization that the unsettling feeling inside has managed to manifest itself involuntarily into my body language and my daily interaction as a consequence.     

We all have different perspective on life, take the following for instance…

You are looking down at the street from a third floor window and see a police officer approach a young man. The officer says something to the young man and an altercation ensues...you can see everything, but you can't hear the exchange. Unfortunately things escalate and the young man is shot and falls to the ground. 

Now, without having any more information about this incident, it is not hard to imagine the conclusion the individual watching this from the third floor would reach. That conclusion is greatly influenced by the individual’s previous experience and existing internal biases. A Black person and a White person are most likely to differ in their interpretation of the reason for the escalation in this situation. Blames will be attributed ranging from disobedience to use of excessive force.  

No matter who you are, we all have built-in implicit biases to a varying degree. That degree depends on a lot of factors including our experience, upbringing and exposure to diversity (in a deep and indispensable connection to people who are different from us). For example, in the incident described above, you visualized the altercation between the young man and the police officer right? Was the officer wearing uniform? What did he look like? How about the young man? Where did you get these images? What is the information that led you to create these images? 

We have a huge trust gap in this country between races, especially between Blacks and White police officers that stems from decades of perpetual systemic injustice. As such it will take decades to understand, admit and solve the stigma and animosity. 

Reducing racism and other complex issues require long-term policy and intentional efforts on all sides to address the roots of the problem. White peoples' internal bias and perceptions of Black people and vice versa, need to be dissected and explained in a psychological and sociological way. 

So, do all lives matter? Well, we know for sure, White lives matter. As Jesse Williams put it, "We have been looking at the data and we know, somehow police manage to deescalate, disarm and not kill White people everyday!" Now can we say black people are treated the same way by the police? Or is it time to admit, "Some are more equal than others"? (Quote from Animal Farm, by George Orwell).

For those people who say all lives matter, I invite you to watch the video 23 Ways You Could be Killed While Being Black and then try to learn more in detail how each of them lost their lives. Then ask yourself, does this happen to White people at the same rate by police officers? You should find the answer to be unequivocally no. Hence why people have found the need to state and remind people, dark skin people’s lives matter too.    

http://www.motherjones.com/media/2016/07/these-celebrities-powerfully-described-23-ways-you-could-be-killed-while-black

Hopeful,

Daniel

Love

A woman carrying a heavy load in Konso, Ethiopia

LOVE at its core is strength, courage and sacrifice. 

 > Strength is not only the presence of unwavering loyalty, unflinching grip and steady pace at the crossroads, or impermeable and stubbornly sturdy physique, but of unconditional love against all odds.  

 > Courage is to be vulnerable at the hills of mountainous pride and at the trough waves of norms. 

 > Sacrifice is to be of service to others before self, the yearning to give, to please and nurture; the ultimate definition of a woman. 

Women, you are love.

I sat in front of a great woman last year, with a table full of food between us in a fairly remote place. Right next to us, a man in his 50s sitting in the next table with another man. Boastfully he started expressing his interest and waving hundred dollar bills at a young lady. He was trying to convince her to go with him for the night. The young gal seemed as though trapped between two hard rocks. For her, the distance between yes and no, seemed light years away.

In that moment, helpless shiver took over me, as the great woman in front of me, started to choke in her own words. Indignant at what was happening. Her solidarity in sisterhood, her love burning inside, her sympathy rolled up in tears, her courage to stay still and allow the young woman to decide for herself, while her empathy raced down her tender cheeks…its magnetic force so strong, impossible to resist it pulled me in.

Women, you are love everyday.

We celebrate you on this International Women Day and everyday.

Daniel: March 8th, 2016 

Travel Resolution

My old passport expires exactly today, luckily its replacement has arrived just in time to begins its life

cycle. There is a quote from Horace Greeley on the new passport that reads, "Go west, young man, and grow up with the country." But I am thinking, I will go East and rise with the Sun!

