Thread by @segenyan

“መስመር እዩ ሃይልና” I have taken this phrase to mean VALUES are what we stand for and builds our PRINCIPLES as #Tegaru. Similarly “መከተ” is protecting it from any oppressors that tries to disrupt it.
But now am asking what are our values and principles? 1/13

To put a working definition for this two words, I will quote the book “Principles” which explain them as, “Your values are what you consider important and they define who you want to be. However, they are not practical to use when you are faced with tough decisions. 2/13

Principles on the other hand are what allow you to live a life consistent with those value. Your principles need to reflect values you really believe in or the cognitive dissonance will overwhelm you.”

Therefore, my assumption is … 3/13

throughout history like any part of humanity, #Tegaru have been in a constant battle from oppressors at each level of evolution. We struggled against those who wanted to treat our people like objects to be possessed and see our freedom as threatening to their existence. 4/13

Even if there was a time where their dominance over our people made us alienate from ourselves and begin to see them as better, we have always found our way back. 4/13

Therefore the freedom movements steamed out of this by understanding the very nature of our oppressors, building grassroots organizations and through constant dialogue with the people developing firm principles and values. 5/13

Since oppressors use anti-dialogical action to protect their power and separate groups of people, our freedom leaders used the Principles of meaningful dialogue which was an act of “love, humility, and faith” in their people to deliver it out of its oppression. 6/13

This was then coupled with concrete actions to change it, including armed struggles. And the people never failed to be part of it whenever called upon as they believed in the Values!

Now after facing a crisis and መከተ … 7/13

I would say its this generation’s responsibility to refresh its memories and incorporate new Principles as its Values as Society or Individual have been put to test. 8/13

We need to reflect on how to continue to value Life and liberty? How to uphold Truth and radical transparency? How to be disgusted of corruption and seek Accountability? Where to set the standards for open and meaningful dialogue? 9/13

Ask if inclusiveness is in our culture, if not how to insure a system? More of how to bring Women wisdom, Youth energy and alternative ideas and personality to the front? 10/13

It’s critical to always revisit if we are in line with our values and set out working principles with hope, mutual trust, and critical thinking amongst the people who should be in dialogue constantly with leaders so we can arrive at thoughts and concrete actions together. 11/13

Hopefully this process will help us arrive at cooperation, unity, and cultural synthesis and leave us better organized to defend any oppressor from near or far. 12/13

Otherwise …
Anti communication & transparency, paternalistic or patriarchal methods are of the oppressors to conquest, divide and rule, through manipulation, which is against any freedom fighters Values and Principles. 13/13