ETHIOPIAN-AMERICANS and FRIENDS of ETHIOPIA in

OKLAHOMA for H.R. 2003

Mr. John Collison

State Director

Senator James Inhofe

1900 NW Expressway, Suite 1210

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Re:      Senator James Inhofe’s Refusal to meet with HR 2003’s stakeholders in Ethiopia

Dear Mr. John Collison,

We are very disappointed to learn of the cancellation of the meeting you arranged for December 11, 2007, 1:30 PM, at the meeting held your office on November 29, 2007, which was also attended by state Senator Connie N. Johnson (D-Oklhaoma).

At the December 11, 2007, meeting, we were eagerly awaiting to learn why Senator Inhofe refused to meet with the following individuals and/or organizations that are the stakeholders holders in H.R. 2003, the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007”.

1)       ETHIOPIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION ( 2 individuals)

2)       FAMILIES THAT HAD MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES MASSACRED IN JUNE/NOVEMBER 2005  (9 individuals)

3)       INDIVIDUALS THAT WERE INJURED BY GUNSHOT IN

     JUNE/NOVEMBER 2005 (6 individuals)

4)       OPPOSITION PARTY LEADERS (6 individuals)

5)       JOURNALISTS IMPRISONED AFTER THE MAY 2005 ELECTIONS (3 individuals )

6)        PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE (2 individuals)

As you know, we handed Ms. Jane Hightower, office manager, the following letter which she subsequently gave to Senator James Inhofe before he departed the U.S. on November 26, 2007:

“We have learned from your office that you will be traveling to Ethiopia in the near future. In your recent statements, you said that that you maintain a personal friendship with Mr. Meles Zenawi and his wife. You have also indicated that you oppose H.R. 2003 because it will undermine U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn and thwart democratic reforms currently underway.

We would like to make a special request that during your visit in Ethiopia, you make an effort to meet with opposition party leaders and family members of the victims of the 2005 massacre. We believe that it is only fair that you hear at least both sides of the story before you make up your mind whether to oppose or support H.R. 2003.

There are always two sides on any issue, often more. In this case, there are those who support and oppose H.R. 2003. You have given much attention and credibility to those who oppose the bill. You have not heard or communicated with those who support the bill, or could benefit from the bill. That is why we are asking that you meet opposition leaders and victims’ families. By having such meetings, you will gain several advantages. First, the meetings will enable you to reach a fair conclusion based on consideration of all sides of the issues. You could ask them questions and tell them why you have taken a particular position. Perhaps you could change their minds, and they could change yours. But all could be better informed and achieve greater understanding through communication.

Second, if you communicate with the opposition leaders and victims’ families, your decision to support or oppose H.R. 2003 will be based on a clear conscience. If you decide to oppose the bill, all will know that you have done it out of principle and not political expediency. If you decide to support it, the same will obtain. But it is unfair.

Finally, by talking to the opposition leaders and victims’ families, you will know the truth. You will get a chance to learn first hand what happened to those individuals who were massacred, the suffering of their families, and the oppression of dissidents and opposition leaders in Ethiopia. And as John 8:32 says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

Please meet with opposition leaders and the victims’ families when you visit Ethiopia. Would you promise to give their side a fair hearing before you return from Ethiopia? 

The vast majority of Ethiopian-Americans who support the bill have been asking us; his constituents, how Senator Inhofe can, in clear conscience, oppose the bill after refusing to meet with the gross human rights abuses victims to whom H.R. 2003, the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007” is directed to?

WHY DOES SENATOR INHOFE REFUSE TO HEAR BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY BEFORE MAKING UP HIS MIND TO OPPOSE HR 2003? 

Your constituents, 

CC: State Senator Constance N. Johnson (D-Oklahoma) 

Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R.2003 ask fellow Ethiopian-Americans, to personally deliver this letter, fax and/or call Senator Inhofe and ask him to be FAIR ON HR 2003!!!

Washington, DC  Office:   (202) 224-4721 (tel);      ( 202 ) 228-0380 (fax)

453 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3602

Oklahoma City, OK Office:     (405) 608-4381 (tel);         (405) 608-4120 (fax)

1900 NW Expressway, Suite 1210,  Oklahoma City, OK 73118

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