Millennium Fears-present and future

Perceptions change with the passage of time. Opinions vary according to erae, place and levels of maturity and this is the beauty of the human condition. The issue of the new Ethiopian Millennium when first raised, drew conflicting viewpoints regarding the wisdom of holding such an event, based on several factors.
The celebration of the third Ethiopian Millennium was heavily overshadowed by the prevailing political situation particularly in Addis Ababa – which had its elected representatives jailed and facing severe punishment including up to the death penalty. This cloud was itself borne out of one of the brightest moments in Ethiopian political history – the ground breaking 2005 elections which had promised so much but delivered so little. It is not an exaggeration therefore to conclude that the celebration’s relative successs has much to do with the drama of the release of the CUD detainees and others.
Another severely impacting factor dwelling in the collective psyche was the unrelenting upward spiral in the cost of living which made talk of any grandiose celebration pure folly and that the celebration would spike up prices beyond the just bearable. This it turns out was a well founded fear as we should all know with bitter experience.

Initially, the public responded with lackluster enthusiasm as many thought that wholehearted support was somehow a betrayal of their political view. These feelings have mostly faded although there is still some well founded apprehension in regard to the post millennium eve charm offensive by the government. Many wonder if it’s a hollow exercise or a genuine change of heart.

What were your fears regarding the millennium hoopla?

You know, if someone had asked me my opinion regarding this new millennium hoopla even two months ago, I would have told you to go mind your business. Now, after September 2000 E.C. I feel almost completely positive about it and believe that the celebration was and will remain important. My personal fear for the present is that the rising high cost of living in the country will eat into the public goodwill the new millennium has generated.

Abiy, Engineer

I had no fear during the lead up to the new millennium because after all, what could possibly go wrong when people celebrate?

Ephrem – Student

I was so scared of terrorist acts that I stayed home all through the eve watching live broadcasts of the three concert venues. Today, I regret having missed such an historic moment in my life because of vague threats by crazy criminals.

Mellese – Baker

The possibility of an act of terror by anti-Ethiopian forces did not keep me from enjoying a great new Millennium – I’m still glowing ! However, I can’t make up my mind whether the abundance of security forces was a good thing or not as many some people were afraid of so much security in every corner.

Sharon, Secretary

It seems this new millennium has softened the hearts of the P.M. and government officials. There are small signs that things may turn out well after all. It is this itself that is worrying many people is this cheerful face genuine or just painted on for the celebrations?

Demisie, Retiree

What fears? Personally, I was anxious only that the SMS service wouldn’t be switched off again after the holiday. As it turns out, its still on and I am texting like mad!

Sara, Homemaker

My greatest fear was that there would not be pardons for convicted criminals that have served many years of their sentences. One such is my favorite uncle who had been imprisoned for several years. I can not begin to describe the joy in our family when he was released by pardon. This is already the best year in my life!

Nebiat, Student

I’m glad to be asked this question by a reputable newspaper that I feel is contributing its due share in promoting the true purpose of good journalism, employ the right of free speech to foster national and societal development. Having said that, could the press be raising issues that do not exist? i.e, past and present fears about the new millennium?

Beruk – Contractor

Tesfu Telahoun