In late modernity all public activities, especially those promoted and implemented by states and their bureaucrats have become rather boring, putting it mildly. The callousness and phoniness that characterizes politically organized entities have managed to alienate the global sheeple (human mass) to a point where there seems to be no return. Even when the status quo claims victory on certain issues, vis-a-vis the desire of the mass, these so called victories always leave lingering aftertastes that are not always palatable. Sincerity has become anathema to politicos and bureaucrats, at all levels. As a result, the sheeple is left with no other choice, but to harbor heightened resentments towards the elites and their organizations across the planet!
The case of France is a very clear example of what is unfolding in late modernity. The upheaval of the French, which has been going on for over a year, is not to be dismissed lightly. Crony capitalism propped up by the ideology of neoliberalism has lost all credibility, at least amongst those who have earn their keeps. See Graham’s and Escobar’s articles on page 38. Admittedly, decades of brainwashing by various establishment institutions, not excluding the family, has zombified the large majority of the global sheeple. Stifled thinking brought about by the intentional mental suffocation of the global order cannot augur well when the time comes for humanity to face formidable real challenges. And real challenges are now brewing below the surface, all over the world. Generalized conflicts and hot wars might present themselves as results of our elites’ misguided policies involving, amongst other things, migration, trade wars, polarizing globalization, covert and overt colonization, etc. Our callous meddling with the natural world will also have severe consequences. While all these scenarios are gradually unfolding, our so-called leaders, not only political, spend their time superficially pontificating about matters that have no real substance in the scheme of things. Just look at the theatrics that is going on in the capital of a country that is considered the leader of the Western world!
As if that is not enough of a comedy, we also have a continuous parody here in the periphery. We waste our precious time wallowing in a world that is neither here nor there. We wrongly assume that we will still have an opportunity to achieve a standard of living that currently exists in the west. When serious analysis is applied on these foolish sentiments, all the envisioned dreams tend to disappear into nightmares. For example, where are we going to get the cheap energy/non-renewable resources that will propel us to such an extravagant and wasteful life style? With polite dummies, silence is the preferred answer to such inconvenient queries. On the other hand, situation can become quite explosive when dealing with individuals who think they have the mental prowess of a genius. Understandably, those who are less secured in their wisdom and intelligence will daftly parrot what they have been told by their masters, rather furiously. Therefore, caution must be exercised in dealing with such mental midgets. Unfortunately even mere learned knowledge (of the very basic types) has become a rare commodity in our dependence craving ‘make believe’ continent! To our hyphenated elites who seriously lack anchoring values/essence, independent attitude and self-respect have lost their meanings!
Late modernity is characterized by parasitic accumulation in the sphere of material reproduction, compliment of crony capitalism. In the realm of generalized culture, it is narcissistic alienation that has taken the reign. Instead of social orientations that should encourage cohesive family formations, we have managed to institute the crass culture of the privileged elites who only know how to spew unfulfilling temporal gratifications devoid of any meaningful purpose. Only the genuinely sick can relate to such soul draining existence! Humanity cannot exist without purpose, however mundane that purpose might seem to the alienated. Social reproduction itself is one of the major driving forces of collective existence. But all these are now relegated to the backburner, so to speak. No wonder why Caitlin is in such a convulsive mood about the whole mess! See her article next column.
The global mass has lost confidence when it comes to the intentions and deeds of the manipulative elites. At the same time, the elites do not want to understand the predicaments of the mass. The elites surmise that they can get by with effective lies. What the elites don’t get however, is this. ‘Insecurity is always weakness; sincerity even in error is strength.’ (George hennery Lewes) “I want to be remembered as someone who is sincere. Even if I made mistakes, they were made in sincerity. If I was wrong I was wrong in sincerity. I can deal with a person who was wrong, as long as he was sincere.” Malcolm X. Good Day!
SINCERITY SEVERED
Space is the limit
“Space is the limit” were the words of Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Tian Jian at a press conference held on 27th December 2019 at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Referring to the launch of the first China-assisted, Ethiopian satellite ETRSS-1 as one of the many successes between the two countries, Ambassador Tian expressed his optimism in bilateral relations between Ethiopia and China in 2019 and excitement for the potential of 2020, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Ethiopia diplomatic ties.
The Ambassador said that 2019 saw the commencement of the China-aided Beautifying Sheger Project, as well as continued growth for the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway. Industrial parks along the Ethiopia-Djibouti Corridor reached an export volume of 110 million USD with a year-on-year increase of 35%.
