Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.
Monday, January 31, 2011
TR 8:25am
26 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I think Mubarak needs to surrender his power. He has been in power for 30 years, which is obviously a long time. Recent protests and turmoil in Egypt shows a need for change. The people are definitely discontent with Mubarak’s dictatorship. I don’t condone the Muslim Brothers to replace Mubarak, but a greater democracy and a promising dictator would be in my favor. The Muslim Brothers have possibly been in existence since Mubarak became leader of Egypt. If this is true, then why would the Muslim Brothers wait until now to oppose? Why haven’t they rejected Mubarak’s ban on their opposition? These questions must be asked when considering the Muslim Brothers replacing Mubarak. With the Muslim Brothers in power, Egypt may be facing the worse. Skepticism will play a major role in deciding if Mubarak should stay or surrender his powers. If someone is willing to rule in favor of the people, then they should be the best candidate to rule Egypt. -Kevaris Doughty
At this moment in time I think it is too soon to really stay set on one conclusion on what should happen with the future of Egypt. Yes Mubarak has been in power for 30 years and his dictatorship has brought down the social economic system for all of Egypt, but what if he gives up his power, it can go very sour for the people. Like Kavaris mentioned if the Muslims were to take power it may be the worse, not only for the Egyptian people but also for the rest of the world. It would not be in any of our interest that the Muslim Brothers get power of Egypt. A promising dictatorship would be a turn around and at this point it might just be what the Egyptians need. If Mubarak was to stay it would be in the best interest of the people and him to change.
Revolutions are beautiful in concept but gruesome in execution. It’s beautiful to see men and women teaming up and risking their lives for their country. But that’s the gruesome of it as well – they’re not just risking their lives, they’re actually losing them. There’s no doubt in my mind that the people will continue to fight for a true democracy but I don’t think they will get it – at least not anytime soon. An example of this would be the French Revolution. They went through numerous constitutions and governments. The people’s political hero one day became their enemy the next. I think Mubarak’s dictatorship will be replaced but the government will go through numerous regenerations before it settles into a working system. In the stretch between Mubarak’s dictatorship and that final “working system” will be puddles of bad decisions, including different kinds of despotisms. This is not something that will be resolved in a couple of months but in years – decades, even. -Gema Mora
Well, most of the world demanded justice by giving the Egyptians the right to choose their president. Meanwhile, the Egyptian president asked USA for help, to stop his people, but the USA refused....saying that the people have the right to go out and express their opinions about the future of their country. So far, the president changed his government and hired new people, but the Egyptians didn't approve...saying that they only want one thing to change, which is the president himself, they want him to leave....so they will make a new election I really feel sorry for the thousands of people who died in the past 5 days....the police killed them, just because they expressed their opinions and spoke their minds for the first time in their lives!! Claudia Socorro
I think what is happening in Egypt is a revolution that we as a close ally with are watching every step of. Its amazing to see a president who has fled the country still has as much power as he does, even when his country is mid-rvolution if you will. We are seeing things that many thought were impossible to do, such as cutting off internet to a whole entire country. Also the cutting off of cell phones for the the citizens, yet they still manage to unite and rally for what they believe in. 30 years is a long time for any country to be under the regime of a single president, but whats interesting to see is Mubaraks changes has made ever since the revolution in Egypt has begun. It started off with a change in his cabinet, now promises to not run for reelection. But still his citizens are not satisfied, that want a full on resignation. All of Mubaraks show that it is possible that he may step down as president because of the difficulty of ruling a nation while in hiding. One thing Mubarak is depending heavily on is the support from his armed forces, but if they were to switch sides I believe the violence would escalade and we will have no choice but to watch the 30 year and counting president step down. -Brent Knowles
Revolution or Proclaiming freedom after three decades under the hegemony and power of a single president makes this movement completely acceptable, socially and politically speaking. Egypt is having a chance to change and fight for a better life condition, and the country’s political process that have begun is not going to be easy to restore. Many agree that, in other to solve this situation, it is necessary a transition plan to be started urgently. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's announced that he accepts to abandoned the idea to be re-elect and to cede his power, but not until September when the political elections are meant to have place. I think that Mubarak’s idea of remaining in power until September is neither selfish nor vague, because a sudden political transition might cause a bigger chaos. Egypt’s situation needs a long process of transformation which could take a long time to be accomplished, but it is going to be worth it to reincorporate the country to its normal functioning. Even though, Egypt’s revolution is mostly chaotic at this time, it is definitely getting into administrative balance which is not seen as a final solution, but at least is a good sign. Honestly, I think this revolution is a good beginning for democracy, and it will be a lesson learned to Egyptians. Mubarak’s leadership will be replaced, as well as his form of government. This replacement will depend on Egyptians decision making, whether to elect a similar hegemony or to change 30 years of history. -Karen Olivas.
