The Face-book Revolution

Reta Sisay May 28, 2011- “Waiting for God” should have been the title of this brief rendition of the current political fiasco delivered by none other than the so-called doctor and economist who orchestrated an internet campaign to start a public protest to topple the current Ethiopian government on the 20th anniversary of the ousting of the Derg.

Neither the public nor the spectators were holding their breath, since the several attempts by the pennywise-pound foolish doctor, ranging from an orange revolution to a military coup, from an armed struggle to an insurrection, were not realized. But, after all these daydreams and infatuations, the doctor-economist and his bird’s brain entourage did not think for a moment when they launched their face book campaign to ignite a public protest.

The outcome of this campaign was rather the opposite. The public came out in living colors not to protest but to celebrate the day of freedom and to join its hands, hearts and minds in building a greater Ethiopia the world has never seen. So much for the face book revolution, I was always skeptical about online dating.

It reminds me the religious group that announced that May 21st 2011 was to be the end of the world-- Armageddon. The world witnessed multitudes of followers of this Christian faith “waiting for God”. May 21st came and passed like any other beautiful spring day in the northern hemisphere. The lord did not come and the “prophets” who told us the Lord’s coming were not reachable for comments about their date with their maker.

Since the public is well aware of how religious and political businesses are run, none will waste their time to hear the doctor’s excuses about why the face book revolution did not take place and, needless to say that, the doctor and economist will come back with another ridiculous get-rich-quick scheme. But the public knows that it is easier to wait for the coming of the Lord than to find anything sensible from the oratory of the desperado on face book. It is comforting to know that the National Theatre has cancelled two shows: “Waiting for God” and “Online Dating”.