Captain America Boot Covers
Birtukan Mideksa
Birtukan Midekssa sentenced to life imprisonment by a vengeful dictator but unbeaten.
Birtukan thrown into the dungeon of wrath and tears but challenging.
Birtukan beaten, beaten and bloodied, but unbowed.
Birtukan mocked, ridiculed and disrespected, but graceful.
Birtukan denounced, vilified strong-armed and ill-treated, but without fear.
Ethiopia under the boots crushing soldiers of fortune.
Birtukan, Invictus!
Ethiopia Invictus!
Birtukan Mideksa
I remember the December 29, 2008. Almost a year ago, for the day, the leader of the political party the only woman in the history of 3000 years Ethiopia has been kidnapped and mistreated in prison. Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, founder and former president of the Human Rights Council of Ethiopia, was an eyewitness to the crime. He told VOA that he was having a conversation with another person and Birtukan out of an office building, when four officers checked vehicles invaded the scene. About 10 armed men came and surrounded Birtukan. They grabbed and dragged her into one of vehicles. One of the bandits savagely attacked the teacher almost 80 years, with the butt of his rifle. In seconds, was taken to Birtukan Kality infamous prison, and Professor to the hospital.
The facts that preceded the abduction of street Birtukan are not in dispute. On December 10, 2008, the 'Federal Police' sent two District 12 officers to Birtukan order to reach his office. She began to think he probably wanted to talk about his political party. He wanted to talk about forgiveness resulted in his release from prison in 2007. She questioned his authority to question her about it. He mocked her and she left. On December 24, 2008, the "commissioner" ordered her to appear at his office and gave him an ultimatum: withdraw a statement she made in Sweden reportedly denied receiving a pardon, or face immediate arrest.
Birtukan never denied receiving forgiveness. In Sweden, where she would have denied the pardon called in a speech to a small group of supporters, it only explained the legal and political circumstances surrounding the granting of pardon. In Q'ale (My Testimony), his last statement public issued two days before his abduction, she made a full recognition of forgiveness called:
"I did not deny signing the document that the elders persuaded them to sign on June 22, 2006 in favor of national reconciliation. How could it be said that I denied a document that I signed the pardon, and whose contents I accept? How is that a crime? Where is the error?
The fact of the matter is that Birtukan was granted a pardon of a false crime of which he was convicted by false in a kangaroo court. How to Tell if 'any excuse will do the tyrant, "Zenawi and the claim that he Birtukan arrested because she refused to receive forgiveness only is an insult to their own intelligence. The real reason has to do with the inability to run in the 2010 elections, and frustrate their efforts to build a broad coalition of political parties in opposition to his dictatorship. No doubt he takes his immediate challenge as a personal slight.
But who is Midekksa Birtukan? Dictator Zenawi not long ago characterized the proverbially his rubberstamp parliament as chicken faddish who hanged himself. If we go into metaphors to describe the animal, it is best characterized as a lion, fighting the hyenas. She has always defined herself as an ordinary woman irrevocably committed to the rule of law, freedom, democracy and human rights. They understand their opponents. Days before his abduction, said Abiy Teklemariam journalist, founder and editor of the independent weekly Addis Neger (which recently doubled after a war of ruthless dictatorship over the independent press in Ethiopia):
"You have to know that they are paper tigers. They are weak, but wants to appear strong. They think caging a woman with a three year old daughter, who lives under their supervision firm every day demonstrates his toughness … They force making people hostage to their family and social commitments. They are forced to choose between freedom and family. "
So who wants to know Birtukan real, the answer is simple. She is the Lioness of Ethiopia who chose, without hesitation, freedom on the family, the country most children, and above all, Mother Ethiopia on the mother who gave birth. She is an Ethiopian woman of integrity, humility, conviction, principle and intellect. It is an honor and a special privilege for me to pay tribute to this extraordinary woman and remarkable Ethiopian political leader on the first anniversary of their unjust imprisonment.
I believe that every nation is blessed by Providence as an individual who embodies their suffering and their pain, their present situation and its future greatness. Such an individual evolves to become a transformative leader to guide a lost and desperate nation out of the darkness of strife and conflict for the sun of freedom, equality and democracy. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela sutured the racially and ethnically divided politics of the body of South African and led his people into a democracy multiparty successfully. In India, Mahatma Gandhi to free his country from the scourge of colonialism with nothing in their hands, but the love in your heart and non-violent resistance in every fiber of your body. In the U.S., Martin Luther King seared the consciousness of Americans and helped defeat the twin demons of racism and discrimination. In Burma (Myanmar), Aung San Suu Kyi has languished in prison for years, but for all Burmese, it stands as a beacon of hope and redemption. The Ethiopia is blessed to have Birtukan Midekssa who now languishes in jail to face a cruel and barbaric dictator. She gave up its desire for personal liberty that its people could one day live in freedom and enjoy the blessings of democracy.
