So, you're calling the revolution in Egypt a 'coup'? Is that a bad thing? I mean, it's July 4th, America's Independence Day, a celebration of a coup, n'est ce pas? That's what I heard in President Obama's address to the nation today. Honestly, you would have thought he was talking about Egypt. Listen to this:
"
On July 4th, 1776, a small band of patriots
declared that we were a people created equal – free to think and worship and
live as we please. It was a declaration heard around the world – that we
were no longer colonists, we were Americans, and our destiny would not be
determined for us; it would be determined by us. Substitute: We are Egyptians and our destiny will not be determined for us (so stay out of this America); it will be determined BY US.-->
It was a bold and tremendously brave thing to do. It was also nearly
unthinkable. At that time, kings and princes and emperors ruled the
world. (and today we have dictators, religious zealots, punks) But those patriots were certain that a better way was
possible. (Egyptian patriots are certain that a better way is definitely possible and they ain't taking 'no can do' as an answer.) And to achieve it – to win their freedom – they were willing to
lay it all on the line. Their lives. Their fortunes. Their
sacred honor. (Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians are doing like-wise.)"
And:
"I want to say a special
word of thanks to the men and women of our military, who have played such a
vital role in the story of our nation.(Isn't the military playing a vital role in Egypt? Of course, like all 'militaries', they must be watched.) You have defended us at home and
abroad. And you have fought on our nation’s behalf to make the world a
better, safer place. (Uh, not so much.) "
Here's where Egypt Envy comes in. Watch Egyptians out on the street for days and days and weeks and weeks and not for the first time! Remember, they did this a couple of years ago which sparked the Arab Spring and revolutions in repressive countries with repressive regimes. And when their infant democracy looked like it was going south under Hamid Morsi, they let him know that no one is safe to rule the people. It is the people who rule the 'leaders'. And that is exactly what happened on the 4th of July, 237 years ago today in these United States of America. I can hear you say, "But we Americans peacefully vote out representatives we don't like on election day." Sadly, our 'democratic' system is dangerously rigged and we better protest to fix that, too, or eventually, we too will live under a repressive regime. Revolutions aren't always fought on the street. Dastardly right wingers are doing everything they can to undermine our system so they can 'rule' you. Do not take anything for granted.
While I'm not advocating revolution (helloooo NSA), Americans would do well to learn something from these protesters. Americans
have the attention span of a gnat. A one day rally here, an afternoon
protest there, sign a few petitions online and, ta da, "I'm an
activist!" It takes a lifetime to effect change or keep what you already have. Words are cheap. Get off the couch. Take all that energy you have yelling at the television when you hear the news about injustices here at home, and become an actual activist, a lifelong one. In the spirit of our revolutionary forefathers, keep your eye on the ball and don't ever let our leaders forget who they are working for.
1 comment:
Judi-
As usual a great post. Concurrent with my disappointment in Mr. Obama's performance v. my expectations, I've come to the position that we've been lied to from the start. American "democracy" has always been about elites and money, not the common man.
The American Revolution was fomented and led by some of the richest men in America at the time. They had a vested interest, i.e. money, to break away from Mother England. No shoemakers or common farmers were a part of that mix.
Of course when it came time to fight, it was the shoemakers and common farmers who did the heavy lifting. And roughly on 1/3 of the population in the 13 colonies took part. The others were either loyalists or didn't care.
The Civil War? Again, it was mostly about money and power, not the well being of the country or the common man. I am dumbfounded by the fact that the majority of the poor, shoe-less Confederate soldiers never owned a slave and never had the means to do so, yet they fought and died because the rich slaveholders, no more than 15% of the Confederate population convinced them it was the right thing to do.
Americans aren't of a mind to march in the streets, because it isn't bad enough. For the most part they're not going hungry, they sort of have jobs, most own a car and have a roof over their heads. It's not so bad.
And we keep being told we live in the Land of Milk and Honey. Why, would our leaders ever lie to us? nah...
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