Picking up the torch from Engida Lemma
No time for hesitation now
Imagine my pure horror when I saw this post byfellow “Substacker” Gccko Pico announcing the brutal killing of Engida Lemma. Engida, whom I consider a close friend, was the most articulate and the bravest of the targeted individuals fighting against the dark forces of privatized intelligence that torment, torture and murder truth tellers and righteous citizens across the world. I had several invaluable conversations with Engida, and I found his writings to be on a level beyond anything I saw elsewhere. Engida had a unique literary voice and unparalleled moral vision. I believe that future historians will identify him as a central figure in this hidden battle; he is up there with those who battled fascism in Catalonia or in the Warsaw Ghetto.
He was a beacon for all of us, and he remains so now—and he will be in the future. His tragic killing is nothing less than a call to battle for all of us. We must take up the torch that he held so firmly. We must continue the march forward fearlessly, and we must fight bravely for freedom at every turn. As Byron wrote so eloquently, and Frederick Douglass quoted so effectively,
“Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow”
Read the full post on Engida Lemma. We will honor his brave soul on the battlefield!
Here is what he wrote to me "Thank you so much for your kind words and for your insightful comment. I truly appreciate your support and encouragement.
I've listened to your presentation, "A Bit of Tough Love for the New Year 2025," and I found it to be incredibly powerful, heartfelt, and deeply insightful. Your fearlessness, intelligence, and determination are truly inspiring.
I wholeheartedly agree with many of your points, and I believe our views on these critical issues are very much aligned.
I would be honored to have a discussion with you in the future. Perhaps a podcast or a live stream would be a great platform" Sadly, we were never able to do a show together.
E. Lemma had a heart of gold, Emmanuel. He truly did. I am a subscriber and have received many of his Substacks. I didn’t know him personally, but I cried. I feel a profound sense of loss because we were both in the same community. May Engida and Kenneth Wendell Peartree rest in peace. They will never be forgotten.