by Kidane Alemayehu
Senator Obama’s basic electioneering slogan during his first presidential campaign was “change”. The battle-cry for his
second term election is “move forward.” What “change”? And “move forward” to what? Unfortunately, U.S. policy towards Ethiopia continues to perpetuate dictatorship and poverty in Ethiopia, with negative results for both countries. It is, therefore, time that Ethiopian-Americans wake up and utilize their voting rights for the benefit of the American and Ethiopian people!
With a population of over 90 million, vast water (supplies 86% of the water that cascades to Egypt), agricultural and mineral resources as well as having a significant geo-political importance, Ethiopia could generate huge benefits for the United States instead of being a dependent nation costing the American taxpayer at least a billion dollars annually mainly due to poor governance by the Ethiopian regime and an inappropriate U.S. policy.
For the hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian-American voters, what the U.S. President, Barack Obama, meant by “change” in the context of Ethiopia, is completely unclear. His policy statement on Africa, although predicated on America’s principles of democracy and respect for human rights, does not seem to go beyond the usual diplomatic rhetoric. It must, therefore, be noted, with great regret, that during President Obama’s first term as President, his policy towards Ethiopia was simply a continuation of the Bush policy of being complicit with the oppressive regime of Melles Zenawi who continues to operate with total impunity, afflicting the Ethiopian people with desperate poverty and gross abuse of human rights.
Consequently, Ethiopian-Americans repeatedly have been calling for an effective change in U.S. policy towards Ethiopia. Through public meetings, demonstrations, and petitions, they have been expressing their objections to the Obama administration’s foreign policy that appears focused solely on the usual myopic U.S. self-interest. Even ardent Ethiopian-American supporters of the U.S. President are still at a loss as to what he means by “change” and “move forward” in regards to Ethiopia. It appears that they supported him in good faith but were rudely surprised by the President’s total lack of interest in Ethiopia’s desperate situation. There is a pervasive perception that without any commitment at this stage, the good President is unlikely to give any priority to the desperate situation in Ethiopia marked by a lack of democracy, abuse of human rights, patent corruption, poverty, famine, and the prevalence of endemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB.
It is well known that the U.S. government policy towards Ethiopia has had disastrous consequences for the Ethiopian people. Just like the George W. Bush administration, the Obama administration continues to support a brutal regime that mandates a communist land use policy which has resulted in a famine that is afflicting over 12 million people. According to the U.S. State Department, the Ethiopian regime is one of the world’s worst perpetrators of human rights abuses. It is also one of the most corrupt governments in the world with the governing party owning and operating over 40 companies. In the corruption index, Ethiopia is 138th out of 177 countries. In the UNDP human development index, Ethiopia ranks 170th out of 177 nations.
By facilitating the Ethiopian regime’s invasion of Southern Somalia, despite the UN Security Council’s resolution to the contrary, the Bush administration set neighbor against neighbor in the Horn of Africa with dangerous consequences for generations to come in that region. The ostensible rational for Ethiopia’s incursion into Somalia was supposed to be to wage a war against international terrorism. However, the real result is likely to be to breed even more terrorists in the region. It is important to note that the Ethiopian regime has been unable to extricate itself from Somalia’s quagmire although Prime Minister Melles Zenawi had declared to the world over three years ago that his invasion of Somalia would last only a few weeks!
It is realized that change can be achieved in Ethiopia only through an integrated struggle comprising an internal, hopefully peaceful campaign, as well as, equally (if not more importantly), the support of the international community. The role of the U.S. government which provides an average $1 billion annually to the corrupt and despotic Ethiopian regime is obviously immense. Fortunately, there is an effective force in the United States to bring about the required policy change towards Ethiopia: the Ethiopian-American voters. The organizing and marshaling of the hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian-American votes on the federal, state, and local levels could no doubt bring about the desperately needed change in U.S. policy towards the achievement of democracy and respect for the rule of law and human rights in Ethiopia. This, however, requires Ethiopian-Americans to wake up and utilize their organizational skills and voting rights effectively with the clear understanding that U.S. policy will “move forward” to meeting the interests of the United States and of Ethiopia only with a relentless, sustained, and a united struggle by the diaspora.