I think that Egypt is a great country. This is proven by the people themselves doing what they are doing because you can tell that they want CHANGE and they have a passion for fighting for what they believe in; thirty years of Mubarak’s dictatorship has been enough for the Egyptian people. Even though Mubarak does not want to leave Egypt, he is stepping down from his “throne!” This indicates the first signs of change for the better towards a more democratic Egypt. Even though it is still too soon to predict the future for this country, we can definitely tell that there have already been some positive changes by Mubarak’s stepping down. This will lead to more positive changes for the country and more rights for the people of Egypt who deserve them because they finally decided to stand up for what they believe in. -Chavely Garcia
After 30 years of power over the egyptians, Mubarak must leave so a new head of state could take over. I agree with the protest because people get sick and tired after all the harm Mubarak has caused. A country so rich like Egypt deserves a a new and well trained president for them to free themselves from the suppression of Mubarak's dictatorship. I don't know if the US should take action because this would case a bigger problem more that it is already. If intervened, it could case a huge political scandal and probably a greater conflict. An organization like the United Nations should have the right to speak and take action but not a single country like the US. Its too soon to tell how is this going to end up, but as violence increases in the streets of Egypt, the egyptians will not rest until Mubarak is out I come from Venezuela where we have a similar situation with Chavez, so I support the egyptians because. one man should not have the right to take over a country after so many years. People believe in change and change will come with effort.
Hearing whats been going on in Egypt its only natural for me to agree that Mubarak needs to surrender his power, but as Lorena said Mubarak doing that may result to the muslims taking over. because i havent been following the crisis in Egupt its very hard for me to give an valid opinion, so on that note; if Mubarak is allowing Egypt to fall i think him leaving the throne would be best. If the Egyptians could have that done without the muslims taking over it could be a promising change for Egypt. -Desiree Doughty
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/30/juju-8-year-old-girl-mubarak-egypt-video_n_816016.html Watch this video: Cute Saudi girl admonishes Mubarak
On January 25, 2011, all hell breaks loose. The Tunisia-inspired, pro-democracy Egyptian revolution is both exciting and dangerous for the citizens of Egypt. For thirty years, Hosni Mubarak, the fourth president of Egypt, maintains a façade of democracy by banning opposition parties, rigging results, and threatening his own citizens with terror. Both men and women risk their lives to protest government corruption, unemployment, and poverty. Al Jazeera has been banned, at least from Cairo. Egypt has been a long-time US ally with certain democratic inclinations. The danger of these protests is that the state is extremely vulnerable and that anti-western, extremist parties such as the Muslim Brotherhood may take over the state. Egypt may become a theocracy like Iran. However, the importance of women to the movement is undeniable. They are the backbone of the revolution. They, too, risk their lives. Consequently, the next government may also pay more attention to the female public. Also, Egypt is a key state in the Middle East because many commodities, including oil, come through the Suez Canal. Those who pass through the canal may be at great personal risk. If Egypt is unstable, the equilibrium price of the global market for oil and petroleum increases. It is in the best interest of the Egyptian citizens to successfully end this revolution and establish a stable, democratic government. Mubarak must surrender his power immediately to calm to civil unrest. The transition will be difficult. There will be a culture clash. However, society will benefit, and the rest of the world will benefit.
In my opinion, a revolution has to be carried out carefully in order to solve the political problem in Egypt. I personally experienced how a revolution that seemed to be for the freedom of the people ended up becoming a dictatorship that has lasted for 52 years consecutively. My example is Cuba; I lived in a country with no democracy at all. Elections were not even made; our dictator remained the same regardless what people said. I think a revolution should take place in order to eliminate the type of government they have and the frauds on elections. All they have to do is be careful with the president that replaces the one they have now.
I can certainly agree with Roy Santamarina, that whomever is to replace Mubarak and his fraudulent democracy must be someone who is not an extremist like that of the Muslim brotherhood, but someone confident and intelligent in handling the economic and social burden that bares upon the future and present day president of Egypt. Though Egypt and its people are going through turmoil that no country should withstand, they may not know the potential dangers the Muslim Brothers can pose upon the global economy and their own. The brotherhood is an organized system of theocratic extremist, similar to that of Iran. If they are in power, “they,” as in a more powerful “pluralist” form of democracy as Triff has stated, Egypt may face the same economic and political failure that a lot of the other Middle East countries are undergoing. Also it is important to keep in mind the information that Alberta has mentioned: Egypt is the key state in the transportation and mediation of oil through the Suez Canal. The global economy’s stability depends heavily on the smooth transportation of the Middle Eastern oil through that canal that Egypt owns. The United States does have an alliance with Egypt, most likely to maintain the flow of oil through the Suez, and if that flow is interrupted, the U.S. is highly knowledgeable of the consequences. When and if the new government comes into office (lets assume it is the Muslim-extremists of the Brotherhood), there is always a very high chance that the alliance between the U.S. and Egypt will be broken. If that alliance is broken, the choice to close off that Suez Canal or maybe even put a tariff of some kind to profit off of will lead the downfall of the global economy; this is a reality and a consequence the entire world will have to face, in this worst case scenario, of course. So the question to propose is one of morality and ethics on behalf of the Egyptian people; the battle of the greater good in such a situation that does not consist of much “good” at all.. Should the people of Egypt put up with more suffering to save the global economy and possible warfare through out many nations? Or should they think more impulsively on instinct to defend their own lives and deal with the consequential dangers of a new, and possibly more extreme pluralist and theocratic government?
