Egypt

[SydTheSkeptic]

Egyptians, right now, are taking refuge in their homes (if they're not out protesting).  The younger folks are taking up arms to protect their own neighborhoods in defense of looters and armed bandits whom they believe are the ministry's police in disguise (in an attempt to undermine the integrity of the protesters). 

 

Inspired by events unfolding in Tunisia, the largely-educated and unemployed activists are demanding the ouster of Mubarak, their dictator since 1981.

 

It's 2 am, and the police have all but disappeared from the streets.  The government has already shut down all communications, including internet, & mobile phones. 

 

This is part of a Middle-Eastern revolution toward democracy, NOT a religious-based civil war.  For that reason, the U.S. should be in support of this movement.  

 

My thoughts are with those in the region who aspire to the ideals of democracy and who are attempting to take their country back from greedy and careless tyrants.

 

Just some thoughts.  :o)

 

[BlancheNoE]

HUGE.

 

[Chig]

Lafayette, we are standing by and watching so we know who to back.

[photo2010]

Unfortunately, tear gas cannisters lobbed at the protesters had "Made in the U.S." stamped on them. Our government sold its soul long ago.

[SydTheSkeptic]

They came from a private company- free trade in action.

Kevin- I'd argue that WE are the government.  :o) 

If our leaders sold out, we allowed them to (and continue to).

[photo2010]

Syd, no argument, just saying that our government, (we), have backed people like Mubarak for years. Former VP Cheney was still getting a paycheck from Halliburton while Halliburton got a huge no-bid contract in Iraq. Conflict of interest much? Why do I keep thinking that the protests in Egypt should be happening here? Indeed, we continue to allow bad behavior, which makes us guilty too.

[SydTheSkeptic]

Halliburton...indeed, a global force of evil.  Just look up "fracking"- they're still at it regardless of all the destruction they leave in their wake.

[photo2010]

Yep, and I know you know about Tobie's question about fracking getting muzzled. So much for open discourse with our leader(s).

[SydTheSkeptic]

It's really scary stuff.  I've been looking into what they're doing locally, in New Mexico.  Gonna keep an eye on my new Republican gov.  She's already appointing people who call environmentalists "commies".

[lima]

I agree we should be there.   Unfortantly the US is screwed either way, we are damned if we do and we are damned if we don't.  

 

 

[photo2010]

Sounds like the board of my condo ;) Sorry, I know it's not funny. I'm glad you've got an eye on them. When I was in college in the 70's, I participated in protests against the war. Protests were common. Today it seems like people are so concerned about putting food on the table, and getting healthcare, (and rightly so), they are too tired, sick or afraid to protest. Seems like the perfect storm for politicians to take advantage of.