Egypt and the People

In Egypt today thousands of citizens gathered together in Tahrir Square hoping to persuade Mubarak to leave office. "Your plane is ready" said some of the signs in the hands of demonstrators. This all started on Tuesday, January 25, yet Mubarak is still there promising to resign in September. One problem is that this is a leaderless movement, that seems to be spreading even to Moscow. True, Mohamed ElBaradei, the Nobel Laureate is there somewhere, but so are many other diverse interests. The United States has supported Mubarak, whom the people no longer want, and at the same time, espouse the spread of democracy around the world. Seemingly conflicting interests. There is so much going on there, with so many future possible problems and conflicts resulting. What about the Israel-Palestine Peace Treaty, the domino effect in the region, oil and other business interests.

Many of us are hoping that democracy will prevail. Sometimes, watching the local news leads me to believe true democracy is slipping away in our country. Many of our citizens no longer trust or believe in their politicians and often don't even know who their representative is! Imagine how difficult democracy will be in a country where 35% of the people are illiterate.

Like so many other Canadians, I hope some day democracy with its principles of equality, majority rule, compromise, individual freedom, separation of power etc. will shower the people of Egypt with its blessings. But democracy does not only mean freedom. It means responsibility as well. Canada has a literate and educated people, but many have lost interest in exercising their  responsibilities (voting for example). If we can't swing it, who can? The democratic principles we are supposed to live by are eroding even here. However, we have seen how modern technology, as long as it allows freedom of expression and affordability, can provide a platform for real reform in the future.

Right now the people of Egypt want jobs, reasonable wages, food on the table and personal freedom. It is not the time for ideology but for a leadership that will help them reach those lofty goals without violence and interference. Another form of leadership is required, that will, in the long run, lead to democracy. That time is not yet.

That's Dick's view of the world today.