Each Must Contribute
Let there be no mistake: in modern Ethiopia, each man must contribute. There is no protection from the demand that a man's worth be assessed by his achievements. Education and learning offer no escape from the obligation of toil. Social position and high birth provide no guarantee of soft hands and a life of ease and comfort. High origins are no passport to high position. To those who contribute willingly, to the best of their abilities, who, in sweat and toil, work for the good of the nation with little thought of self, to them will much be given, even to the governing of the land. Nor should anyone today mistakenly believe that only in the cities can he serve his country. The greater need today is among the people, with those who work the soil, who provide the nourishment and sustenance upon which Ethiopia feeds. The University National Service Program has pointed the way. Today's younger generation must maintain their ties with the people who are the bulk and backbone of the nation. The problem of the many must become the problem of the few, for only in this way can the progress we earn be lasting and real and of benefit to all.
"This very institution of Parliament is itself a striking example of the reshaping and molding of custom and tradition which has at every step marked Ethiopia's development over the years. To serve in these Chambers, a man must possess high ability and demonstrated talents. Indeed, you Deputies must, in addition, have persuaded your constituents that you dispose of these qualities in abundance, for you owe your claim to sit in this deliberative assembly to their votes, cast in free and open elections.
"In the months ahead, much will be asked of you. You will be called upon to consider diverse and complex legislation, proposals prepared by experts after long and painstaking efforts, enactments vital to the life and growth of the nation. Study them carefully and dispassionately; seek emotional involvement but objectively, as representatives of a united nation and people, with the public welfare your constant concern."
Let there be no mistake: in modern Ethiopia, each man must contribute. There is no protection from the demand that a man's worth be assessed by his achievements. Education and learning offer no escape from the obligation of toil. Social position and high birth provide no guarantee of soft hands and a life of ease and comfort. High origins are no passport to high position. To those who contribute willingly, to the best of their abilities, who, in sweat and toil, work for the good of the nation with little thought of self, to them will much be given, even to the governing of the land. Nor should anyone today mistakenly believe that only in the cities can he serve his country. The greater need today is among the people, with those who work the soil, who provide the nourishment and sustenance upon which Ethiopia feeds. The University National Service Program has pointed the way. Today's younger generation must maintain their ties with the people who are the bulk and backbone of the nation. The problem of the many must become the problem of the few, for only in this way can the progress we earn be lasting and real and of benefit to all.
"This very institution of Parliament is itself a striking example of the reshaping and molding of custom and tradition which has at every step marked Ethiopia's development over the years. To serve in these Chambers, a man must possess high ability and demonstrated talents. Indeed, you Deputies must, in addition, have persuaded your constituents that you dispose of these qualities in abundance, for you owe your claim to sit in this deliberative assembly to their votes, cast in free and open elections.
"In the months ahead, much will be asked of you. You will be called upon to consider diverse and complex legislation, proposals prepared by experts after long and painstaking efforts, enactments vital to the life and growth of the nation. Study them carefully and dispassionately; seek emotional involvement but objectively, as representatives of a united nation and people, with the public welfare your constant concern."
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