With the old one, I have been briefly detained in some rural Ethiopia between Shire and Gonder because local authorities could not either verify its legitimacy, or because they couldn't read English, but were to prideful to admit it smile emoticon

I have been striped down to my underpants in Dubai, at which point I offered to take that out too if it helps lol. I unintentionally offended two civilian closed officials, because I refused to be taken away and questioned from the middle of the airport unless they showed me their credentials smile emoticon

I had it taken away for a bit in Mexico...some good times, but not enough.

Now, my goal is to put the new one to a good use by visiting more places. In my wildest dreams I would ran out of space for visa stamps before it expires in another 10 years. Although that will be unlikely as the pages has increased from 24 to 51.

Let's see how I do. I am sure by then, Facebook will have evolved to track my 10 year travel resolution. Counting on the endless possibilities of human imagination.

Cheers,

Daniel 

Will Russia’s Unilateral Decision on Syria Pull in the US?

Source, Aljazeera

With over 4 million people having fled their country, and close to 8 million people internally

displaced, the Syrian Crisis is one of the worst crises in recent memory. We have not seen a coherent American leadership on the crisis. The blame for that has been directed at Obama and his administration for lack of leadership and forceful intervention. In hindsight, it might seem clear the US should have gotten involved during the earlier stage of the conflict. But Obama truly believes in diplomacy and got elected emphasizing on the importance of soft power.

There are three main reasons why the US didn’t intervene forcefully from the onset.  

1. Majority of Americans had lost appetite of leading global wars

2. US has limited national interests in Syria (mainly containing Iran’s influence in the region)

3. Fear of a power vacuum in Syria.

Ousting Assad is also risking of turning the country into ISIS and Al-Qaida’s playground. As one writer noted, “…toppling Assad will mean a victory for jihadists. So better to let both sides bleed for as long as possible, turning Syria into Iran's Vietnam.”

Some may say, what about the humanitarian aspect of the Syrian people? Sure, that is a worthy cause of intervention, but that would be acting on morality. And, let Us not kid ourselves; morality does not govern Washington politicians. If moral values were of consideration, Guantanamo would have been their first stop. Where at least “53 men have been recommended for release by high-level governmental review processes” at the prison. Yet, they are still held in imprisonment of which some of them have been there for over a decade.

Meanwhile, Russia’s bold and shrewd strategist President Putin is coming out as the man with the plan to save the Assad regime against America and its allies wishes. Now, Russia’s latest unilateral decision to bomb the various anti government forces in Syria will likely force the US to reevaluate its resistance to get involve in the conflict in an impactful way.  

Cheers,

Daniel

Ethiopian Airline Capitalizes on the Growing China – Africa Relations

A pic that I took in 2014 on arrival from DC

Note: A translated version of this article into Mandarin was published on the July issue of The Eminence magazine. You can find the link is at the bottom.

Ethiopia’s private investment ranks as one of the lowest in the world, while its public investment is one of the highest. Despite continuous criticism by international institutions for lack of private investment, the Ethiopian government takes pride in its course and economic achievements. Though the complaints are not without their merits, the government has the numbers to prove why its strategy is working.

Ethiopia has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world for over a decade now. The state owned Ethiopian Airline (ET) often referred as Ethiopian in short, leads the way of proving state owned companies and enterprises could be profitable. In recent years, Ethiopian generated more profit than the rest of African airlines combined.

Winning award after award at the international level, Ethiopian does not look it will slow down anytime soon. Considering its ambitious “Vision 2025” growth plan, ET looks well placed to outperform and lead the continent’s airline industry for years to come.

Under its 15 year Vision 2025 plan, Ethiopian aims to become a world class African airline with more than 140 fleet. The additional 60 aircraft fleet will help ET transport over 22 million passengers world wide and meet its 15-year targeted goal. According to ET staff, the airline hopes to reach 146 destinations by 2025 and earn up to $10 billion in revenue and $1 billion dollars in profit.

Reaching those ambitious goals will not come easy to ET, but a closer look into ET’s past five years record proves, it can accomplish its 15-year ambitious growth plan. The next few years will see Ethiopian add dozens of ultra-modern fleet to its collection; including A350-300 Airbus and Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes. The airline has already started taking huge infrastructure expansions projects to accommodate its ever-growing services and meet ever-increasing demand.