I agree with the innocent people of Egypt. It is time for Mubarak to step down from power. It is a unanimous desire. Therefore, change is crucial. Protests of this kind in Egypt had not been seen since the 1970s. I am glad they are all joining together and protesting. Although they have been attacked by the riot police and also have been silenced, their voices are all being heard after all. It takes a lot more than blocking twitter and facebook from their citizens to stop them. In fact it is true, where there is a will there is a way. They do not deserve their autocratic government but they do deserve a true democratic one. They need a leader that will promote genuine reform for the good of Egypt.
Although many see the massive demonstrations in Egypt as an historic opportunity for a democratic change, the opposition groups are weak and fragmented and so far no clear leader has emerged to lead the country in this possible transition. There’s No doubt that many members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other opposition activists have joined protests against the government, but without displaying political or religious signs that can identify them, no real actions can be done. This situation seems to show that the "iron fist" with which Mubarak has ruled for the past three decades has prevented conventional political parties to take root in the country. Perhaps this is why no leader has emerged as a clear alternative and the opposition seems to have much work ahead to do to organize and to direct the lives of the Egyptians. So far, unless there’s a union between the political parties, no democracy will be achieved and all the protests will be a waste.
Egypt has the same government as we do. The only difference is that our government and congress actually let other people run and win the office, but it’s still controlled by a small group of wealthy people or the government itself. I mean we took only what, 16 years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, almost 20 years mind you, from a president And the people still wanted him (His health prevent him, of course). Egypt just doesn’t want Mubarak anymore, and they have been showing that. He should just step down, but he fears that Egyptians will hurt each other? He is just finding excuses to stay as much as possible in office. He wants power and he has had it for 30 years. It about time that the people take him out and get their freedom back, and if it mean getting him out by force, I guess so be it. -Alexandra Acevedo
An Egyptian Revolution… amazing! It is amazing to be able to see this in my time. It will definitely, someday be a page in our history books. The people of this country are finally speaking up and fighting to see a change in their government. Thirty years is a long time to be ruled with so many restrictions and regulations on their lives. I believe this revolution will take place but like all other revolutions in history it will take time and effort. Saying this, there will be ups and downs when these Egyptians are fighting this government. These protest reminds one of the American Revolution, when the colony’s protested the taxes the British imposed on them. Although our revolution turned out to be a winning situation, we hope the same can be said later on about this revolution. It would be sad to see another type of dictatorship take place in Egypt, with all the time and effort that the Egyptians contributed. ~Pamela Picon
I think that the current president of Egypt should have allowed fair elections to occur, but unfortunately it is too late for that. Oppression is never the answer to the problem of terror, such as what Mubarak has been doing by not allowing other parties to take at least some control of the government. If he would have done fair elections he could have tried to convince his critics that he is the best person for the job. If he would have been more open minded to what the people are saying instead of shutting them down then maybe this would have been avoided. Now that it is too late for this, he needs to resign because Egyptians hate his guts. There will most likely be more democracy in Egypt if Mubarak resigns. Remember, from no democracy to some democracy would be a big step, I think there will be more democracy under a new government because that is one of the plans of the opposing parties even though people are skeptical about their plans.
It is a great deal that Egypt is finally raising. It is time for them to take the stance and try to better themselves as a country. If it’s to have a revolution then go ahead it is time that they create their own government. If many other countries have done it then why not let Egypt take a stance. Although there are many possible outcomes to this revolution it will bring something better because Egyptians have finally realized that they do have the power to change things. In my opinion it is unfair the way that they have been fooled by making them believe that they were participating and having a “vote”, and it is only fair to them now to take what belongs to them. Hopefully the Egyptian people learn from the mistake of having Mubarak’s as a leader and create a democratic country like they hope and fight for. Mubarak needs to surrender his power before there are more incidents. It seems that the Egyptians have really taken their stands and are not surrendering at any cause. It is inspiriting what they are doing and amazing that a cause can unite an entire country that way. Corruption of government has never been right and if the Egyptians feel as if it their time to become a greater country and come out of the cave then I see no wrong in doing so. Egypt has a great space to grow it is their government that had suppress ever opportunity and hope. Obviously the people from Egypt have made attempts to change their government. Yet because of the corruption nothing has changed “we’ve had 5 presidents since”, and yet still Mubarak has been in powered, and although they have tried to change it nothing has been done. There is something wrong with that system which is what lead to the upraising of the people, because if they can’t change their government the settle way then they will do it the only way that they will be heard. Violence is not always the answer to a desperate call, yet at this point in time the revolution has been called for. It is a great deal that they have decided as one that they will take Mubarak down at no cause. It is true that another dictatorship could raise but after seeing what the people can do I don’t think they will dare to replace it, and if so I’m sure they will raise again until they are able to have what they want. By the time I am sure that others will join in the rescue of the country. I am forth the revolution and hoping for a positive outcome.
