It takes only a casual observer to note that the vast spectrum of lies and deception that has been deliberately infused to the public by an ostracized individual who is deeply resentful and has become a father of all lies by undermining the on going democratic election and process in Ethiopia. What could be the motive of this self-appointed with many cyber names and aliases to add to his title such as “staff writer” “spokesperson”, “ethioreporter”, “expert”, etc. in order to write such horrendous and concocted news and falsely describe the election results as undemocratic and illegal? A person who spends most of his time falsely misleading his readers, smearing government officials and manipulating ethnic and racial tensions in Ethiopia should be allowed to operate under the guise of free speech is a travesty of justice.

EthioMedia’s propaganda machine has doggedly worked to suppress the truth and is waging an ill-fated assault on Ethiopia (particularly Tigreans) with its bogus and pathological lies. His footprints of lies in the cyber world must be challenged. If we fail to thwart it, then we run the risk of allowing the idea of freedom to be hijacked by cowards like him.

So what does freedom of speech and truth mean to decent people? Shall we allow such hate-mongers to ravage the bright future and hope of our people? It is a duty of all of us to shoulder responsibility and unmask individuals like him who perpetrate injustice and violence armed with such spiteful and cold bloodthirsty rhetoric. In the age of spin, EthioMedia and Mohammed Saeed al–Sahaf (Baghdad-Bob), former Iraqi Minister of Information under Saddam, have this in common: no matter whatever the evidence is on the ground they stand superior to the truth and detach themselves from reality by creating their own version to the ridicule of all. EthioMedia’s lack of ethical standards in reporting balanced news, and his contempt for Ethiopian officials under the guise of freedom of speech and expression is nothing more than a gambit to cover his main intentions to submit to chauvinistic and power hungry maniacs. His half-baked truths might only impress Mohammed Saeed al–Sahaf.

For those of us, who cherish free and fair elections and value democracy, given the circumstances and the large turnout, we think that the Ethiopian people’s total engagement and exercise of their rights was a great leap forward and must be encouraged. Our background as poor and backward country as some of the representatives of the rich nations might have commented during and after the election, should not hinder or deter us from total participation of our citizens in the making of a new and vibrant Ethiopia. The sacrifices and struggle against tyrannies and dictators was meant to the avail of democracy, equal rights and opportunities to individuals and nations and nationalities of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is owned by all its citizens, belongs only to them and its fate is their fate. Opposition is a blessing to any country but should be guided by utter responsibility with respect to law and order, the “views of the other side” or contending side, individuals and groups and not by demolition of the constitution, providence, intimidation and smear campaigns. Therefore, any opposition party should primarily do way with the morass of hateful and undignified chauvinistic propaganda. A threat to our values is a threat to our survival. If any peaceful struggle results through provocations by the opposition into violence, then the gist to bring change will lose its vision.

The recent attempts to lure NGOs, heads of states and officials, by some irresponsible individuals and opposition politicians through EthioMedia as the mouthpiece have clearly demonstrated that the aspiration of such groups in building democracy has prevalently been out of mode and conviction. Therefore, their disastrous attempts and hold Ethiopians as hostages should be challenged. Peace and stability in Ethiopia are the basis for development and especially for the vast majority of people, who lack a loaf of bread and live in the extreme weathers far way from the hubs of abundance.

The opposition bears a large share of the blame for the current affairs in Ethiopia. We do hope the opposition parties with their die-hard supporters refrain from an aggressive, out of touch and disproportionate hate campaign and, instead, dwell on issues of paramount significance to Ethiopians and become a constructive and effective opposition to reckon with for the betterment of the life conditions of our compatriots. And lastly, Ethiomedia should know what it means by democracy, while hiding behind such a gregarious label and being oblivious of the role its only staff member had during the dark ages of our country