Egypt

You say you want a revolution; my heart goes out to you. --The protesting, the revolt, the transformation, the crisis, the situation, the unrest, the turmoil-- .  Language is powerful. What we communicate is powerful. We are watching the efforts of our neighbors and we are communicating quickly and effectively, brother to brother, city to city, country to country. The advancement of technology and globalization is truly impacting our world and we are witnessing the effects on a global scale.

Twenty six year old Mohammed Bouazizi became Tunisia’s revolutionary after his vegetable cart was confiscated by local police. As a result of this final act of humiliation and oppression, Mohammed Bouazizi, desperately distraught and defeated, set himself on fire outside the provincial headquarters. Within ten days of his death, through Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and cell phones, Tunisians organized protests that over ruled a twenty year dictator. The people of Tunisia won.

The Egyptians currently suffering the same injustice and denial of human rights; watched the people’s road to victory and became very excited as did those in the neighboring countries of Jordan and Yemen. A young Egyptian and Google Marketing Executive, created a Facebook page titled “We are all Khalid Said”, and began networking that supported a call to end injustice.  Technology was used to very quickly communicate, educate, inspire and make public the voice of hope. (THIS IS REALLY BIG!)  

I remember reading, “The World is Flat”, (Well, at least chapter two.) and feeling so excited about Thomas Friedman’s synopsis of the technological advancements of computers, fiber optic cable, browsers and wireless communication.  He discussed how we do not know the impact. At the time I was taking my first economics course and so my thoughts were all about industry, consumption of natural resources and the importance of bequest value and protecting the planet. I thought about the job market, outsourcing and the elimination of the middle class. I hadn’t the foresight of revolution and the wonderful things that unity can bring. Could it be we are getting closer to supporting global human rights?

The media loves to highlight violence, fear and “what is dark”. Currently, there seems to be plenty of missed opportunity to share about the camaraderie and unity of the people on the streets and throughout neighborhoods of Cairo. I wish to hear more about the Egyptians and Americans living in Cairo, sharing oranges and protecting one another's family and homes.  I loved reading of how protesters built a human chain to protect those in prayer. Could it be the positives of human nature and the desire to end social injustice will be the contagion of goodness that spreads? Could the army be protecting the protesters? Aren’t the soldiers also hearing the spontaneous discussions of liberty and democracy? What role will they take in the revolutionary culture that is developing? I forget how ends, “Lord of the Flies”. Who gets the conch and does the boy without glasses make it home? There were no girls on the island. There are women in Tahrir Square.

Yemen, Jordan, Tunisia, Sudan, Syria are in the process of a condensed transition. These countries are experiencing a political convulsion; a regime change from within. Some say this is a fourth wave of democratization. But it is argued that although there is much potential, the change will not result in democracy.  Protesters and many supporters worldwide are enthusiastic for a pro democratic movement, but according to some there is not much favorable evidence. Currently there is no clear indication that the governments that move into power will be democratic. And history shows that the events in Egypt and throughout the regional countries, is the typical process of changing leadership. It is the norm that an uprising and or an assassination induces political transition. What is different is how we are watching and the efficiency by which we are communicating. Thwap, tap, tap, tap, slide scroll tap tap, slap. Click, beep.

So what do you think? Are we seeing legitimate change or just change in leadership?

Well, in the Middle East, we don’t have a soviet equivalent to befriend. The countries are governments that are already our allies, or are at least recognizing us as global neighbors. The new governments, or changed leadership that result from the transformation may hate us. They may impede on our battleships moving through the Suez Canal. Huh? When Eastern Europe began to fall the United States rushed in with money to try to help build the economy and support new governments. There was a proactive investment in the process of transition. We are not the people of Egypt. But, can we show support by continuing to give money to Egypt? The U.S. can stop giving money to the Egyptian military (tear gas and tanks) and give it to select Egyptian organizations that support healing and development of a governing system that gives voice to the people. Maybe we could invest in education and economic opportunity. How about a train?

I see a regionally trans-formative movement. I desire a globally transformed World. I hold thoughts of healing, justice and love for humanity. How about you? How are you discussing Egypt? --The protest, the revolt, the uprising, the transformation, the crisis, the situation, the unrest, the turmoil--. Which words do you use?

“We stand together”… with you.