In my opinion thirty years is too long for a person to be in power of the presidency. Especially if it’s not working to the peoples best interest and the majority or the citizens want the president out. It’s important that the Egyptians are taking a stance and fighting for what they believe in. it shows the current government that they are no longer willing to be pushed around and told what to do. All the people that recently died in Egypt due to the protest should be honored, but even though this is admirable it’s also sad. People should not have to die for expressing their opinions publically; this also comes to show that Mubarak is not the right person to be in charge of a country. What the Egyptians are doing is also good for other countries to see for example Cuba, maybe this will inspire them to go after their own communist government. Mubarak should step down and let the people decide what they think is a better candidate for the presidency. They will go through trial and error to find a government that works but it needs to be done.
Egypt could be a very powerful country if they came up with a way to bring cowards like Mubarak down. No country should be afraid of their leader; if you could even call Mubarak a real leader. He hides behind guns and violence in means for staying in office, that’s the sign of a true coward. He shouldn’t have lasted 30 years in office with the country still being the way it is. However, who is better, Mubarak or Muslim Brothers? How can a country trust the “Muslim Brothers”? They’ve pretty much been around as long as Mubarak but yet have never risen to help their people until now. This seems very fishy to me, who’s to say they just haven’t been plotting to overpower Mubarak just to do the same as him but ten times worst. Granted they may be just what the country needs, they may also be what the country shouldn’t have at all, but no one will ever know the truth until the Brothers have taken the place of Mubarak and changed the country for good.
What did Mubarak do wrongly? I was trying to figure it out because I think that people do not rebel if they live a reasonable life under a good government, no matter which form of government it possibly be. Panis et circenses is a way to live in peace. People may well live in countries governed through a Monarchy like in England, Monaco or Kuwait. People also may feel comfortable living under different systems of government like Democratic, Socialist, Islamic, or Communist Republics. What is clear is that Mubarak failed. His long time administration seems to have forgotten essential people needs. As a result, it broke the bond between the government and society. Second the New York Times, 20% of the Egyptians is below the poverty line. The systematic use of torture, religious discrimination against minorities, electoral problems, restrictions on freedoms and 30 years of state-of-emergency substantially undermined the health of the country as a whole. It made a perfect scenario for a revolution. However, revolutions cost money, resources and coordination to prevail. The forces acting (“financing”) now and which one will determine the new face of Egypt we will see shortly. To conclude, Mubarak at this time might be negotiating the transition or making transactions to escape while he still has time to do so. He should learn from Grouch Marx "The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made."
In my opinion these people are striving for change with such passion that they will eventually obtain it. Obviously it won’t happened over night but although it might take years it will occur. It’s been 30 years Mubarak has been in power and it’s time for someone else to take over. He needs to resign his power and let the people express their right to vote. At the beginning, just like everything else in life it will be a struggle and he will resist but eventually the people will overrule him (a whole nation against it’s govt.) Metaphorically speaking this dictator has assassinated Egypt, politically and socially. The only way he believes he can stay in power is by terrorizing the people but at this point the people will literally die for change. He has already decided to resign in September but the people strongly disagree and want him out now. They are slowly changing history.
The Egyptian revolution is a big step to establishing a reasonable and profound democracy that will change the people of Egypt tremendously. However, there are many dispositions that can cause this possibility to be potential crisis for the nation's right to freedom and the people that deserve it. President Mubarak has been president for 30 years, a great number of power and authority established in this nation. The only reason he has been kept in the election as said before, he's uses several techniques to oppose his opponents and still kept a continuous record of remaining the presidential position. Many say that President Mubarak will try his strategy to deviate this protest into a terror of despotism.
Egypt’s future is still uncertain. The people are willing to fight against the dictatorship and build a more equitable government. However; I think they should be careful at the time of choosing a new president. At this point an incorrect decision could cause more damage. Egypt is unstable and this may be an opportunity for those who desire more power to step in and take control. Mubarak has ruled the country for more than thirty years through oppression and terror. Now the citizens want a change that can only be gained through a revolution, but they should keep in mind that a rebellion not always produces the expected outcome. Here is a quote by G. K. Chesterton that make us think a little bit more about what is happening in Egypt. “You can never have a revolution in order to establish a democracy. You must have a democracy in order to have a revolution.” Ivonne Almeida
26 comments:
I think Mubarak needs to surrender his power. He has been in power for 30 years, which is obviously a long time. Recent protests and turmoil in Egypt shows a need for change. The people are definitely discontent with Mubarak’s dictatorship. I don’t condone the Muslim Brothers to replace Mubarak, but a greater democracy and a promising dictator would be in my favor. The Muslim Brothers have possibly been in existence since Mubarak became leader of Egypt. If this is true, then why would the Muslim Brothers wait until now to oppose? Why haven’t they rejected Mubarak’s ban on their opposition? These questions must be asked when considering the Muslim Brothers replacing Mubarak. With the Muslim Brothers in power, Egypt may be facing the worse. Skepticism will play a major role in deciding if Mubarak should stay or surrender his powers. If someone is willing to rule in favor of the people, then they should be the best candidate to rule Egypt.