The big question that needs President Obama’s immediate attention and response is whether he is going to bring about a “changed” U.S. policy towards Ethiopia by “moving forward” in bringing effective pressure to bear on the despotic Ethiopian regime to give way to democracy and to a sustainable economic development for the mutual interests of Ethiopia and the United States.
It is important to learn from President Obama whether the 90 million Ethiopians who suffered untold miseries perpetrated by a brutal regime with the support of the Bush administration, can expect a respite as a result of a new U.S. policy predicated on the fundamental values of democracy and respect for human rights—fundamental values repeatedly voiced by President Obama. If such a change is not forthcoming, it should be made clear to the President that he will not receive the votes of Ethiopian-Americans in the November 2012 elections. Knowing the exact number of votes the President will be losing makes the case far stronger!
Will Ethiopian-Americans wake up and use their organizational skills and voting rights in the upcoming elections? Will President Obama rise to the challenge?
Tags: Addis Ababa, Meles Zenawi
John
August 22, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Ohoo, people don’t even try to make O change his policy. Try to change it yourself. I think, it is fair to vote for Romney, the lesser of the two evils. What can you do.
John
August 22, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Hey, don’t blame him. He is doing what he was supposed to do. They love Meles so much because he implored himself to a position of being a slave. I am wondering how these people are thinking when 90% of the wealth, political and military power is accumulated by 7% of the people. Yea I can tell it will be darn stable!!!! Haha
meretework
August 19, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Hi! Selamawit salamon! I” Agree with you Tank”s I understand President Obama he has no power any more he challenging in many way…..even he can”t deliver his promised becous….. American dasen”t care about ETHIOPIA! our poeple suffering by supporting a dictator evil zenawi”s regime, we have to be really serious for our land to step DOWN ,this oppressive and abuse, corruption woyane……..
DELE LE ETHIOPIA AND HER PEOPLE!!!!!!!
wubitu
August 17, 2012 at 2:10 pm
i also campaigned for obama because I thought he would promote democracy in my country ethiopia. But Obama betrayed ethiopians and ethiopian americans. Ethiopians cried infront of white house, state department so many times but Obama did not want to listen. It is very sad that Obama shakes hand with such killer and dictator like Meles Naziawi. Obama heard and saw When Abebe Gelaw told Meles at the G8 meeting. The western media did not even comment on such historical moment. So my dear ethiopians just let us be together and free our land just like egyptians, libyans did it. Do not expect any help from USA. All US presidents Bill clinton, Georeg Bush and Barack Obama supported human rights abuse and dictatorship in ethiopia. None of them atleast told Meles to stop abusing human rights and respect election results!
Kassa IMMANUEL Gebrekidan
August 16, 2012 at 9:40 pm
To vote for BHO is to vote for the completion of the radical left to take over America, to a socialist country. To vote for BHO is to sell out Ethiopia to be dominated by radical Islam after the dictator Meles is gone. The future of Ethiopia must not be on dependance of president who is socialist that Ethiopia needs to escape completley since the dictator Mengistu
As proud activist American, I will exercise my rights to vote, I will vote against BHO for better America and world. As proud dedicated activist American, I will give all my best to serve and protect the persecuted church of Christ. As American, I will exercise my rights and work for a better world that BHO failed to do.
In this critical times, I hope we focus on issues and study the candidates, on who can serve the free world to a better future and who can give us hope, give us a chance for our dreams to be realized. In this critical times, we need to elect a president, for a change, to put BHO out of the white house to be replaced by Romney and Ryan team, to recover our hopes and dreams as Americans united against poverty, racism and injustices. Under Romney and Ryan we will see a better America. For all that and much more, to make it reality, we must vote for Romney and Ryan thicket.
Bergude
August 16, 2012 at 8:44 pm
President Obama’s slogan, “change,” in the first place what is change? English dictionary define change = altar, modify, vary, etc. From my own perspective understanding when then Senator Obama stands with change would he meant to change the whole world? I don’t think so. Of course, he means to make change than it was previously been. He can only change things in his scope. To be honest, from my distance observation he worked in the past restlessly. As a single ruler he cannot satisfy each individual around the globe. Every country is ruled according to its constitution and accord; he cannot give commandment to individual rulers, because that would cause another conflict. Therefore, again when he said, “forward” means not to go backward go forward and each person should contribute fair share and do fair to the majority not for minority or for few. One main thing missing in many countries; especially around less developing world is Democracy. Democracy is not something which is planted it is something which would be obtained by struggle and education. Still not late, to support President Obama is for better result and good cause.
