real politics

Had an interesting conversation with my cab driver yesterday in Las Vegas. He's from Ethiopia and despite the fact that he's only been in the U.S. for four years and he cannot vote he was incredibly in touch with the political realities of this country. As well, he appreciates the process having lived in a country where democracy is not a given.

He told of a protest in 2005, where 200+ people were killed by government troops for opposing the government's move to stay in power despite having lost their open election. I don't recall this ever being covered in the US press and sadly our government will continue to support the Ethiopian government as long as they continue to pay lip service and make even modest attempts at helping us in the "war on terror."

The cabbie pointed out that if we (the U.S.) made aims to support the people of these countries it would go further to combat terrorism than propping up corrupt governments who abuse their people and stain the reputation of the US by association. Truer words have not been spoken.