-Kevaris Doughty
At this moment in time I think it is too soon to really stay set on one conclusion on what should happen with the future of Egypt. Yes Mubarak has been in power for 30 years and his dictatorship has brought down the social economic system for all of Egypt, but what if he gives up his power, it can go very sour for the people. Like Kavaris mentioned if the Muslims were to take power it may be the worse, not only for the Egyptian people but also for the rest of the world. It would not be in any of our interest that the Muslim Brothers get power of Egypt. A promising dictatorship would be a turn around and at this point it might just be what the Egyptians need. If Mubarak was to stay it would be in the best interest of the people and him to change.
-- Lorena Riveras
Correction "a promising dictator"
-- Lorena Riveras
Revolutions are beautiful in concept but gruesome in execution. It’s beautiful to see men and women teaming up and risking their lives for their country. But that’s the gruesome of it as well – they’re not just risking their lives, they’re actually losing them. There’s no doubt in my mind that the people will continue to fight for a true democracy but I don’t think they will get it – at least not anytime soon. An example of this would be the French Revolution. They went through numerous constitutions and governments. The people’s political hero one day became their enemy the next. I think Mubarak’s dictatorship will be replaced but the government will go through numerous regenerations before it settles into a working system. In the stretch between Mubarak’s dictatorship and that final “working system” will be puddles of bad decisions, including different kinds of despotisms. This is not something that will be resolved in a couple of months but in years – decades, even.
-Gema Mora
Well, most of the world demanded justice by giving the Egyptians the right to choose their president. Meanwhile, the Egyptian president asked USA for help, to stop his people, but the USA refused....saying that the people have the right to go out and express their opinions about the future of their country. So far, the president changed his government and hired new people, but the Egyptians didn't approve...saying that they only want one thing to change, which is the president himself, they want him to leave....so they will make a new election I really feel sorry for the thousands of people who died in the past 5 days....the police killed them, just because they expressed their opinions and spoke their minds for the first time in their lives!!
Claudia Socorro
I think what is happening in Egypt is a revolution that we as a close ally with are watching every step of. Its amazing to see a president who has fled the country still has as much power as he does, even when his country is mid-rvolution if you will. We are seeing things that many thought were impossible to do, such as cutting off internet to a whole entire country. Also the cutting off of cell phones for the the citizens, yet they still manage to unite and rally for what they believe in. 30 years is a long time for any country to be under the regime of a single president, but whats interesting to see is Mubaraks changes has made ever since the revolution in Egypt has begun. It started off with a change in his cabinet, now promises to not run for reelection. But still his citizens are not satisfied, that want a full on resignation. All of Mubaraks show that it is possible that he may step down as president because of the difficulty of ruling a nation while in hiding. One thing Mubarak is depending heavily on is the support from his armed forces, but if they were to switch sides I believe the violence would escalade and we will have no choice but to watch the 30 year and counting president step down.
-Brent Knowles
Revolution or Proclaiming freedom after three decades under the hegemony and power of a single president makes this movement completely acceptable, socially and politically speaking. Egypt is having a chance to change and fight for a better life condition, and the country’s political process that have begun is not going to be easy to restore. Many agree that, in other to solve this situation, it is necessary a transition plan to be started urgently. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's announced that he accepts to abandoned the idea to be re-elect and to cede his power, but not until September when the political elections are meant to have place. I think that Mubarak’s idea of remaining in power until September is neither selfish nor vague, because a sudden political transition might cause a bigger chaos. Egypt’s situation needs a long process of transformation which could take a long time to be accomplished, but it is going to be worth it to reincorporate the country to its normal functioning. Even though, Egypt’s revolution is mostly chaotic at this time, it is definitely getting into administrative balance which is not seen as a final solution, but at least is a good sign. Honestly, I think this revolution is a good beginning for democracy, and it will be a lesson learned to Egyptians. Mubarak’s leadership will be replaced, as well as his form of government. This replacement will depend on Egyptians decision making, whether to elect a similar hegemony or to change 30 years of history. -Karen Olivas.