Tatek
August 14, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Not surprised that the US is concerned about the fate of Colonel Zenawi, who remains their ball boy for the last 21 long years. We all know that US Foreign policy principally focuses on US commercial, political and strategic intersts in a given country and Ethiopia is no exception. It makes me laugh when I hear US officials strongly condemn Syria, Iran, Zimbabwe, North Korea and Cuba among others for sponsoring terrorism, cracking down on dissent, killing and disappearing political opponents and lacking any room for political pluralism, human rights and the rule of law. Colonel Zenawi’s Ethiopia is no different, but the US doesn’t care as long as its interests in Ethiopia are safe. It is high time that the Ethiopian diaspora based in the US give President Obama’s campaign a choice between changing his policy in Ethiopia and bringing TPLF to a negotiating table with the opposition or risk losing their vote to the faulty republicans.
Solomon
August 13, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Meles Zenawi is facing groups of longtime enemies of TPLF. If someone trying to lead people, they must be free of revenge. You must not be enemy of life time; you have to be filled with forgiveness. Meles shows a lot of good work to his country. Building schools, better farming, hydroelectricity, roads etc. Ethiopia has foreign enemies at this moment, who are wishing Ethiopian Meles Zenawi to die; if we are truth Ethiopians how we can have the some wish with Ethiopian enemies. They choose to fight like cowards. Cowards were the reason for Ethiopia to lose millions of young generation. Ethiopia lost strong teachers, university students and educated workers because of coward leaders.
The some group, after they put themselves far out of the fire in foreign countries, telling to Ethiopian to get into fire. These groups trying to gain power with the pain full work of others. If the pain of politics come to them, they will run away just like they did before. One person said, “don’t like to involve in politics, because afraid to die and to kill” honest person. The different between you and him is you want to involve in a coward way someone will bleed for you to get your office. If you are really honest to the country and the people, you were stayed in the country and working in the cities people nominates you in 2005, at some time making up conditions for 2010.
Stay out of Ethiopian politics and better you stay out of American politics to. “U.S. policy towards Ethiopia and other contries” the best of all time, President Barack Obama knows Pm Meles Zenawi, he is far better than your group. Fix you problem, work with Meles Zenawi and try to make Ethiopia multi-party country to make Ethiopia closer for the best democratic administration. Your group does not accept TPLF, your group want to be the only party in the country and to repeat the some problem all over again. If the new group doesn’t work with tplf, that means, the group is preparing for another 20 year, no jose!!Why I am going to nominate President Barack Obama, it is not because, he is mixed with black or his father origin is from Kenya, he is the best for the future of lovely America, one of best smart man, Educated, hard worker, flexible to get the best of any idea and better man for the world. Look him in the invitation of Prime minster David Cameron. Prime minster David Cameron, highly recommend the President by saying the best of all time to work with President Barack Obama. Many American thought the president was not responding but working with friendly countries about Morocco.
WiseUpDudes
August 13, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Don’t be jokers folks. Obama has to follow American interests in the world, including the horn of africa.If Meles suits American interests, he can’t bring your urge for democracy above American interest. Ultimately, the fight for freedom and democratization in Ethiopia is on Ethiopians’ Shoulders – not on Obama’s. Obama is not meant to fight your fights dudes. You can be grateful if he helps, but if he couldn’t or doesn’t, you can’t really criticize him.He can’t democratize every dictatorship in Africa – Ethiopia is no different.
On the other hand, are you really thinking the Romney ticket is good for immigrants? Are you really serious? How many loud jokesters do we have in our community? You folks must be brutaly ignorant of what is going on around you. May I ask for something? Please Be Wise and use your ‘bafankulo’ heads before you say something.
Kume
August 13, 2012 at 10:55 am
I will vote for Obama. Not because I am happy with what he has accomplished. In fact I am very dissapointed that he has ignored the suffering of Millions of Ethiopians by supporting a dictator. The only reason I am voting for him is because I don’t want the republicans to repeal Obamacare.