Birtukan met on September 9, 2007, when he arrived at Dulles Airport near Washington, DC, leading a delegation of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (Kinijit) leaves for North America. I had the honor of chairing an informal meeting in America North Coordinating Committee for the delegation which included Dr. Berhanu Nega, Dr. Hailu Araya, Ato Gizachew Shiferraw and Ato Brook Kebede. His reception at Dulles is now the stuff of legend. Thousands of Ethiopians, and proved that filled the cavernous airport. A special detail of the airport was assigned to handle the crowd. The procession headed for the hotel was several miles long. In the nearly half century of the existence of the airport, nothing so historic, spectacular and triumphant had never been witnessed. It was a September to remember.
From the moment I met and Birtukan delegation was impressed by his humility, simplicity, integrity, actuality and optimism about the future of Ethiopia. Many Ethiopians were pleasantly surprised to see a woman as leader of the delegation important. Many Birtukan those who met the following weeks deepened his respect and appreciation when they saw that she has a "good head and a [good heart who] are always a formidable combination "in a leader, like Mandela once observed. In private and in public statements and speeches, she does not live in the past, but showed intense concern and optimism for the future of Ethiopia. Remarkably, she never showed any bitterness or animosity towards those who unjustly imprisoned and persecuted her for almost two years.
Who is afraid of Birtukan Midekssa? Birtukan maxim is, "Ethiopia is the country's future." Dictators do not have Birtukan fear, but they are terrified of what she represents: bright future of Ethiopia. Birtukan represents the unity of all Ethiopians and stands against hate ethnic division and discord. Petrified that their captors. As Mandela dreamed "of an Africa that is at peace with itself, the dreams of a Birtukan Ethiopia in peace and harmony with itself. This sends shivers down the spines of those who have held it. Birtukan resources for the youth of Ethiopia, representing more than 70 percent of the population. His appeal is universal youth dictators shake in their boots. Birtukan is firm in upholding the rule of law, the "Constitution of Ethiopia, freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and accountability. This causes her tormentors in a panic. Ethiopia is the country's future, is the star Birtukan Bright rising over the horizon of the future.
Birtukan is in prison, but she is the freest people across Ethiopia. She rose to dictatorship and not retreat. They threw everything at it. They kept in solitary confinement hoping she would go mad in isolation. They denied her visitation with his lawyers believe that she will forget their fundamental human rights and constitutional. They denied his books, radio and newspapers, thinking that she'll feel lost in the dark. They would interrupt visits from his family before ending up exchanging smiles, hugs and kisses with her mother and daughter, hoping to crush her emotionally. They would not allow their friends and colleagues to visit her, hoping she will feel abandoned and forgotten. They played all the games dirty psychological humiliation, abuse and provoke it, and they thought they would break their spirit, weaken their resolve and their plunge into the depths of despair and sadness. They did not spare anything to make her believe that she will suffer and die alone in prison. But Birtukan survives, and she will survive and prevail. Imprisonment for a true leader is like a fire steel. Prison is the strongest political prisoner and firmly decided.
Mandela said: "In my country, go to prison first and then become president. "I will argue that Birtukan is only doing what is required of all great leaders, before being called to service in the service of his country. When Mandela was sentenced to life, not wasting his time in prison weeping over his fate, instead he used his time to prepare for his future mission leadership to bring all South Africans together. It is the natural occupation of all the great leaders of political prisoners use their time in prison to prepare for the functions solemn that await them. I have no doubt that Birtukan're doing it now. But political prisoners are the last survivors. As Mandela said, is a condition essential for the survival of the political prisoner to believe it will be good for the final triumph over evil. Mandela was written off for decades by his captors, but his name was on the tip of the tongue of every freedom-loving South African. Mandela was in prison that he learned to understand and even sympathize with his persecutors hate. He perfected their negotiating skills in prison and developed infinite patience and perseverance in his quest for equality and justice for all in South Africa As Mandela Birtukan is undergoing necessary training in prison before she is called to perform their solemn duties of the state.
Birtukan not see the fight for freedom, democracy and human rights as an effort to short-term. She knows that in every fiber of your body that will take time and enormous effort to clean the poison of ethnic politics of Ethiopian society. She knows she will not be easy to establish and practice the rule of law in a land that has suffered so long under the belief immoral power makes right. Birtukan believes it will take a huge effort to build working coalitions, partnerships and alliances to forge a multiparty political system strong. She knows she will take all the youth of Ethiopia to build bridges from north to south and east-west. Birtukan but also knows she will be ready for these challenges when is called to report for duty.