I think that Egypt is a great country. This is proven by the people themselves doing what they are doing because you can tell that they want CHANGE and they have a passion for fighting for what they believe in; thirty years of Mubarak’s dictatorship has been enough for the Egyptian people. Even though Mubarak does not want to leave Egypt, he is stepping down from his “throne!” This indicates the first signs of change for the better towards a more democratic Egypt. Even though it is still too soon to predict the future for this country, we can definitely tell that there have already been some positive changes by Mubarak’s stepping down. This will lead to more positive changes for the country and more rights for the people of Egypt who deserve them because they finally decided to stand up for what they believe in.
-Chavely Garcia
After 30 years of power over the egyptians, Mubarak must leave so a new head of state could take over. I agree with the protest because people get sick and tired after all the harm Mubarak has caused. A country so rich like Egypt deserves a a new and well trained president for them to free themselves from the suppression of Mubarak's dictatorship. I don't know if the US should take action because this would case a bigger problem more that it is already. If intervened, it could case a huge political scandal and probably a greater conflict. An organization like the United Nations should have the right to speak and take action but not a single country like the US. Its too soon to tell how is this going to end up, but as violence increases in the streets of Egypt, the egyptians will not rest until Mubarak is out I come from Venezuela where we have a similar situation with Chavez, so I support the egyptians because. one man should not have the right to take over a country after so many years. People believe in change and change will come with effort.
-Douglas Nassar
Hearing whats been going on in Egypt its only natural for me to agree that Mubarak needs to surrender his power, but as Lorena said Mubarak doing that may result to the muslims taking over. because i havent been following the crisis in Egupt its very hard for me to give an valid opinion, so on that note; if Mubarak is allowing Egypt to fall i think him leaving the throne would be best. If the Egyptians could have that done without the muslims taking over it could be a promising change for Egypt.
-Desiree Doughty
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/30/juju-8-year-old-girl-mubarak-egypt-video_n_816016.html
Watch this video: Cute Saudi girl admonishes Mubarak
On January 25, 2011, all hell breaks loose. The Tunisia-inspired, pro-democracy Egyptian revolution is both exciting and dangerous for the citizens of Egypt. For thirty years, Hosni Mubarak, the fourth president of Egypt, maintains a façade of democracy by banning opposition parties, rigging results, and threatening his own citizens with terror. Both men and women risk their lives to protest government corruption, unemployment, and poverty. Al Jazeera has been banned, at least from Cairo. Egypt has been a long-time US ally with certain democratic inclinations. The danger of these protests is that the state is extremely vulnerable and that anti-western, extremist parties such as the Muslim Brotherhood may take over the state. Egypt may become a theocracy like Iran. However, the importance of women to the movement is undeniable. They are the backbone of the revolution. They, too, risk their lives. Consequently, the next government may also pay more attention to the female public. Also, Egypt is a key state in the Middle East because many commodities, including oil, come through the Suez Canal. Those who pass through the canal may be at great personal risk. If Egypt is unstable, the equilibrium price of the global market for oil and petroleum increases. It is in the best interest of the Egyptian citizens to successfully end this revolution and establish a stable, democratic government. Mubarak must surrender his power immediately to calm to civil unrest. The transition will be difficult. There will be a culture clash. However, society will benefit, and the rest of the world will benefit.
-Alberta Kovatcheva-
In my opinion, a revolution has to be carried out carefully in order to solve the political problem in Egypt. I personally experienced how a revolution that seemed to be for the freedom of the people ended up becoming a dictatorship that has lasted for 52 years consecutively. My example is Cuba; I lived in a country with no democracy at all. Elections were not even made; our dictator remained the same regardless what people said.
I think a revolution should take place in order to eliminate the type of government they have and the frauds on elections. All they have to do is be careful with the president that replaces the one they have now.
-Roy Santamarina
I can certainly agree with Roy Santamarina, that whomever is to replace Mubarak and his fraudulent democracy must be someone who is not an extremist like that of the Muslim brotherhood, but someone confident and intelligent in handling the economic and social burden that bares upon the future and present day president of Egypt. Though Egypt and its people are going through turmoil that no country should withstand, they may not know the potential dangers the Muslim Brothers can pose upon the global economy and their own. The brotherhood is an organized system of theocratic extremist, similar to that of Iran. If they are in power, “they,” as in a more powerful “pluralist” form of democracy as Triff has stated, Egypt may face the same economic and political failure that a lot of the other Middle East countries are undergoing. Also it is important to keep in mind the information that Alberta has mentioned: Egypt is the key state in the transportation and mediation of oil through the Suez Canal. The global economy’s stability depends heavily on the smooth transportation of the Middle Eastern oil through that canal that Egypt owns. The United States does have an alliance with Egypt, most likely to maintain the flow of oil through the Suez, and if that flow is interrupted, the U.S. is highly knowledgeable of the consequences. When and if the new government comes into office (lets assume it is the Muslim-extremists of the Brotherhood), there is always a very high chance that the alliance between the U.S. and Egypt will be broken. If that alliance is broken, the choice to close off that Suez Canal or maybe even put a tariff of some kind to profit off of will lead the downfall of the global economy; this is a reality and a consequence the entire world will have to face, in this worst case scenario, of course. So the question to propose is one of morality and ethics on behalf of the Egyptian people; the battle of the greater good in such a situation that does not consist of much “good” at all.. Should the people of Egypt put up with more suffering to save the global economy and possible warfare through out many nations? Or should they think more impulsively on instinct to defend their own lives and deal with the consequential dangers of a new, and possibly more extreme pluralist and theocratic government?
