Mubarak resigns as president: Egyptian president stands down & hands over power to Army

[Turborama]

Source: Al Jazeera English

Egyptian president stands down and hands over power to the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces.

Last Modified: Feb 11 2011 15:19 GMT

Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, has resigned from his post, handing over power to the armed forces.

Omar Suleiman, the vice-president, announced in a televised address that the president was "waiving" his office, and had handed over authority to the Supreme Council of the armed forces.

Suleiman's short statement was received with a roar of approval and by celebratory chanting and flag-waving from a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Cairo's Tahrir Square, as well by pro-democracy campaigners who attended protests across the country on Friday.

The crowd in Tahrir chanted "We have brought down the regime", while many were seen crying, cheering and embracing one another. "Tonight, after all of these weeks of frustration, of violence, of intimidation ... today the people of Egypt undoubtedly have been heard, not only by the president, but by people all around the world," our correspondent at Tahrir Square reported, following the announcement.

Pro-democracy activists in the Egyptian capital had marched on the presidential palace and state television buildings on Friday, the 18th consecutive day of protests.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/

---

Watch Al Jazeera English at this link for the reactions: http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[somone]

1. Finally?

[Turborama]

2. Yep, Sulliman made a short and sweet statement. The crowds are ecstatic!

[somone]

3. Congrats to the people of Egypt!

Outstanding example of people power.

[fasttense]

151. Did anyone notice who was conspicuously absent from the crowds of protesters in Egypt?

Though most people, both sexes, most income classes, and religions in Egypt were represented in the crowds, their was one group noticeably absent.....

They were the very wealthy and powerful. No limos, no jewelry dripping off silk clad citizens, no furs or Armini were visible.

It was a protest by the middle class and poor.

[Turborama]

4. Guardian: Mubarak resigns - live updates (inc. vice-president's very brief statement)

This page will update automatically every minute: On

4.27pm: Egyptian state TV is showing live pictures of the celebrtions in Tahrir square. "The newsreader is smiling and looks as happy as many of the people down there on the square," says the anchor on al-Jazeera English.

4.23pm: The Egyptian pro-democracy campaigner Mohamed ElBaradei has cheered Mubarak's resignation. "This is the greatest day of my life. The country has been liberated after decades of repression," he told The Associated Press. He said he expects a "beautiful" transition of power.

4.20pm: Our correspondent Chris McGreal in Tahrir Square writes: "Cairo erupts in celebration as 18 days of defiant protest finally delivers a revolution after 24 hours of euphoria, dashed hopes and victory."

4.17pm: We have now embedded a live video stream from Tahrir Square. You can watch it by refreshing this page.

4.12pm: The full text of the vice-president's very brief statement:

In these difficult circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave the position of the presidency. He has commissioned the armed forces council to direct the issues of the state.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/feb/11/egypt-hosni-mubarak-left-cairo

[DeSwiss]

143. :D

[ck4829]

5. Congratulations to the People of Egypt!

[Turborama]

6. Al Jazeera English live blog as it happened...

6:20pm Ayman Mohyeldin, Egyptian and Al Jazeera correspondent, says that for so many people, "a dream has become a reality".

6:12pm:' Mubarak steps down. Brought to you live on Al Jazeera:



6:09pm: No point any of our presenters trying to speak over the roar of Egyptians celebrating.

6:04pm: Jubilation breaks out across Egypt. Flags waving. Joyous scenes in Tahrir Square, Alexandria, Suez. Watch our live stream here: http://aje.me/jelive

6:03pm: He's gone. He's resigned. 30 years of Mubarak rule is over. Omar Suleiman says:

"President Hosni Mubarak has waived the office of president."

6:01pm: Omar Suleiman addressing nation now.

Check back for more reactions: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/10/live-blog-feb-11-egypt-protests

[Turborama]

7. BBC: Egypt crisis - President Hosni Mubarak resigns as leader

Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down as president of Egypt.

In an announcement on state TV, Vice-President Omar Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the military.

It came as thousands massed in Cairo and other Egyptian cities for an 18th day of protest to demand Mr Mubarak's resignation.

Protesters responded by cheering, waving flags, embracing and sounding car horns. "The people have brought down the regime," they chanted.

Mr Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the high command of the armed forces.

"In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country," he said.

"May God help everybody."

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12433045

[Turborama]

8. Raw live feed of the celebrations...

Here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/systems-test#utm_campaigne=synclickback&source=http://www.guardian.co.uk/&medium=6935622

[Moostache]

9. Hey Cheney, Rummy, Condie and the rest of the NeoCon MORON Brigade...

Do you see NOW what "liberation" in the middle east LOOKS LIKE?
Do you understand NOW that foreign guns do not produce this kind of reaction?

