Time to say YES for common sense

A Desta

April 5, 2011

The most recent advocacy from few Ethiopians leads me into thinking of the mentalities of some individuals within the Ethiopian communities in the Northern Hemisphere.

Many people look at the main problem at hand, which is under development in our mother land Ethiopia and the outcry is understandable. However, I'm unsure why the outcry is against the Growth and Transformation Plan famously known as GTP. Has everyone forgotten how old is our under development?

Some especially the vocal Diasporas are saying that the GTP is no good, but they neglected to provide appropriate solution. More of what the previous governments were doing for the last centuries? More conflicts? Well, the only assurance for that solution is that Ethiopia’s economy will continue down the great depression path for the next 5 or worst for the next 50 years. Then guess what?

There will be an election again, and who is going to quarrel nonstop with themselves and also remains predisposed to oppose at anything for the sake of opposing?

I for one have no interest in politics and sometimes, I feel it is just a time wasting exercise. However some people opposing ideas for the sake of opposition and neglecting to give any solutions of their own. Worst still are those people who just outright oppose the idea without even giving any solution. They just give the generic reply. "It will not work OR they will not support this OR the other because they do-not approve this / the other etc….".

So the question is, what will work? In contemporary world, remaining status quo is worst than doing nothing.

In my opinion, GTP is good as long as the plan remains focused and utilize the countries resources in a very innovative and sustainable manner. If innovation does happen, there will be an explosive growth that will propel Ethiopia to the fore front and at the same time will lead to more money for the Ethiopian public. I for the one support the GTP as long as the plan related to innovation, education, new research areas, healthcare, etc….

However from what I read from some vocal Diasporas is not asking any useful questions, but just putting road blocks at every junction. Why is this case and what is really is happening to us and to our common sense?

The old school will think the only way to decrease the deficits is to increase taxes. They are forgetting the other side of the story. How about increasing the number of businesses incorporated in Ethiopia for example? Won't that increase the amount of tax collected? Won't increasing the inflow of talent into Ethiopia increase the amount of tax collected? This brings out my other grouse against some vocal Diasporas who have no interest in the basic economics and do-not want to know unless it is approved by NO-ONE but themselves.

I wish the GTP the best of luck.