- Aaron Le Jeune
I agree with the innocent people of Egypt. It is time for Mubarak to step down from power. It is a unanimous desire. Therefore, change is crucial. Protests of this kind in Egypt had not been seen since the 1970s. I am glad they are all joining together and protesting. Although they have been attacked by the riot police and also have been silenced, their voices are all being heard after all. It takes a lot more than blocking twitter and facebook from their citizens to stop them. In fact it is true, where there is a will there is a way. They do not deserve their autocratic government but they do deserve a true democratic one. They need a leader that will promote genuine reform for the good of Egypt.
Although many see the massive demonstrations in Egypt as an historic opportunity for a democratic change, the opposition groups are weak and fragmented and so far no clear leader has emerged to lead the country in this possible transition. There’s No doubt that many members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other opposition activists have joined protests against the government, but without displaying political or religious signs that can identify them, no real actions can be done. This situation seems to show that the "iron fist" with which Mubarak has ruled for the past three decades has prevented conventional political parties to take root in the country. Perhaps this is why no leader has emerged as a clear alternative and the opposition seems to have much work ahead to do to organize and to direct the lives of the Egyptians. So far, unless there’s a union between the political parties, no democracy will be achieved and all the protests will be a waste.
-King Yactayo
Egypt has the same government as we do. The only difference is that our government and congress actually let other people run and win the office, but it’s still controlled by a small group of wealthy people or the government itself. I mean we took only what, 16 years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, almost 20 years mind you, from a president And the people still wanted him (His health prevent him, of course). Egypt just doesn’t want Mubarak anymore, and they have been showing that. He should just step down, but he fears that Egyptians will hurt each other? He is just finding excuses to stay as much as possible in office. He wants power and he has had it for 30 years. It about time that the people take him out and get their freedom back, and if it mean getting him out by force, I guess so be it.
-Alexandra Acevedo
An Egyptian Revolution… amazing! It is amazing to be able to see this in my time. It will definitely, someday be a page in our history books. The people of this country are finally speaking up and fighting to see a change in their government. Thirty years is a long time to be ruled with so many restrictions and regulations on their lives. I believe this revolution will take place but like all other revolutions in history it will take time and effort. Saying this, there will be ups and downs when these Egyptians are fighting this government. These protest reminds one of the American Revolution, when the colony’s protested the taxes the British imposed on them. Although our revolution turned out to be a winning situation, we hope the same can be said later on about this revolution. It would be sad to see another type of dictatorship take place in Egypt, with all the time and effort that the Egyptians contributed.
~Pamela Picon
I think that the current president of Egypt should have allowed fair elections to occur, but unfortunately it is too late for that. Oppression is never the answer to the problem of terror, such as what Mubarak has been doing by not allowing other parties to take at least some control of the government. If he would have done fair elections he could have tried to convince his critics that he is the best person for the job. If he would have been more open minded to what the people are saying instead of shutting them down then maybe this would have been avoided. Now that it is too late for this, he needs to resign because Egyptians hate his guts. There will most likely be more democracy in Egypt if Mubarak resigns. Remember, from no democracy to some democracy would be a big step, I think there will be more democracy under a new government because that is one of the plans of the opposing parties even though people are skeptical about their plans.
Sincerely: Steven Russi ^_^
It is a great deal that Egypt is finally raising. It is time for them to take the stance and try to better themselves as a country. If it’s to have a revolution then go ahead it is time that they create their own government. If many other countries have done it then why not let Egypt take a stance. Although there are many possible outcomes to this revolution it will bring something better because Egyptians have finally realized that they do have the power to change things. In my opinion it is unfair the way that they have been fooled by making them believe that they were participating and having a “vote”, and it is only fair to them now to take what belongs to them. Hopefully the Egyptian people learn from the mistake of having Mubarak’s as a leader and create a democratic country like they hope and fight for.
Mubarak needs to surrender his power before there are more incidents. It seems that the Egyptians have really taken their stands and are not surrendering at any cause. It is inspiriting what they are doing and amazing that a cause can unite an entire country that way. Corruption of government has never been right and if the Egyptians feel as if it their time to become a greater country and come out of the cave then I see no wrong in doing so. Egypt has a great space to grow it is their government that had suppress ever opportunity and hope.
Obviously the people from Egypt have made attempts to change their government. Yet because of the corruption nothing has changed “we’ve had 5 presidents since”, and yet still Mubarak has been in powered, and although they have tried to change it nothing has been done. There is something wrong with that system which is what lead to the upraising of the people, because if they can’t change their government the settle way then they will do it the only way that they will be heard. Violence is not always the answer to a desperate call, yet at this point in time the revolution has been called for.