Sisay jemere
August 13, 2012 at 9:36 am
I ‘ m Ethiopian american .I vote for
Obama before and do it again.I like
Him us American.Ethiopian our problem
Is one ethink one rule no democracy .is
That o’k? It’s my problem too.
Dictators are not the solution.who ever
Stolen election will be punished by god
Or by peace lovers
tokechaw
August 13, 2012 at 9:04 am
NOBAME!!! He is Dictators supporter, so let send him back to Chicago. Punish him with your vote, it will be a good leason for Mitt.
Selamawit Solomon
August 13, 2012 at 7:51 am
I AGREE WITH ASKALE DAMA COMMENT 100% -ONLY OUR OWN ACTION BRINGS THE CHANGE WE WANTED –LETS FOCUS ON WHAT WE MUST DO .
MAHTAMMA ‘s SLOGAN CAN RIGHTLY BE USED FOR OUR SITUATION “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANTED TO SEE IN THE WORLD ” SO DEAR FELLOW ETHIOPIANS
” IF WE WANT CHANGE -WE MUST BE THE CHANGE WE WANTED TO SEE IN ETHIOPIA.
ONLY OUR ACTION CAN BRING US THE CHANGE WE WANTED TO SEE
Aymero
August 12, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Dear all,
The idea of exerting pressure to the incumbent is sensible. But we should not forget that no one take the battle of the other for mere political reason. Our world is functioning on give and take principle. So to of the winning side let us first settle our differences focusing on ciritical issues or Ethiopian public agenda. It all starts where we will be united to leverage our power of overthrowing dictator back home. That way those who have interest of their own country earch for us since we are relevant to them. Power matters. No one looks for powerless and fragmented people unless charity organizations. You can easily observe this scenaio from wht USA takes on Mubarek as soon as the revolution reach its climax. They even stoped talking about brotherhood extrimist quality which for long they positioned as soon as the power balnce tilt towards them. They soon declared to work with Morsy. The same will hold for us too. SO let us do our works first than campaining on the iconic and influential Barack Obama.
God bless us all with His goos Spirit.
Aymiro
Kidi
August 12, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I voted for Obama in 2008 and I intend to for him this time too. The solution for our problem is not obama or any western leader. Obma’s first job is too keep American interest so let us not waste our time waiting for Obama admits ration to solve our proble, it is about time we recognize the solution for our problems is us. If we unite then obama himself will join our struggle.
Ellias Mastawal
August 12, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Dear readers: You have to forgive me for this trenchant condemenation.I am disillusioned by the values that characterize the Ethiopian diaspora, particularly in DC area.You know it only too well that Obama has little power in the White House. Shout as you may,this is the objective and concrete reality of the situation. It is a rich man party. And Obama as a poor Black man from Ivy League School runs the “Rich Man Party” to full fill and implement policies to the likes of the super riches , pure and simple. It is symbolic. The Ethiopian diaspora is something to reckoned with if they are one and the same with common aspiration. In actual fact,they are divided based on ethinicity,ideology, class differences based on emperical knowledge,lack of true leadeship, among other things.One can not help but notice how the Jewish diaspora, the Irish and Kurds make the difference to challenge policies that stifle their countries democratic aspirations. Ethiopians are fighting in their church run by power hungery patriarch and thugs and so is the sport federation to rip off every buck they can from the community. If we really want democracy and change start in your community here in the US,and then fight tooth and nail the Gestapo in Ethiopia
abel
August 11, 2012 at 6:15 am
Color matters to those who are prone to it, but what matters is economy.
Anyhow, Obama’s presidency anger more white people, especially those who are assuming they are better, because they happen to have white skin.
On the other side, to the blacks, especially to black children, having Obama as a president and seeing him speaking in main media outlet and knowing that their president is black like them is inspiring and as well as reassuring.
Apparently, Obama has nothing to do with African problem and we should not put any blame on him. Our problem is our own incompetency and myopic attitude, so instead of trying to put blame on someone else we should admit the problem and try to fix it.
Our greedy and animalist (being motivated mainly by physical drives and appetites) leaders are responsible to every misfortune the continent faces, not Obama or Bush.
