For the first time in a long time something which I have seen on the news has given me great pride and belief in the human race. I have been watching with interest the events unfolding in Egypt with anti-Government protesters taking to the streets in vast numbers, demonstrating for the resignation of President Mubarak with immediate effect. Hundreds of thousands of people are bravely showing their disdain at a leader who has held power through keeping election reults secret. To try and end this unrest Mubarak has reshuffled his cabinet, but the people are currently not accepting this empty gesture and are holding their position.
What makes this situation more interesting is the position of the army who are currently refusing to make any antagonistic move on the protesters, allowing them to assemble and move freely as they gather. In Egypt the army are a crucial factor in deciding how things will turn out as they are a respected piece of the establishment. As it currently stands I have a healthy respect for the army for not stepping in and allowing the protests to continue.
The views of other Governments throughout the world has been back and forth depending on what they perceive may happen. When it looked like Mubarak may be ousted from power, they called for him to step down and allow the democratic process to take precedence. But when Mubarak said that he would not relinquish power, the word was that they would support him in setting up the foundations of what would become a democratic process nearer the end of the year, when his term finally ends. Unfortunately it would seem that this decision is ultimately in the hands of one man, and that man does not seem ready to accept that the time has come for him to listen to his people and accept their wishes. Time will tell if the people who are protesting can shout loud enough that the man in power hears their collective voice and realises that his time is over.
What has excited me so much about watching this on the news is the fact that for the very first time in my lifetime, I am actually seeing true democracy in action. Action by the people for the people. All these people who have come together to protest have different views about who should run the country and what should happen next, but at the minute they are one united voice, calling for real change. It would seem that at the minute it is a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. But what happens next is anyone's guess. If this majority achieves its singular aim, I fear they will once again retreat to their corners and come out fighting over who should be the new man at the top. But for now they remain together in their belief that real change must take place now.
As I said, watching these images I am filled with admiration for people who are practising real democracy. Something which we have not had in this country for a long time. Just my personal view, but democracy to me is not rich men in suits (more often times known as the Government) telling us that due to the fact that they misspent our money, we will now all have to tighten our belts and deal with the fact that our taxes are rising. Our national insurance is rising. The cost of living is going up. And anything that isn't going to cost you and me extra money, things like the health service and public utilities, are being cut at the same time. Democracy is people working together for the common good. It is not something I would recognise in this country. But fear not dear readers, for there is good news. Oh yes. I am pleased to be able to report that Bankers bonuses will not be cut. They will still receive their fat paychecks and massive bonuses, because quite honestly, where would we be without our brothers in the banking community looking after our interests?
Democracy is alive and well they tell us. Well, I disagree. However I think it will be once the people have had enough of being the butt of the joke. Once the people realise that they have more power than they think. For now I remain an avid viewer of the Egyptian people who have refused to take any more shit from liars and thieves. Anyway, I sound like a preacher now and as this is my first post I don't want to scare anyone (too much). So I'll leave you with some advice that I have come to rely on through the years.
"There's no point in voting because whoever you vote for, the Government always gets in".