Among ET’s mega projects are a USD 7 million worth Light Aircraft Maintenance Hangar project to be financed by the airline itself; a USD 92 million worth Wide Body Maintenance Hangar to be financed by EX-Im bank of China and a cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tons, which will be one of the largest cargo terminals in the world. The construction of the cargo terminal is expected to be completed in the next four years and is estimated to cost USD 150 million. 

China’s increasing presence and influence in Africa has transpired to more than trade and investment. The growing interconnectedness between China and African countries has been a topic of passionate debates for many years. China’s intentions and its long-term plans are both derided and embraced at the same time.

Ethiopia is one among many that has embraced a lot of the Chinese developmental state policies and models. There is no surprise then, to see one of Ethiopia’s most successful state owned company leading the way in tending and catering to its Chinese customers. It was six years ago that ET hired its first Chinese cabin crew. Now, in addition to continuing to recruit Chinese flight attendants, ET has added in-flight announcement services and various writings in Mandarin (Chinese) to exceed its growing Chinese customer satisfaction. The infusion of Chinese culture in Ethiopian is beyond the airline and its airport terminals. Here in Addis, new Chinese authentic restaurants and gift shops can be seen sprouting in various corners of the city.

In hindsight, the USD 200 million worth African Union (AU) building that was built and give to Africa countries as a gift was just a drop in the ocean compared to the amount of money and resources China and the Chinese are committing themselves for the continent. Looking at the recently inaugurated building of the Chinese Mission to the AU building in the center of Addis, there is no doubt that the Chinese are here to stay.

Forwards thinking companies and organizations are positioning themselves to tap into the Chinese market; and ET seems to be doing exactly that. Ethiopian discloses that, although currently approximately 70% of ET passengers are transiting within the Africa continent, at the rate at which the trade relations is increasing between China and African countries, it is strategically aligning itself to win and retain Chinese customers.    

http://www.theeminencemagazine.com/index.php/component/k2/item/662-2015-07-30-07-43-08

You might also find this interesting http://afkinsider.com/102462/ethiopian-airlines-make-more-profit-than-all-other-african-carriers-combined/#sthash.3CdrD4m5.dpuf

Cheers,

Daniel 

Three Years After Meles

Meles was a transformational leader for Ethiopia. But his influence reached far beyond Ethiopia’s

boarders. He was a leader who deeply cared about the poor and less fortunate. Always showing signs of brilliance at whatever corner and whatever topic he turns out to be. He was an outlier amongst his peers with superior knowledge and deep understanding of local and international sociopolitical issues. Ethiopians will forever be grateful for all the sacrifices he made and for inspiring them to put their country back onto its glorious past.

His shortcomings, perhaps two things: first, having died in office, not being able to really call it quit and prove his opponents and naysayers he was not clinging to power, but rather trying to push this agenda and that agenda forward for the betterment of his people. I suspect in the grand scheme of things, he probably believed he had plenty of time. Unfortunately the unexpected death came too soon.

Second, failing to include strong willed people who don’t necessarily fully agree with his politics or policies; people who have their own vision on how Ethiopia should develop. The lack of ‘team of rivals’ in key posts and in his circle if you will. I assume he took a calculated risk of surrounding himself with a lot of Yes Men in favor of developmental expediency. Because, it was clear to him what was needed to be done and he needed people to do what he asks of them; minimizing and shortening the long zigzag path that a true democratic process often requires to reach a decision point.

This in hindsight however, in the absence of a visionary leader, has left us with a lot of Yes Men, who lack vision and a sense of clear direction; aside from their constant empty rhetoric of staying the course and implementing Meles’ policies to reach his goal of Ethiopia achieving middle income country. But, they have excelled at one thing for sure, labeling anyone who questions their ineptitude and lack of commitment as detractors of the grand vision. Thus far no one has been able to reframe that defensive argument and tell the Yes Men, no that isn’t so in a manner that resonates with the masses.

Three years without Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia is certainly still making a lot of positive progress, but not as much as it should. I say this because with some changes and genuine commitment, we could achieve so much more than what we are currently achieving both on the economic and democratic fronts. Ethiopia’s biggest problem is the lack of leadership and good governance.