I love it when I wake up in the morning and Barack Obama is President.
mequ
August 10, 2012 at 10:49 am
Selam All;
I read the article. I agreed on the premises of we Ethiopian Americans needs to organize and show our voting muscle to President Obama. Here I suggest the new united struggling force may play a big role.
I disagree with the writer (Kidane) strongly that the slogan Pres. Obama used and is using now is a farce (political game). He delivered to Americans which about 6 presidents could not. (Affordable Health care act) and many big issues. By the way since we are in America we are part of the beneficiaries of his milestone accomplishments. One has to imagine if John Maccain continued from Bush. The world might be a different one. If Al Gore would continue form Clinton there would not be two wars going on, the economy would not be tumbled etc. There is a difference between electing Obama or Rumney. To me he is a role model to our children to rise up and look he/she could be some one even he/she is black. Lets not forget Obama is accomplishing major things even some like Donald Trump barking as he is outsider(not American).
At the end, the solution is our selves to organize and fight weyane in united fashion and show Obama we are one big electorate to look for. Belittling Obama as if he did not deliver what he promised is wrong dichotomy. Because he did deliver even with out the help of republican congress.
I hope we campaign and do what ever necessary to elect Obama while he should change policy when it comes weyane thugs.
mequ.
Dr G Bekele
August 10, 2012 at 9:50 am
Well said sister Tsion and all? I too, published hundreds of articles that was posted on various so-called pro-democratic Ethiopian websites and also sent hundreds of appeal letters to world Embassies and western leaders in particular but to no avail. None of them tried to do something good for our country Ethiopia and the nation but prolong the sufferings of our oppressed people. Obama, as his predecessors betrayed us as well. Who would listen and fully understand all that too, if and when we are terribly and hopelessly divided to suit no one but the regime? God have mercy on Emye Ethiopia? Amen!
Lenegeresh
August 10, 2012 at 8:44 am
GOBAMA! I was proud to vote for Obama in 2008 and I’m going to be even more proud to vote for Obama in November.
What has to do with the upcoming election to do with Ethiopia? You are living here; you got this freedom speech here. You and your children will educate because of Obama’s and democrats good policy. Romney stands for rich, and you can’t afford paying for education in Romney’s policy. Think about what are your real issues and who stands for most Americans, middle class and global. Obama is clearly the person for the job and there is absolutely no doubt about that. Bring up your Ethiopian issue and fight for democracy starting within yourself. Remember Obama is running not for Ethiopia’s president.
What makes you think Romney will care for Ethiopia? He does not even care for you here in US but just for the rich and for his group of interest. You need to elect the President Who keep to fight for you not for the rich. So they can no longer to deny coverage or charge you more because you are women (your mother, daughter or wife). Etc.
Vote Obama not only because it will take four more years to truly execute Obama’s vision, but because just four years of Romney would undo everything we’ve done and take us even further into the dirt. I like Obama. He works hard, with results actually speak for themselves, but most of all he doesn’t have that “I’m more important than the rest of you” attitude.
Are you in!!! Absolutely!!!! I am in!!!!! If Romney becomes president, all our jobs that are worth having will be in foreign countries, where labor is cheaper, so the wealthy will rake in the profits, and the middle class will be NO MORE!!!! America will become like Russia once was, a nation of rich and poor!!!!!
Tsion Tesfaye
August 10, 2012 at 8:28 am
This petition has been floating around for awhile, but we still have not received even at least a thousand signatures. The problem with Ethiopian community is that we talk a lot, but are absolutely unwilling to do anything. This petition does not take getting up from your seat, but even that we can’t accomplish. Maybe we deserve the brutal regime that we got, because we are unwilling to make any efforts towards any changes. Why do we expect for Obama to make any changes in foreign policy towards Ethiopia, if we are ourselves are complacent? So for everyone who read the story above, whether you intend to vote for Obama or not, VOTE FOR ETHIOPIA, and sign the petition below DEMANDING that Obama STOPS SUPPORTING the current regime in Ethiopia. Pass it on! BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD!!! http://www.change.org/petitions/president-barak-obama-stop-supporting-dictatorship-in-ethiopia
Mengesha
August 10, 2012 at 8:24 am
I think the alternative to Obama is also a continuation to Bush policy. May be more so than Obama. My hope is Obama will work better if he gets second term. I agree with the writer that we need to be involved and let the party now our frustration. But, in my opinion not voting or switch our vote does not bring better result to Ethiopia. We should beleive the primary responsibility to free our beloved Ethiopia is ours not America’s.
