REVISITING THE LEGACY OF THE GREAT ONE   Ezana sehay August 19, 2013   Given the hyperbole which frequently attaches to much admired politicians, there is a temptation to assume that Meles could not possibly deserve the posthumous stratospheric elevation he has achieved. But he does.   Meles’s personal attributes are many; strong, modest, and brave, with profound humility. But above all, he was the greatest leader the country ever had, who left a transcendent legacy. He was an indispensable man of global influence, an esteemed statesman, and a wielder of opinion.   It is said: At a younger age, Meles had a first disturbing look at two evils that shaped his lifelong social imperative; political repression and chronic poverty. Meles come to believe that the incongruity to basic human values and the outright evils of poverty and deprivation were so profound that the nation could not survive. Consequently, in his formative years, Meles decided to join the constellation of revolutionaries and be proactive in his relent less pursuit of social and economic justice.   During his 17 years of armed struggle against the fascist military regime of the Derg, Meles, largly educated himself as the veracious reader and become clairvoyant. He also developed an evangelical affection for the peasant and pastoralist community, who suffered the most as the result of Derg’s anaconda strategy [starving the people by all means as a political goal]. That strengthened his resolve and with the motto “never again”, along with his comrades began to develop policies that would generate the social capital and expedite the salvation of the nation.   As the revolution reached its apex, Meles picked up another passion; a passion influenced by disconcerting developments in the country; By 1980s, armed groups fighting the fascist regime of Mengestu had mushroomed. However, some of them had sinister goals that threatened the prevalence of the nation.   Meles believed the country’s unity and the people’s freedom are inalienable goals. To preserve the union, he favored various methods of curtailing and gradually eliminating the barriers to a strong, united and equitable Ethiopia. That included support for the novel idea of the emancipating the nations and nationalities through federalism. He believed only democratic federalism would eliminate the temptation for secession.   After liberation, Meles come to power with clear set of ideas of social and economic revolutions. He believed economy is the “rising tide that would lift all the boats”. Evidently, he emerged as the most expositor of developmental policy, which served the nation well.   He was able to build something unique, to prove that the EPRDF’s grand social and economic experiment was not a mere idealistic dreaming, but a concrete reality. He induced the motion of the trajectory of economic development and social security. As a result, set the country upon a new course and restored Ethiopian’s confidence in themselves - Which my friend is his grand achievement.   As a party leader: in a political world with too many players of poor character, crooked boosters, charlatans and craven leaders, Meles was the model of success with honor. He knew that, in politics, men play games, but game well played makes good men of them. He believed in forming not just good team, but good men and women.   His strategic management was mastery of every phase. Yet, so unassuming and free of egotism was Meles, that like a great circus performer, it was only obvious after he had left the stage haw brilliant his strategic conception, command decision and tactical initiatives had been.   His greatness also lies in his rare human qualities. He was an intellectual, but an autodidact, good humored even though some times morose and constantly under great strain, utterly ethical but never a prude nor above a modest political ruse.   Despite witnessing multitude of social problems, the horrors of war, he was never worn down. He was only saddened and never angry at the many betrayals and disappointments he endured.   His profound sympathetic personality, the nobility of his causes and astounding virtuosity as a states man explains, Meles’s immense, universal and permanent prestige. Yes, he was all that. That is why the news of his death shook the nation and the continent – like an off-key to conclude a brilliant symphony.    In a nutshell; this is not to suggest Meles was perfect, just better than anyone else.     God bless his soul.