One of the best things Meles did was telling us time and again that our country is poor and accepting that very fact and taking that understanding to heart was the foundation of it all. There is nothing more moving and captivating than watching Meles discuss about poverty such as in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T17u05ENHnw 

Let me finish by quoting one of the things he said, while speaking to thousands of people gathered at the Millenium Hall.  

“የሚሰሩ እጆች ይዘን

የሚያስብ ጭንቅላት ይዘን

የወጣቱ መንፈስ ይዘን

ስንዴ የምንለምንበት ግዜ መቆም ኣለበት!”

ጠቅላይ ሚንስተር መለስ ዜናዊ።

May his soul rest in peace.  

Cheers,

Daniel 

Debre Libanos, a Mosaic of Religion and History

Known as the cradle of humanity, Ethiopia is one of the oldest independent countries in the world. Its rich cultural and historical significance is often applauded as an example on the world stage. It is a country where different faith groups have lived in peace and tolerance for centuries. The Debre Libanos Monastery is one example that entwines the mosaic of culture, religion and the country’s magnificent geographic features. Read this full article that the talented Ikram Said and I co-wrote for The Eminence magazine. You can also read on the issue.com here. 

Cheers with love,

Daniel

A Friend Indeed

Despite Ethiopia’s concrete economic achievements, millions live in impoverished conditions, many helplessly homeless. They have no support system except the benevolence of passersby who are willing to spare some leftover food or some coins here and there. The state does not have social safety net programs that can’t support its vulnerable citizens such as the elderly or mentally ill population. If there is, it certainly is not something that most people know about.

Read the full article at Addis Fortune here. Or Simply click the following link http://addisfortune.net/columns/a-friend-indeed/

Cheers,

Daniel

Is African Democracy Hopeful?

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame seems to be hinting for a constitutional amendment that would allow him to run for a third term. Here is my opinion on the importance of constitutional term limit and why it must be respected by all if we wish to see a more democratic Africa. 

This applies to Ethiopia as it does to any other African country. Read the full article at Addis Fortune here. Or Simply click the following link http://addisfortune.net/columns/is-african-democracy-hopeful/

President Kagame, you have done a wonderful job we would love to salute you goodbye with respect.

President Kagame, you have done a wonderful job we would love to salute you goodbye with respect.

Cheers,

Daniel 

Resurging Dire Dawa

Inside one of the train repair shops

The rustic trains at the old train station in the center of Dire Dawa, the liveliness of the open market in Kezira and the locals’ extremely calm attitude cannot be fully explained in texts or justified in snap shots. One must walk through it all to appreciate Ethiopia's resurging trading hub.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed Column on Addis Fortunehere published on Apr 05, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/resurging-dire-dawa/

Cheers,

Daniel

Harar: City of Wonders

A sample of a Harari living room. I took this picture at Sheikh abadir's family home.  

Each step taken within the ancient walled city of Harar is a humbling experience. The Harari’s warm hospitality, their old-fashioned robust local market exchange, taste for vivid and vibrant colors with high regard for intellectual philosophy will leave any visitor mesmerized. Strolling between centuries old ancient architectural structures and narrow alleyways, visitors are quickly reminded the city has refused to be defined only by its fascinating past. 

Read the full version of my Nothing But Equality Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Mar 29, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/harar-city-of-wonders/

A restored old house that belonged to the French fugitive poet Arthur Rimbaud, now serving as a museum. 

  

Cheers,

Daniel 

Sexual Harassment in Ethiopia

Sexual harassment is so pervasive here in Ethiopia. Almost every day, we are bound to witness young women being harassed by men in our beautiful Ethiopia. Our women continue to endure constant disrespect and unsavory sexual harassment. Different women deal with it differently, yet somehow, they seem to courageously persevere through it all.

Read the full version of my Nothing But Equality Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Mar 23, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/nothing-but-equality/ 

Cheers, 
Daniel

In Favour of Public Parks

www.skyscrapercity.com

Many policymakers perceive public parks as being too luxurious to be considered as developmental priorities. Not only can parks be self-sustaining, they can be revenue generating public goods. For that to happen, however, policymakers must understand the holistic nature of development, and how parks indirectly generate money to public coffers.