It is a great deal that they have decided as one that they will take Mubarak down at no cause. It is true that another dictatorship could raise but after seeing what the people can do I don’t think they will dare to replace it, and if so I’m sure they will raise again until they are able to have what they want. By the time I am sure that others will join in the rescue of the country. I am forth the revolution and hoping for a positive outcome.
In my opinion thirty years is too long for a person to be in power of the presidency. Especially if it’s not working to the peoples best interest and the majority or the citizens want the president out. It’s important that the Egyptians are taking a stance and fighting for what they believe in. it shows the current government that they are no longer willing to be pushed around and told what to do. All the people that recently died in Egypt due to the protest should be honored, but even though this is admirable it’s also sad. People should not have to die for expressing their opinions publically; this also comes to show that Mubarak is not the right person to be in charge of a country. What the Egyptians are doing is also good for other countries to see for example Cuba, maybe this will inspire them to go after their own communist government. Mubarak should step down and let the people decide what they think is a better candidate for the presidency. They will go through trial and error to find a government that works but it needs to be done.
-Nicole Encalada
Egypt could be a very powerful country if they came up with a way to bring cowards like Mubarak down. No country should be afraid of their leader; if you could even call Mubarak a real leader. He hides behind guns and violence in means for staying in office, that’s the sign of a true coward. He shouldn’t have lasted 30 years in office with the country still being the way it is. However, who is better, Mubarak or Muslim Brothers? How can a country trust the “Muslim Brothers”? They’ve pretty much been around as long as Mubarak but yet have never risen to help their people until now. This seems very fishy to me, who’s to say they just haven’t been plotting to overpower Mubarak just to do the same as him but ten times worst. Granted they may be just what the country needs, they may also be what the country shouldn’t have at all, but no one will ever know the truth until the Brothers have taken the place of Mubarak and changed the country for good.
-Brandis McGlond
What did Mubarak do wrongly? I was trying to figure it out because I think that people do not rebel if they live a reasonable life under a good government, no matter which form of government it possibly be. Panis et circenses is a way to live in peace. People may well live in countries governed through a Monarchy like in England, Monaco or Kuwait. People also may feel comfortable living under different systems of government like Democratic, Socialist, Islamic, or Communist Republics. What is clear is that Mubarak failed. His long time administration seems to have forgotten essential people needs. As a result, it broke the bond between the government and society. Second the New York Times, 20% of the Egyptians is below the poverty line. The systematic use of torture, religious discrimination against minorities, electoral problems, restrictions on freedoms and 30 years of state-of-emergency substantially undermined the health of the country as a whole. It made a perfect scenario for a revolution. However, revolutions cost money, resources and coordination to prevail. The forces acting (“financing”) now and which one will determine the new face of Egypt we will see shortly. To conclude, Mubarak at this time might be negotiating the transition or making transactions to escape while he still has time to do so. He should learn from Grouch Marx "The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made."
Meeme = Sheila Guisard
In my opinion these people are striving for change with such passion that they will eventually obtain it. Obviously it won’t happened over night but although it might take years it will occur. It’s been 30 years Mubarak has been in power and it’s time for someone else to take over. He needs to resign his power and let the people express their right to vote. At the beginning, just like everything else in life it will be a struggle and he will resist but eventually the people will overrule him (a whole nation against it’s govt.) Metaphorically speaking this dictator has assassinated Egypt, politically and socially. The only way he believes he can stay in power is by terrorizing the people but at this point the people will literally die for change. He has already decided to resign in September but the people strongly disagree and want him out now. They are slowly changing history.
-Yuleisy Ramos
The Egyptian revolution is a big step to establishing a reasonable and profound democracy that will change the people of Egypt tremendously. However, there are many dispositions that can cause this possibility to be potential crisis for the nation's right to freedom and the people that deserve it. President Mubarak has been president for 30 years, a great number of power and authority established in this nation. The only reason he has been kept in the election as said before, he's uses several techniques to oppose his opponents and still kept a continuous record of remaining the presidential position. Many say that President Mubarak will try his strategy to deviate this protest into a terror of despotism.
Egypt’s future is still uncertain. The people are willing to fight against the dictatorship and build a more equitable government. However; I think they should be careful at the time of choosing a new president. At this point an incorrect decision could cause more damage. Egypt is unstable and this may be an opportunity for those who desire more power to step in and take control. Mubarak has ruled the country for more than thirty years through oppression and terror. Now the citizens want a change that can only be gained through a revolution, but they should keep in mind that a rebellion not always produces the expected outcome. Here is a quote by G. K. Chesterton that make us think a little bit more about what is happening in Egypt.
“You can never have a revolution in order to establish a democracy. You must have a democracy in order to have a revolution.”
Ivonne Almeida
Post a Comment