I wanted to share this true story that occurred this evening with all of those in WS. I, unfortunately, cannot convey in words the emphasis and power of what someone told me tonight, but I will try.
I took a cab home from Downtown Seattle this evening. My cab driver was an African American gentleman with a gentle accent. Once we began our drive to West Seattle, the man asked me where I came from. I stated that I spent the past 3 days in Portland, OR for work. The man then stated that he just returned from vacation to the United States. I asked him where he went. The man stated that he just returned from Eastern Africa. I asked "Kenya"? He stated "No, Ethiopia". I was curious how far of a flight it was to Ethiopia and he stated approx. 27 hours, flying to Washington D.C to Rome to Ethiopia. After the man asked me about my travels, I circled back to Africa. I asked him why he chose to vacation there and he explained that it was his original home. The place his mother, father and other relatives still live. I asked him what it was like living in Ethiopia. Specifically, I asked "Is it really as bad as it is portrayed". His response was quick and poignant. "Yes and No", he stated. "You see, there aren't people dying all over from hunger like you see on TV. Ethiopia has very good people. Ethiopia is a pretty country in its own way. What is killing Ethiopians are guns and government". I was literally on the edge of my seat while we drove down 99. The man then spoke for the next 10 minutes about how he grew up as a boy witnessing government soldiers with bullhorns ordering people into the streets in support of Mengistu Mariam (someone I had never heard of in public school). Those that did not cheer were shot point blank in the head in the streets. Family members that cried or attempted to grieve over the bodies were either shot or arrested. The man went on to talk about how he believed he would have been shot because he refuses to eat his vegetables when his mother tells him....he certainly would not support an evil political figure. I was very stunned by his candid description of Ethiopia, but I asked him if he would ever move back for his family. He stated "No way". I could tell that my questions hit a nerve with this man, so I asked him if he had any children here in the United States. He smiled and stated that he had a 10 year old and an 8 year old and then quickly turned the conversation back to Ethiopia stating "My children are the reason I would never return. I don't want my children shot because they are educated. I don't want my children forced to support a corrupt system. And, I don't want my children fearing for their lives. I want my children to grow up in the United States. This is the best country in the world". I really felt this man's angst and jubilation. Then I decided to ask a rather lively question. I asked him if this is such a great country, then why do so many people dislike the United States right now? He laughed at me and asked me "Who doesn't like the United States"? I stated to him that supposedly, we are a revered country right now, pushing our will on the world and our President is supposedly not liked. He turned back to me and looked me in the eye and asked me "How many people are laying on the streets dead from George Bush? How many people are being forced to support George Bush with guns in their faces? You tell me who hates the United States"? I stated that in my opinion, most of the people that dislike the United States are right here in the U.S. His response is that those people are stupid because they have it too good. He stated that people in the United States have no idea what the definition of corruption is. I ended the conversation in front of my house and thanked him for his feedback. I told him that I hope him and his children have a wonderful life in the United States. I also told them that I truly would enjoy the opportunity to visit Ethiopia and I really meant it.
Just something I wanted to share with those of you that think our country is bad, our leaders are bad and that the rest of the world dislikes us. Many of you might trivialize this mans opinion because he was "only a cab driver", but if you saw his face when he stated he saw people shot in the head as a 7 year old boy you would retract that.
Despite what you might think today, our country and our leaders create more opportunity than any other country or leaders in the world. Our country and our leaders do more good for the world than any other countries or leaders. And our country and our leaders promote the best form of government that has ever existed in history.
The next time you criticize our leaders or our country, please think of that cab driver.
Perspective is everything.
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West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Blog