My bet is that they cannot even fathom this revolution - which is entirely why their bastard offspring in the Republican party won't understand it when it happens here either!

[leveymg]

93. The Neocons and RW Israelis not only can't understand liberation, they were opposed

to it, and murdered hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, Afghanis and US troops to prevent just this sort of eruption of people's democracy in the region.

[zipplewrath]

100. You realize they'll take credit for it

They'll claim that their "liberation" of Iraq, and their pressing for elections in Palestine, helped lay the ground for this uprising in Egypt.

I don't agree, but you know they'll try to claim that, just as Reagan tried to claim that his defense expenditures "bankrupted" the USSR, even though you can't find a single economist to support that claim.

[BlueMTexpat]

110. Never fear - the taking credit part occurred early on ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/28/AR2011012803144.html

But the lesson was completely misunderstood. And still is.

Elliot Abrams :puke:

[TBF]

10. K&R for the people of Egypt - we stand with you in solidarity. nt

[Turborama]

11. CNN's Ivan Watson is @ presidential palace in Cairo, as Mubarak's resignation is announced (video)

Here: http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/02/11/exp.watson.mubarak.resigns.reax.cnn?hpt=T1

[L. Coyote]

12. REC!!!~!!! LINK BACK to the LIVE BLOGS on DU here:

Way to get this up fast!



LINKS IN OP:

***** EGYPT Live Blog ***** MUBARAK RESIGNS - Feb. 11 *****
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x394893

[Crowman1979]

13. I guess the +100000 postings on google of "Mubarek will end up like Mussolini" got his attention.

[BanTheGOP]

14. Good to see one more GOP lackey eliminated!

Hopefully, the progressive, democratic Muslim Brotherhood will swiftly take action to prevent republican capitalist interests from screwing up the country any longer, as well as strengthen Arab ties that can ultimately lead to a much-needed government change that results in Israel decertifying as a state, leaving republican party-infestation centered around Baghdad. Congratulations, netizen progressives !!!

[oberliner]

15. President #Mubarak has stepped down as president of #Egypt,

Source: BBC Breaking

President #Mubarak has stepped down as president of #Egypt, Vice-President Suleiman announces

Read more: http://twitter.com/BBCBreaking

[tavalon]

16. And the crowd is going wild

And rightly so!

[tabatha]

17. They sure earned that.

[tavalon]

27. Yes

They have. They are fantastic.

[dipsydoodle]

18. Now official on BBC's News website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/us_and_canada/

Just a banner at present so look for update.

[madmax]

19. BRAVO EGYPT - BRAVO!!! nt

[Frustratedlady]

20. That has to be the shortest message, ever!

This should scare a lot of the other ME rulers. Maybe it will begin the rebuilding of the ME to be led by the people and democracy.

Incredible. I have goosebumps just listening to their cheering.

[oberliner]

21. Truly a pivotal moment in modern history

The impact of which will be felt for years to come.

The region will never be the same.

[gblady]

23. it is amazing to hear....

I love that Al Jazerra is just forcusing on the crowd...
and not trying to comment on top of it....
tears streaming....very moving.

[tavalon]

31. Al Jazeera knows how to let the crowd do it when the time is right

From now on, they are my go to station for all things Middle East.

[boppers]

22. 17 days... that's what it took.

I'm guessing Iran or Saudi Arabia is next.

[ewagner]

30. My guess....

Iran...the seeds were planted some time ago...they will soon bear fruit.

The House of Saud is still in complete control in Saudi Arabia. Remember that Saudi Arabia is the "keeper of the faith" in Islamic tradition. There is no secular movement to dispute that at the moment.

[Alameda]

49. Saudi Arabia does not give good representation of Islam

[No Elephants]

149. Or about 30 years, depending upon how you view it.

[Paper Roses]

24. Incredible resolve shown by the citizens of Egypt.

Power to the people. Now if we could all gather our collective resolve and do something here, I'd be in the crowd.

I do not advocate the overthrow of the country, I do wish we had the will to protest for our most important causes.

[cilla4progress]

25. Our Egyptian brothers and sisters

SHOWING HOW IT'S DONE!!! I am proud to be of the same race with them today.

Does anyone know how I can send them my congratulations and gratitude for their dignity, persistence, and humanity?

Blessings for moving forward - may the earnestness and grace of the past few weeks continue and carry them forward.