The obligation to advocate and create awareness about the positive effect parks and recreation sites have on society, however, falls on citizens. Citizens should collectively demand their leaders to prioritise parks and recreation sites.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Mar 8, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/in-favour-of-public-parks/

Article #2, Clash of Cultures

Increasing cross-border movement of people comes with cultural collisions. It is clearly evident here in Addis Ababa, as is in other major cities around the world. These cultural collisions at times create confusion, misunderstanding and resentment between the locals and foreign expatriates or even the locals and the Diasporas returnees.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Mar 1, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/clash-of-cultures/

Cheers,

Daniel

It’s All about Personality

Do you know your personality? Learning others personalities helps us work efficiently and communicate effectively in the manner that makes sense to our targeted audience...read the rest and share your opinion.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune published on Feb 22, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/its-all-about-personality/

Tenets of Winning Customers

Here is my opinion piece for this week on the lack of customer service in Ethiopia and suggestions for improvement.

Ethiopia is as warmly hospitable and as friendly as it can be. We go far beyond necessary to treat and accommodate our guests and visitors in our homes with the utmost respect and hospitality. Our hospitality, however, is not reflected in our business dealings and interactions. Too often, our business culture deprives people good customer services.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune published on Feb 8, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/tenets-of-winning-customers/

Cheers,

Daniel

Is the Addis Ababa Light Rail Safe?

Picture credit facebook* I saw this photo after I wrote this article. 

Is the Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit (LRT) safe? Or is it set to commence providing full services before the upcoming Ethiopian election comes hell or high water?

The problem with democracy is that politicians and their immediate advisors spend as much time strategizing how to manipulate public perception just as much as they spend their time drafting and implementing laws on behalf of the public.

Democratic systems often see projects being patched up in hurry at the turn of an election to fulfill previous campaign promises. That way, politicians can say, “we accomplished this and that”.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune published on Feb 8, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/is-the-light-rail-safe/

Cheers,

Daniel

Why Mekelle Lacks Vibrancy

Vibrant cities are centers of a lot of unique offerings, keeping the spirits of those who live within its boundaries and attracting outsiders. Cities that are accessible with public transportation have diverse eatery options, congregation for art and cultural activities, impel people to interact and build relationships. Music and other social outings help bring people together and exchange ideas.

This is what Mekelle is missing. On one of my visits, I arrived late Friday afternoon…

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Feb 1, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/why-mekelle-lacks-vibrancy/

Cheers,

Daniel

No to Revolution

Revolution or regime change is definitely a decisive slogan; but, for whom, by whom and at what cost exactly?

Patriotism at its highest form is a matured love soaked with wisdom. It does not reflect temperament, revenge or vengeance. It certainly does not emanate from one’s political ambitions.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune - published on Jan 25, 2015. 

Cheers,

Daniel

Tolerance Under Threat

In light of the Charlie Hebdo, Boko Haram and other extreme acts of violence, our approach and our reactions to such tragedies will determine our collective progress. Our resolve to give others the benefit of the doubt, and our tolerance towards those we fervently disagree with, will determine our collective security. We tend to perceive justice as an end point solution, it is not at all. It is a reaction. The verdict of its fairness often left in limbo. Ultimately mastering the needed strength to forgive those who do us wrong will be the uncontested formula for peace.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune

Happy Timket (Epiphany)

Ethiopia is a cultural paradise. There is one too many religious and national holidays celebrated here so frequently. The beauty about it is that, they are celebrated so colorfully with unabated energy.

Tomorrow is Timket aka Epiphany the day Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated to commemorate Christ’s baptism. The day before in preparation, the Tabot (a replica of the Ark of the Covenant) is taken out of each church and accompanied to some central location usually by a river. The faithful will gather at the chosen location and wash themselves or get sprayed with the holly water once it has been blessed.

Here is a short video I just recorded, enjoy the jubilant followers chanting and dancing while accompanying the Tabot.

Happy Timket.