Foggy Mountain Breakdown

In memory of Earl Scruggs who passed on today.

Ethiopians: Wake up!

It is reported that the Ethiopian woman that was video taped being abused in the streets of Beirut has committed suicide. Her name was Alem Dechasa. This is a very sad ending to a tragic story! May her soul rest in peace.

While thousands of Alem Dechasas are being abused in the Mideast, the Ethiopian government is bragging that it has destroyed "enemy" camps in Eritrea. Its mouthpieces like waltainfo.com and aigaforum.com have also not carried Alem's story. Sadly, Gadaa.com also posted the story on its web site only after learning her name sounded like an Oromo name. What have become of us? Wake up, Ethiopians!

Modern day slavery

It is very hard to watch this video footage of an Ethiopian woman being dragged into a car against her will in the streets of Beirut, Lebanon, and not be filled with rage. This incident happened just outside the Ethiopian consulate a few days ago. Apparently, this is a common occurrence in front of the consulate.

The abusive and inhumane treatment of Ethiopian women who work as maids in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries has been in the news for more than a decade. The Ethiopian government, however, has ignored the issue. This is an abdication of its number one duty, which is the protection of its citizens. Ethiopians must do something about this modern day slavery.

Lamu Port Project

Not sure how long the Lamu port project has been in the drawing boards, but the governments of Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia should be commended for embarking on it so soon after the independence of South Sudan.