[New Earth]

71. here

http://www.facebook.com/#!/egyptianrevolution25

[cilla4progress]

113. Oops, thanks - not a facebookian

[siligut]

26. "The biggest street party in the world"

This from Bloomberg, the energy is amazing.

[defendandprotect]

28. Congratulations to the Egyptian people for their COURAGE and LOVE in this revolution--!!

Was so depressed after last night -- and now this wonderful news!!\

[Nuclear Unicorn]

29. chickens...hatching...waiting

Not to imply the media has ever been wrong in general or about Egypt in particular; I'm just sayin'.

[tavalon]

34. Yeah, this is where the scarier part happens and where it could all fall apart

but they've been so strong, I want them to have at least these few minutes to just rejoice.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

36. I just hope that now they have run the wife-beater out of town

the wife-beater that shoots into his neighbor's yard doesn't take over.

The people have worked too hard to trade one set of chains for another.

[tavalon]

37. Yep

[proReality]

32. Good luck, Egypt! eom

[Ghost Dog]

46. Lots of work, still to be done.

US MSM TV still attempting to censor/spin this?

Just one more step, but still: :far out:

[FLPanhandle]

33. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss

[tavalon]

35. Maybe, maybe not

Yeah, Suleiman is still there but the military will be taking a larger part of running the transition which could be bad or good.

[oberliner]

41. Suleiman is gone too

Omar Suleiman, the vice-president, announced in a televised address that the president was "waiving" his office, and had handed over authority to the Supreme Council of the armed forces.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/201121125158705862.html

[FLPanhandle]

43. Which has been the real government power all along

Mubarak and Suleiman are just front guys for the Egyptian military.

All that has changed is there is no front man for the time being.

[oberliner]

45. Who should power have been turned over to before holding elections?

The Egyptian people seem pretty pleased with this outcome.

What do you think ought to have happened?

[FLPanhandle]

50. It's designed to make them happy and go home.

I'm an old cynic though. Nothing substantial has changed.

[oberliner]

52. But what are you saying ought to have happened?

What would have signified substatnial change?

[closeupready]

83. Seriously. Change has to start SOMEWHERE.

But DU never fails, lol, to give fresh fodder for pessimists. ;) Cancer could be cured, and there would be those who wailing about the fate of those employed in cancer research. :rofl:

[FLPanhandle]

98. Well, the military was in charge and it's still in charge

Tell me what has substantially changed?

They are changing the military frontman.

If with an democratically elected government the military role is greatly reduced, then THAT would be change.

This is a replacement of puppets.

[oberliner]

152. Egypt military vows to restore civilian control

In another move to restore order, the army said it would "guarantee the peaceful transition of power in the framework of a free, democratic system which allows an elected, civilian power to govern the country to build a democratic, free state".

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41544286/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

[No Elephants]

150. Please see Reply 48.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

51. Maybe, indeed.

Mind you, I'm paraphrasing, but obviously the conversation in the presidential palace or whatever it is came down to -

The people are outraged. They will march.

Will the military defend me?

To a point.

Will they fire their weapons.

Not to that point.

You know, I hear Macedonia is nice this time of year. Call my travel office.

That means the Egyptian army has no taste for Egyptian blood.

THAT IS AWESOME!

That is to their credit.

But does the army want to stay in charge or will they hand off power and who will they hand power to?

Too many variables. Too soon to know.

[oberliner]

42. What are you implying here?

They haven't even had time to have elections yet.

[FLPanhandle]

44. Simple

The military has been the real power behind Mubarak and will continue to be the real power.

Nothing has changed but who the frontman will be.

[oberliner]

47. Nothing has changed?

That is a pretty staggering comment in light of what is happening right now.

[LanternWaste]

67. The information I've read over the years is contrary to your statemen

The information I've read over the years is contrary to your statement. Mubarak's strength rested on the secret police much more than so than it did on the army.

Cynicism can be a wonderful thing.... if healthy. If simply the tired, old, Madison-avenue produced and sold cynicism, it's merely in the way.

[dipsydoodle]

69. don't think its quite like that

The army were not in control of the elections - The President bent them.

[Kingofalldems]

38. K and R for the freepers

[dipsydoodle]

40. lol

.

[truthisfreedom]

39. I hope the best for Egypt.

[klook]

48. "Everything seems possible now"

-- Reporter Dina Magdi overcome with emotion on Al Jazeera English. http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

Said, "It's not just about Mubarak stepping down. It's about women, the liberation of Palestine, everything."

A series of commentators unable to convey the mass euphoria in words. There are many people there who've never known an Egypt without Mubarak.

The future will not be easy, but this change is incredible to see.

