Iza is fine, thanks everyone for all good thoughts. I'll post some pics and tell a few funny stories about the past few days in another post.
A few days ago I saw this photo taken at one of the protests in Tahrir Square. I can't stop thinking of this woman. Standing up tall in that sea of men. I have a sweater just like hers. I have a purse just like hers. I imagine our lives may be very similar in spirit. We love our family. We have worked hard. We are strong. We detest lies and oppression.
Earlier today the Minister of Defense told the democracy movement protesters that "all your demands will be met" and people were joyous. They gathered in the square to wait for Mubarak's speech believing he would step down, transfer ALL power to his VP and the transition to a new democratic election would begin.
What they got was Mubarak saying he would transfer "some" power to the VP. Then the VP spoke telling the people to go home and go to work.
Did Mubarak intentionally stir up the hopes and passions of the people so that he could crush them? Does he want their frustration and anger to turn to violence so that he can unleash the military and kill as many revolutionaries as possible?
My feeling is that the answer to those questions is YES.
While I think of myself as a spiritual person with a peaceful heart I also recognize that revolution against corruption and greed rarely comes without conflict - some of it violent.
I wish the people of Egypt strength. I wish them safety. I hope they will continue to stand together and protect each other. I hope the looters will be exposed as operatives of the Mubarak regime.
In the last decade the gap between the poor majority of Egyptians and the rich rulers has widened by huge proportions. You just can't step on people forever.
I don't know what I want the US to do for Egypt. We so often muck it all up and make it worse and our real intentions are usually self serving.
It doesn't surprise me that Dick Cheney referred to Mubarak as a "friend". It doesn't surprise me that assholes like Glenn Beck claim President Obama is being passive on Egypt because he's part of the "secret Muslim brotherhood" plot to take over the world. Heaven forbid a US leader think before he acts.
All I know for sure is that I want the woman in the photo to be safe and free.
16 comments:
I couldn't agree more! I hold the same thoughts and wishes! Thanks for saying it as only you can. Hugs to you and Hope both!
Sylvia
Unfortunately, I think your observations are spot on. I hope the same for this woman, and everyone like her.
I'm glad to hear that Iza is well.
Just people wanting fairness
Thank you for this thoughtful post. I think Mubarak, with his $70 billion cannot possibly imagine what he has done to his country. It would mean he would shrivel up and die.
I think if the people disperse they're toast.
Quite frankly, I'm surprised that this hasn't already dissolved into civil war or a Tienanmen Square type of event. I know that there are a lot of diplomats that are working very hard to try to prevent either of these things from happening. I pray that they are successful.
Some of the photographs that come out of Egypt are priceless. The Huffington Post has a few great ones every day. I just read a great piece about a family leaving, and thought you’d like it…. http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2011/2/9bernard.html
Yes I agree. There was another amazing photo here - such raw feeling: http://feministing.com/2011/02/01/women-central-to-egyptian-revolution/
I'm so worried about what will happen next.
Thank you Di for saying so well what I am thinking but don't know how to put into words. Yesterday was terrible just seeing joy and hopes dashed like that and imagine what it would have been like to have been there.
Mubarak has stepped down, but he has turned power over to the military. We will have to see what happens next.
Well said! I hope now that he has stepped down, things will settle quickly with no repercussions.
Glad to hear Iza is well.
I am just watching the news as I type and the Egyptian people are jubilant and quite rightly so. Just goes to prove that 'people power' can and does work. I applaud their tenacity and bravery.
So far, on the part of the protestors, it has been a peaceful revolution. Mubarak has now resigned. The military has taken over. But it will still be a long, painful process. I can only hope that woman and the others feel a little bit more freedom. I know they feel some success today.
I don;t hold out much hope for Egypt. They'll get rid of this man and then have the Brothers in who are going to be worse.
Good post. I'll be wishing for freedom and safety for the woman in the photo as well.
Dianne,
Great post...I think they will be so thankful this man is gone. He took so much away from the people!
But I fear it will be such a long journey for them all!
Post a Comment