In her recent diatribe on Birtukan, Zenawi said that she became the proverbial chicken faddish believe that powerful people in the West get her out of jail quickly. The dictator apparently believes that Birtukan is "a very dear" to the west and steal the limelight from him. The fact is that Birtukan never put much pressure on diplomats or the West to help her personally, or produce a fundamental change in Ethiopia. Although he understood the need for build international support community, she knew very well that all the heavy lifting should be done by Ethiopians:
"I thought that was a diplomatic battle important part of nonviolent struggle. In politics, as they say, a week is too long. I learned my lessons. This is our fight. We ask them to join the struggle for freedom and justice. We ask them to live up to their rhetoric and supposed creed. But we do not ask them. This is our fight, not theirs. They came running when they think they think we win this … We have to stop overestimating its value … They like winners. They have strategic goals that Winners can only help them achieve. We must show them that we are winners, not beggars.
Zenawi is apoplectic at the mention of Birtukan name. His hackles go up and he could barely contain his anger and antipathy toward her. Taking a chapter from the book of the dictator of Myanmar, General Than Shwe, said recently at a press conference, "There will never be an agreement with anyone to release Birtukan. Ever. full stop. This is a dead issue. On this point, it is right. As Mandela said, "Only free men (and women free) can negotiate, prisoners can not enter into contracts. Birtukan is a political prisoner and can not negotiate an agreement "for your freedom. She never beg for their freedom." Ever. Full stop. "Period!
Do not cry by Birtukan, Ethiopia! "The truth is that she never left you. She kept her promise. Do not keep your distance. Dictators will do anything to break his spirit, torment of his body and make your life in prison, a hell. Mandela told his tormentors Apartheid, "You may succeed in arrears, but never to prevent the transition South Africa to democracy. "Dictators can succeed Birtukan in prison and thousands of others as long as you want and victimize and dehumanize them, but they never, never, be able to keep the ethnically fragmented Ethiopia and its people at war with each other so they can cling to power. Neither will be able to definitively eliminate the triumph of freedom, democracy and human rights that the old lands.
On a personal note, thank Birtukan for inspiring me and many others like me to be involved in struggle for human rights and democracy in the country of our birth. The courage of his convictions refreshes us each day as a pure mountain spring water. For all Midekssa Birtukan made and attempted, and in the spirit of eternal gratitude, I dedicate to him the poem by William Ernest Henley, "Invictus" (Undefeated). Nelson Mandela had this poem written on a piece of paper that he kept in his cell to elevate your spirit during the long years of incarceration. I hope this poem will elevate the spirit as much as he did Mandela is Birtukan.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank the gods can be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the blows of chance
My head bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, I fear.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am master of my fate:
I am captain of my soul.
Birtukan, stay strong! The night, "covering" you will not last forever. Darkness always turns into light.
See more on Birtukan Mideksa
About the Author
For latest Ethiopian news, visit Abesha Bunna Bet.
Captain America and the cylinder of death part 1
|
|
Adult Captain America Costume $59.84 Captain America Costume includes shiny red, white, and blue dress, matching red lame gloves and boot covers, and silver captin American style eye mask. Please note Shield not included but sold seperatly. This is an officially licensed Captain America ™ product. This Sexy Adult Costume is available in Adult Sizes Small (4-6), Medium (8-10) and a Large (12-14). Made of 100% Polyester. Care Instructions: Hand wash cold separately. Do not bleach. Line dry. Cool iron if necessary. Do not dry clean. |
|
|
Adult Captain America Costume $59.84 Captain America Costume includes shiny red, white, and blue dress, matching red lame gloves and boot covers, and silver captin American style eye mask. Please note Shield not included but sold seperatly. This is an officially licensed Captain America ™ product. This Sexy Adult Costume is available in Adult Sizes Small (4-6), Medium (8-10) and a Large (12-14). Made of 100% Polyester. Care Instructions: Hand wash cold separately. Do not bleach. Line dry. Cool iron if necessary. Do not dry clean. |
|
|
Adult Captain America Costume $59.84 Captain America Costume includes shiny red, white, and blue dress, matching red lame gloves and boot covers, and silver captin American style eye mask. Please note Shield not included but sold seperatly. This is an officially licensed Captain America ™ product. This Sexy Adult Costume is available in Adult Sizes Small (4-6), Medium (8-10) and a Large (12-14). Made of 100% Polyester. Care Instructions: Hand wash cold separately. Do not bleach. Line dry. Cool iron if necessary. Do not dry clean. |
|
|
Adult Captain America Costume – Marvel’s Captain America Costumes $26.51 Adult Captain America Costume This Captain America Costume includes the superhero jumpsuit and the mask. Shield and boot covers sold separately. AMER27-MS46 |