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When I started voicing my views against ONLF�s barbarism (Abole massacre) and shown anger towards its Eritrea coordinated destructive policy (sowing tribalism, spreading hatred, and upsetting development projects) so all Somali-Ethiopians could know the true colors of ONLF, I anticipated that all peace-loving Somali-Ethiopians would welcome this act of public duty while ONLF supporters would disagree in civilized way. Thus, far my critics have employed such tactics as mudslinging, character assassination, misinformation and out right lies.

I expected these. After all, we have the right to free speech, however, most of these critics have not yet get it. It is not for hire and it is not to defend the indefensible, those who lay landmines and roadblocks on public roads to disrupt the lives of millions of Somali-Ethiopians so to please the terrorist associated dictator in Asmara, Issaias Afwerki. Therefore, I have heeded the age old saying that: �if you can not stand the heat, don�t come into the kitchen.� I am in the kitchen now and I invite my critics to �bring it on.�

I welcome criticisms, of the constructive variety, because I know that it can only make me better. I have, therefore, thrown on the armor necessary to absorb all of the blows, different kinds of criticisms. Now that these blows have been coming fast and furiously, I am compelled to respond now and then later, should it be necessary. The criticisms have come via a several ways including ONLF affiliated websites, Hanqadh.com, Qorahey.com, emails and messengers. Generally, all of these ONLF supporters have made the allegation that I have received thousands of dollars from the local government of Somali Regional State.

Another criticism is that I am a stooge of the president of Somali Regional State, His Excellency, Abdullahi Hassan. Well, no apologies. President Abdullahi is democratically elected political figure, who truly loves his people. I am honored to be associated with him as well as his administration. Having said that, I have never ever benefited materially from association with president Abdullahi or his administration, as my critics would like to believe. No gifts from anyone. I do not seek charity from any man or woman.

My critics say that I am emotional when talking about ONLF. Here again, I cannot be any less emotional. The brutality of ONLF in Somali Regional State does make me angry. I know that Somali Regional State is not poor but impoverished. It is the expired mentality of 1960s and the cruel disregard of the current world change by ONLF that is responsible. The people in Somali Regional State cannot afford to waste the current opportunity, an opportunity they were denied by both Emperor Haile Selassie and dictator Mingeste, which they have today as a people to build their region, thanks to EPRDF and the leadership of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

I know that these criticisms are intended to scare me into submission. This is an effort in futility. I do think and believe that it is the fundamental obligation of anyone who cares the plight of Somali-Ethiopians to undertake measures that seek the end of ONLF-Eritrean destructive coordination in Somali Regional State.

Now, ONLF (with even its Issaias), bring out your attack dogs. I have thrown on the armor. I will absorb the blows and I will fight back with every ounce of energy within me. No, I will not back off and I owe all peace-loving Somali-Ethiopians no less. I repeat, here for all to understand, we cannot and should not allow to lose the precious opportunity handed to us by EPRDF, we will build on what we got and make Somali Regional State a prosperous, given our oil and gas.

Abdullahi Khalif-Gariile
[email protected]