It has been a while since anything has posted. This is the New Year and everyone is busy planning the measures and actions that will create return on our investments of time, effort and money in 2011. Thankfully we have the freedom to make those choices and take those actions. Unlike Egyptians in years past we are afforded the luxury of hope that our efforts will prove fruitful. We march forward void of any obvious concern that a governmental body, politician, political party or unscrupulous fellow citizen will set upon us and actively interfere with the successful execution of our plan.
The people of Egypt now can have such hope too. In fact like our forefathers they seem willing to pledge blood, treasure and even their lives to achieve these freedoms for future generations. For me it is natural to reflect and wonder why it took all these years for this to happen. Likely because keeping people who already feel economically or politically powerless, in a fearful state of mind, afraid to take action in their own interest, has always been unproblematic for a ruling power. After all these folks are already vulnerable… afraid that pushing too hard for what they want will meet and be crushed by a powerful, self-preserving force ready to do most anything to prevail and maintain power. It is that fear that the Egyptian people have now seemingly overcome.
Although the citizens of many Middle Eastern countries have been less than self actualized while living in such fear and under the rule of powerful dictators or theocracies, they have not perceived it to be so bad as to take the risks described above. This makes me marvel at the proud, determined, courageous and strong group of young Egyptian activists who have accomplished so much in the last 18 days. And watching their jubilation is an awesome sight. Interestingly it has captured the attention and curiosity of the young people in my life. Although I am not convinced they fully grasp the reach of this event.
For purposes of our theme on this blog, the Egyptian march toward democratic principles was not spurred on by a government, nor led by a politician, nor is it the result of ideological partisan voting by a political block or party. It was not even brought on by a well organized special interest group. No...the people did it. They strengthened their resolve as individuals and demanded to be heard as a group on the issue of their individual freedoms. They did it the right way…the only way that in the end has ever provided meaningful and lasting change for individuals and individual sovereignty.
Now is a time to celebrate with Egypt. As Americans we will watch events unfold along with the world over the coming months. No matter how things turn out in Egypt, it is clear that the young democracy minded youth want their liberty, sovereignty and freedom. It is likely they will get it.
Americans will be better served should they remain well thought-out on the matter. It is an error to observe and watch the Egyptian story like we have our recent wars…passively as though they were movies or TV events, removed from the true impact, meaning and lessons to be gained.
Instead I hope that we can be inspired and remain mindful that although our democratic experiment is more mature, we have our own strife and internal challenges. A sober mind, not drunk with a false sense of American exceptionalism, would naturally ask is there is an equivalent threat to our sovereignty from our burgeoning debts and increasingly arrogant and tone deaf centers of power. As free and sovereign citizens we need now strengthen our resolve and turn our attention to our own issues. In that sense Egypt...thou art me.
No comments:
Post a Comment