Organizing for America | Vinette Pryce's Blog: One month later --The world is friendlier

One month later --The world is friendlier

By Pryceless - Feb 24th, 2009 at 6:50 am EST

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I just returned from Istanbul, Turkey and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and I cannot resist bragging about the Change I witnessed as an American travelling through these destinations. Two years ago, I enountered hatred from Eritreans and Ethiopions who told me that while they liked me personally, they hated America. The individuals who snarled the message had been personally roused by America's disregard for their people. After talking at length with a few women, I was able to explain the difference between the people and the politics that define foreign policy. I had flown directly to Addis Ababa to celebrate their millenium on Sept. 11, 2007. Although i understood the rage that incited these women who vented, I vowed not to return to the Abysinnia I so musch wanted to explore. This latest opportunity presented itself to me with a an inaugural concert in Bahir Dar billed "Reggae By The Nile." Slated for Valentine's Day, I could not resist testing the temperament of the people who two years ago spewed bile at the USA. Still on a high since the historic Jan. 20, 2009 inauguration events I attended -- the African Inaugural Ball, the USVI Inaugural Ball, voluneering at RFK Stadium, the Lincoln Memorial Concert, the MLK Day celebration hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton -- I wore my Barack Obama hoodie, sported 'Hope' buttons and prominently displayed my paraphernia. Needless to say, from departure on Turkish Airlines I was greeted with smiles and acknowledgement. In an Istanbul bookshop I noticed books peened by the 44th president of the US selling like Turkish delights. Ethiopia abounded with Obama goodwill. Children greeted me "Obama" as if the word meant 'hello." I had to relinquish all of my display to generous individuals who pleaded for something Obama. I was only too happy to part with 20 Obama buttons, stickers, posters, keychains, pins, and books I had purchased prior to travelling. The warm reception, optimism and eagerness to hear about the inauguration is hard to explain. Everyone told me how they monitored the election. I was told screens were erected in all of the major venues. In Addis was understable. It is the capital city and I could well understand the Sheraton Hotel hosting a gala watch party. But in Bahir Dar, a remote city resting at the mouth of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile, there was an Obama Cafe. One month after the elections, a sign prominently displays the image of the newly-installed 44th president of the United States. Upstairs, posters offering 'change' 'hope' 'progress' and 'victory' don the walls. I could not help ask what had transpired on Nov. 4th, 2008. "We had a big party, we watched TV and we celebrated," I was told over and over. I gave the owner a poster of the president and the first lady dancing at the Neighborhood Ball. The smile I was returned will stay with me forever. Although I don't speak their native Amharic, I completely comprehend that they too know Change is here. Only one month later and the world seems friendlier.

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