[LeftishBrit]

53. Good!

Now let's hope for real change for the better. The people deserve it.

[totodeinhere]

54. When are people of the USA going to take to the streets and emulate what the Egyptian people did?

If they can do it in Egypt, why can't we go to the streets and demand freedom from our corporate masters here in this country?

Edited for typo.

[oberliner]

55. We have elections - they have been living under a dictatorship for decades

We have the rights they are taking to the streets to fight for.

[totodeinhere]

57. No we don't have those rights. What kind of a country is it where we have to worry about

whether or not our next "election" will be fair or whether the Republicans will steal it again? The big multinational corporations control this country and in the face of that grim reality we really have very few rights. We have the illusion of a democracy. In Egypt there wasn't even an illusion of democracy, but both systems have boiled down to really the same thing for all practical purposes.

[BanTheGOP]

75. That is why the US republican party must be eliminated. Pure and simple.

[TMcCaleb]

78. so

you support one party rule?

[leftstreet]

111. IT WAS !! In 2006 and 2008

Reaganomics died and so did the corrupt Republican party


Who brought them back to life?

:shrug:

[kath]

133. Obama did.

[Ahpook]

103. Excellent point

There is no debate about the 2000 elections. The Bush was selected, not elected.

[WatsonT]

59. When we are ruled by a an unelected dictator

for several decades.

[totodeinhere]

66. Actually, he was elected but the elections were rigged. Doesn't that remind you of what happened

in the USA in 2000 and 2004?

[WatsonT]

90. Not really

these comparisons are absurd.

[sledgehammer]

86. Oh please!

Living in a developing country under a dictatorship is nothing even remotely close to what the US has experienced.

Yes, things are bad right now in the US. But seriously how can one even compare the situation/revolution in these countries (which is quite similar to the East European countries in the late 80s/early 90s) to the situation in the US. Most of these protesters would give an arm and a leg to work a low-wage job in the US.

Be happy that you are free to express your opinion, your disgust, your happiness, whatever it is without fear of punishment. When I came to this country, I was shocked to see an entire park (Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta) that celebrates the Confederacy and honors those who wanted to secede from this country. I was disgusted to learn that the KKK openly holds annual rallies, and can openly protest on the steps of State Capitol buildings dressed up in their offensive (to me) garb. The confederacy and KKK are groups that I just loathed. But, I realized it's what makes this country so great - that the ideas I hate and the ideas I love can be expressed and heard without fear.

This is a country in which a candidate as unlikely as Barack Hussein Obama was elected President. That in itself is testament to the wonder of this country. Like him or not, his rise to the Presidency can not be paralleled anywhere in this world in a peaceful, democratic way.

But if you're still unhappy and want Egypt-style protests in the US, then remember it took just one person in Tunisia to get this revolution started. Need a light?

[Kablooie]

134. We have enforced regime change every 4 or 8 years.

The fact that it's being overrun by a minority is a separate issue.
Important one, but separate.

Just tossing out our leaders won't make a whit of difference.
The problems go much deeper than that.

[tpsbmam]

56. Watching on Free Speech TV....exhilarating, heartwarming, just amazing

to watch. Congratulations, Egyptians, you taught the world an incredible lesson -- peaceful protest can, indeed, change the world.

:party: :toast: :bounce: :cry: :grouphug

[Ian David]

58. Maybe next time, he'll buy the fucking cookies...

[FailureToCommunicate]

60. Tahya Masr! Tahya Masr! Tahya Masr !!

Egypt is free!

(We hope...)

[FailureToCommunicate]

107. And Mubarak may not get away with his plunder...

Just heard over the radio that Mubarak's assets are frozen by the Swiss:

link:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/11/us-swiss-mubarak-idUSTRE71A58R20110211

[PhillySane]

61. Mubarak Resigns

Source: CNN

VP's Statement

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/02/11/exp.sot.mubarak.statement.cnn?hpt=T2

[SemperEadem]

62. wow.. power to the people!

Hopefully, they haven't traded in a devil for an even worse one.

[Maraya1969]

63. EGYPT IS LIBERATED!!!!!!!

(from scroll at MSNBC) I am so happy for them!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:


:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:





:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[avaistheone1]

64. What a glorious day for people who believe in democracy throughout the world.

Now they will have to rid themselves of Sulieman.


:kick:

[RoccoR5955]

65. THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE! n/t

[Hell Hath No Fury]

68. Play him off!

[Arctic Dave]

72. + infinity

[BumRushDaShow]

70. Let's hope things settle down

If this isn't handled correctly, am hoping they don't plunge into a civil war.