God bless Ethiopia!!
Selamawit Solomon
August 9, 2012 at 10:01 pm
***********I VOTED IN 2008 AND WILL VOT 4 OBAMA 2012 *********
liben
August 9, 2012 at 7:50 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef-ErPidbx4
lets use our vote .
Askale Dama
August 9, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Dear Folks:
This is an issue that is way over due. In fact, there are two sides to this issue – the value of our vote as American citizens and also the right of Ethiopian citizens to vote in the Ethiopian national election.
About the issue at hand, here is the deal. Politics is local. We vote based on where we live in the US. I also know that most Ethiopian-Americans vote predominantly democratic. Hence, this is what we must do.
1. Find out the location or contacts of local Democratic Party offices
2. Speak with a political director or the person in charge election organizing
3. Call the offices of elected democratic congress or senate members
4. Tell the story of our frustration with US policy toward Ethiopia.
Our voice must be singular: We demand the removal of Meles regime immediately and conduct free and fair election. Make our case that only democratic Ethiopia can be a stable ally of the US in the Horn of Africa.
zienamarqos
August 9, 2012 at 6:51 pm
»»»፡ ሰዎች፡እባካችሁ፡ንቁና፡አድዳምጡ።አመሪካ፡የራሱን፡ጥቅም፡እስካስከበረለት፡ድረስ፡አምባገነን፡መሪን፡ሁልሉ፡እንደሚደግፍ፡
በገሃድ፡ተናግረዋል።ኸርማን፡ኮኸንም፡ሆነ፡ሌሎቹ፡የተናገሩት፡ሃቅ፡ነው።ኦባማም፡መለስን፡ለሀገሩና፡ሕዝቡ፡ዕድገት፡ታታሪ፡ጥሩ፡መሪ፡
እንደሆነ፡እየነገረን፡ነው።አሁን፡እኛው፡በኅብረት፡ተነሥተን፡ቆራጥነታችንን፡ካላሳየናቸው፡በምንም፡መንገድ፡አይሰሙንም።እንዲሰሙን፡
ከተፈለገ፡ተንጋለን፡እየተፋን፡በምራቃችን፡ከመርጠብ፡መቆጠብ፡አልለብን።ኦባማ፡ዕውነት፡ሱማሌን፡ለመዋጋት፡ከፈለገ፡ለምን፡ዘመዶቹን፡
ከኬንያ፡ልኮ፡ጀብዱ፡አይሠራም!!።ኢትዮጵያኖችን፡ከማስገደል፡ለእርሱም፡ዘመዶቸን፡ስለገደሉብኝ፡ነው፡ወታደር፡የላኩ፡ብሎ፡ምክንያት፡
ይሆነው፡ነበር።ስለዚህ፣ኢትዮጵያውያን፡የሆን፡ሁልሉ፡በምርጫው፡ወቅት፡መብታችንን፡ማሳየት፡አልለብን።እርግጥ፡ከኢትዮጵያውያን፡
ሕይወት፡ጋራ፡ምርጫውን፡ማመጠጠን፡አይቻልም።ግን፡በወገኖቻችን፡ላይ፡ከአምባገነን፡መለስ፡ዚናዊ፡አስተዳደር፡ጋራ፡ገጥሞ፡ገንዘብ፡
እየሰጠ፡ማስገደሉ፡ጥፋት፡መሆኑን፡ቢያውቀም፡የሚሰማን፡መሆናችንን፡ማሳወቅ፡ይኖርብናል።
Tadesse
August 9, 2012 at 6:30 pm
It was an insult for many Ethiopian when Obama invited Meles. I supported Obama financially I also voted for him in Virginia but not this time. I never voted for republican. I don’t have intention to vote this time either but I will stay home.
kuku
August 9, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Demonstration in front of the White House and State Department did not bring the change we anticipated in Ethiopia. Ethio-Americans can play vital role in the out come of the upcoming election specially in VIRGINIA, PENNSYLVANIA and FLORIDA.