Furthermore, China’s international e-commerce giant, Alibaba Group, established the Digital Trade Hub in Ethiopia to grow its digital economy. 
Agriculture has been a paramount focus for China and will continue to be, the Ambassador said. The introduction of bamboo as a resource to exploit was mentioned during the press conference, with the ambassador stating that bamboo resources can be utilized to “reduce poverty and help grow the economy.”
“This is an important sector and we are committed to working closely with Ethiopia and we hope that we can make a difference,” said Ambassador Tian.
In healthcare, China is sprouting the Center of Disease Control headquarter for Africa, in Addis Ababa and considering the commencement of the Malaria Curbing Project in Ethiopia.
As for the coming year, Ambassador Tian mentioned the potential for growth in many sectors, namely healthcare, agriculture, tourism, investment and trade.
“For both China and Ethiopia, 2020 would be a historic year.”
Lawyers want time before arbitration rules change
Lawyers are concerned about the quick implementation of the arbitration law despite its big role in motivating foreign investment by increasing the confidence of investors, importers & exporters because it encourages them to deliver quality products.
Daneil Kebkab commercial lawyer applauds the ratification.
“It really benefits the country as it attracts more investment by increasing investors’ confidence However, lack of skilled manpower, experience and resources delayed implementing the law.
Ethiopia’s engagement has improved quality of products and increased competitiveness.
According to the expert, currently many senior lawyers are appointed as arbitrators with no formal training in the field which hurts Ethiopian businesspeople.
The current trend in case of arbitration institution is linked to Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce that strives to provide a forum for those who prefer institutional arbitration although there have been a few instances where an arbitration clause is stipulated in a contract but has not been fully relied on by the parties to the dispute.
For Daniel, a dispute resolution mechanism should take into account not only local needs but the needs and aspirations of foreign investors as well as regional integration and standards.
The success of arbitration is a function of several components such as an enabling legal framework, qualified and dependable human resources and the institutional support needed to make it functional.
“Regrettably, Ethiopia does not currently have any of those components for the effective utilization of arbitration or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Disputes are inevitable and the State has an obligation to provide an efficient and credible forum for dispute resolution while lawyers have professional obligations in helping their clients to choose the most appropriate means of resolving differences,” said Tewodros Mihretu, another lawyer in the field states favorably tend to recognize arbitral awards rendered in other countries with the objective of avoiding continued harassment against the defendant, waste of time, money and effort and with the view to promoting international investment and trade.
“The ratification of arbitrary law in this regards, may sideline those business people who engaged in mixing up low quality products out of the market and encourage better business,” Daniel adds.
The bill already has been tabled to the parliament for ratification after by the Council of Ministers approved it last week.
Passport slowdown means more corruption
The long wait for renewing passports has opened room for brokers, dealers and government employees to take bribes in order to speed up the process of getting a passport.
People are being asked to pay up to 50,000 birr as a bribe for a new passport. Normally a passport costs 600 birr.
According to Capital sources, the case is more serious for individuals who want to renew their passport for business. They will be asked for up to 100,000 birr by the dealers who have contact with the agency employees and will get their passport renewed within five days.
Wendowessen (his name is changed for privacy) is a business man who has license in the import and export business and frequently travels to China and Dubai, Waiting for more than five months puts him out of the game, so he chooses to go beyond the curtain to get his passport renewed.
“The agency has no alternate procedures for business people who are engaged in import and export which encourages people to break the law,” said a Capital source.
Under normal circumstance, it takes two months to get a new passport through normal procedures, which costs 600 Birr for 32 pages and 900 Birr for a 64-page passport. However, applicants can get their passport expedited to between three and five days after paying 2,186 birr.
For individuals who need to go abroad for medical purposes, they should get a document from the medical board to get the service.
Though there is less magnitude, the long waits are also observed in Adama, Semera, Dire Dawa, Jigjiga, Hawassa, Jimma, Dessie, Bahir Dar and Mekelle,
“The agency is trying to alleviate the existing problems still we are importing passports and the shortage of hard currency complicates the problem,” said Desalegn Teressa, Communication Director.
The Agency, was issuing an average of 2,000 passports daily. Previously, any individual with a kebele identification card and birth certificate can obtain a passport from the agency, as long as they present documents from the government institution as a letter of recommendation, Individuals with medical case, for individuals who have active visa, and for individuals who engage in import-export trade. It will not take more than a week.