[Delphinus]

73. I burst into tears

when I heard this on the radio! Blessings to all in Egypt - may they find the way to bring true peace and healing and democracy to their country.

[florida08]

74. Am ecstatic

But what happen?? Yesterday he gave a big screw you in his speech and now both he and Suleimann gone. Is the caliphate coming?..LOL]

[Astraea]

76. I just hope it doesn't turn into a military state

like Pakistan. Also, I hope there are no Mubarak cronies lurking behind the curtain, waiting to step in.

Also; Mubarak's assets should be seized - he's probably been skimming off the top for years and living the high life while the average Egyptian makes, what, less than 2$ a day?

[forty6]

77. I bet Rush and the Fox News idiots will call this another "failure" of Obama

to know the future of the Egyptian people, to have spoken to them in Cairo 2 years ago and caused this ruckus!

They will say that this is bad news for Democrats, who are soft on terrorism. I can hear it all now.

Then in 3 days, it will be because Bush was a strong leader, he sewed the seeds of "peace" in the Middle East.

I can hear it all now. Failure for Obama, Victory for Bush. Twist and spin!


In the meantime, best wishes and congratulations to our Egyptian brothers and sisters! Make of Egypt the best Democracy in the world!

[TatonkaJames]

144. It's already started

Beck is making the most outlandish dreadful scenarios the Egyptians will most likely face, in his mind.
Though he's admitted to being "entertainment news", like Rachel Maddow said, the conservatives who listen to him
will get the wrong idea, and he mentioned Obama several times to link him to his dreadful outcomes.
And then those conservatives vote uninformed.

[katty]

79. Great! bad day for dictators, good day for democratic inspiration!

Go Egypt!! Let's follow their lead!

[karynnj]

80. Senator Kerry's statement

Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, today issued a statement following the announcement that President Hosni Mubarak resigned:



“This is an extraordinary moment for Egypt. Courageous and peaceful demands for freedom and opportunity have now won the Egyptian people a chance at a new beginning. Now the hard work intensifies to prepare for free and fair elections that will allow the people to choose a broadly representative and responsive government. Egypt’s army and transitional leaders must heed the call to lift the emergency law and clarify a timetable to establish a proper foundation for credible elections. The United States must help Egyptians turn this democratic moment into a process that builds a government responsive to economic needs as well as demands for freedom. What happens next will have repercussions far beyond Egypt’s borders. We know from recent experience in Gaza that this requires not just elections, but hard work to build a government that is transparent, accountable, and broadly representative.”


From Facebook ( well that's appropriate for a revolution that used it and twitter, but it is not on his web site!) http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/john-kerry/kerry-on-the-resignation-of-president-mubarak/10150144584415879

[closeupready]

81. Wow! What an inspiration to the world Egypt and Egyptians are!

Way to go! :woohoo: :hi:

[florida08]

82. Salute

[alp227]

84. what a pleasant surprise! Obviously there can't be protests for another 7 months

Enjoy a life in disgrace, Mubarak!

[Turborama]

85. Egyptian Military Dissolves Parliament, Dismisses Govt

Egyptian anti-government protesters celebrate minutes after the
announcement on television of the resignation of President Hosni
Mubarak, Cairo, Egypt, 11 February 2011. EPA/BGNES

Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will dissolve the Parliament and dismiss the government as it takes over the country after President Hosni Mubarak resigned Friday night.

=snip=

Mubarak's resignation was announced Friday night in a televised by Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman, who Mubarak appointed as his first VP in 30 years just two weeks ago as a measure designed as a concession to the protesters.

Al Arabiya TV reported that the higher military council will sack the cabinet, suspend both houses of parliament and rule with the head of the supreme constitutional court.

The army statement was expected to be delivered later on Friday and followed President Hosni Mubarak's dramatic resignation after 30 years in power.

From: http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=125184

[florida08]

87. `

Happy Happy Joy Joy

[mvd]

88. K&R

Finally!

[kath]

89. Look at that massive crowd in the photo in the OP - that's what US citizens needed to do when

the Felonious Five installed the Chimperor.

[Tx4obama]

92. Photo reminds me of the photo of the Obama rally 75,000 folks in Oregon

Americans come out in support of 'good' things :)

[BlueMTexpat]

112. Absolutely. But the US media would not have covered it. nt

[Peace Patriot]

91. Someone upthread asked, when are we going to do this here, to throw off our Corporate Rulers?

I just want to speak to this. I think it has to happen very differently here. The U.S. and Egypt are very different countries. Egypt had an overt dictatorship. We don't. