Egypt. Revolution 2.0

History was made today with the successful Revolution of the Egyptian people. Thirty years of the Mubarak Regime has ended.  Israel and the rest of the world are now trepidatious as to what is going to be the outcome of Egypt's new government.  Will Egypt become the Democracy that they say they want? Or, will some radical Islamist group co opt the movement to take control? Will the Military really act as a stabilizing force while Egypt creates their new Democracy? Or will they end up with Mubarak 2.0?

I choose to believe that the Egyptians will achieve their Democracy. They are too educated, too smart, too proud, and too patriotic to fail. They have an arduous road ahead of them . There will be many trials and tribulations, but make no mistake, there is no going back. They have tasted freedom and realized their own self worth. Now that the Genie is out of the bottle, there is no putting it back.

All of this poses a dilemma for the U.S. and the rest of the world. Especially for the U.S. because we were founded as a Democracy. We believe in Democracy. We want the rest of the World to be Democratic. But, the U.S. has been supporting a regime that has not been Democratic for thirty plus years. The Egyptian people know this. It is a glaring example of the hypocrisy  of our government and even the American public.  We play lip service to peace in the world, as long as it doesn't interfere with the price of oil or cause us any economic hardship. The ironic thing is that is America is made up from all of the immigrants from all of the countries that we war with, don't care about, don't support, give aid to, defend, hate, love, et al... Our system of Government is not without its' flaws, but, I haven't seen, or heard of a better one. The compelling thing about Democracy is its innate nature is to be a form of governance that provides the populace with a voice, hope, and Liberty. [Or at least the illusion of...]

It is my hope for the best for the Egyptian people. They have accomplished an amazing thing. Americans with a knowledge of their[our] own history can see the parallels. It is my hope that regardless of any rhetoric, the Egyptians will view America as their ally. Though this may take time, I believe America will continue to be an ally with [a newly Democratic] Egypt. After all, one of Americas' best allies is England.

Though it started most recently in Tunisia, YOUR example will be the one that the Middle East and other non democratic countries around the world will use. It seems as if Algeria will be the next to follow your example, maybe Syria will beat them. Interesting things happening in Iran, Libya, and I'm not ruling out Saudi Arabia. [This one is more of a long shot though]  

So Egypt, go forth, and shape your Destiny. I believe in you, and I know you have what it takes to achieve your dreams. After all, if we could get everyone to believe that we all want the same things. The world would be a better place.

[Wael Gohnim, those of us non Arabic speakers who follow you, would love to see your FB and Twitter posts in English also. I know you prefer to remain "behind the scenes" and don't want to be the "voice" , but your insight and intelligence really provide a fuller perspective to the events unfolding ]

Egypt. Hypocrisy. And I'm Really not that angry

On Jan. 25th I wrote my FIRST blog post. In it, I referenced the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, and mentioned that unrest seemed to be fomenting in Egypt. Well, "All Hell has broke out" in Egypt. I watch in fascination as events unfold there, and also, most all of the other countries I mentioned.

I like puzzles. I like to figure out how things work. I even like to figure out why things are the way they are. All of the events happening in the Middle East right now have got my mind working in overdrive. It almost feels like playing chess with six different players, simultaneously. But, (there's always a "BUT") instead of thinking that you are playing six individual games at once, what you're really doing is playing all six as one, with an almost unlimited number of outcomes based on the action/reaction of any, or all. It's almost impossible to explain all of the if's, then's...

What this situation in the Middle East really does, is expose our hypocrisy as a nation. We tell the world that Democracy is the way, (It IS) but we support rulers/autocrats that make our lives easier and help keep the price of oil low, regardless of the liberties that they deprive their people of. Here's a heretical thought, LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE! THEN LET'S SUPPORT THEM!! Many/most of the demonstrators in Egypt are well educated and aware of the world around them. They have access to the internet, social media, and mass media not controlled by their governments. They are aware. Yet, we are scared that some radical Islamist group will take control and we'll have to pay more at the pump. I believe the people of Egypt will get their freedom. I also think they will be a friend to America, or at least I hope so. Either way, it is THEIR choice, and if we truly believe in Democracy, we will support their choice.

So, America. Do we promote democracy, and lend a hand to those who strive to it? Or, do we only support other peoples goals as long as it doesn't interfere with the price of gas, or put Israel in jeopardy? Let's be honest, we Americans would not give a "crap" about Egypt, or the Middle East, were it not for oil. They would probably give a "crap" about us, if we weren't involved with Israel and trying to keep things "just so". (Hell, the majority of Americans couldn't even point Egypt out on a blank map of Africa. ["And we wonder why much of the world hates us."])Some people might. But, they are the same people trying to make the world understand the atrocities going on elsewhere in the world, like Darfour. (Don't get me started...) 

Bottom line... No matter what. I believe that, we humans; no matter of race, creed, or religion, all want the same basic things. Life. Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But unfortunately, right now, (I think[We Americans]) care more for our pets, than we do for our fellow Americans/Man. Most Americans, upon stumbling upon a homeless person with an emaciated dog, would show more compassion and empathy for the dog, than they would for their fellow man. But that is a whole other post...  Good luck Egypt...

(P.S. "Can somebody help me down from my Soap Box now???)