I just finished reading your piece on Ethiopia. I agree with your sentiment. As an Ethiopian, I can attest to the tenacity of Ethiopians. I believe, when it comes to our own leaders indifference and often brutality, we, as a people, seem to fail to distinguish between patience and meekness. I do hope, God willing, Prime Minister Meles recognize the critical need of a fundamental reform and call an early election to give us, Ethiopians, the right to freely choose our leaders; well for the first time.
Just read your tribute to your Mom. She was beautiful inside and out. So glad I got to see her, you and Karen and your families just less than a year ago. It’s hard to lose our parents, but it is a comfort to know they are at peace. Take care, Laura Byrnes Zanto
My thoughts are with you and your entire family at this time.
As a young child I recall being mesmerized by your mother’s beauty, and intimidated by her strength of self. I admired her ability to get to the heart of a matter and express her thoughts, so you knew exactly where she stood!
Her wonderful laugh is something I will always remember.
May reminiscences of happy times together help to ease your loss.
Jean Byrnes Peters
Pressing Pause 
Dear Ron,
I just finished reading your piece on Ethiopia. I agree with your sentiment. As an Ethiopian, I can attest to the tenacity of Ethiopians. I believe, when it comes to our own leaders indifference and often brutality, we, as a people, seem to fail to distinguish between patience and meekness. I do hope, God willing, Prime Minister Meles recognize the critical need of a fundamental reform and call an early election to give us, Ethiopians, the right to freely choose our leaders; well for the first time.
Just read your tribute to your Mom. She was beautiful inside and out. So glad I got to see her, you and Karen and your families just less than a year ago. It’s hard to lose our parents, but it is a comfort to know they are at peace. Take care, Laura Byrnes Zanto
My thoughts are with you and your entire family at this time.
As a young child I recall being mesmerized by your mother’s beauty, and intimidated by her strength of self. I admired her ability to get to the heart of a matter and express her thoughts, so you knew exactly where she stood!
Her wonderful laugh is something I will always remember.
May reminiscences of happy times together help to ease your loss.
Jean Byrnes Peters
Thanks for the thoughtful note Jean.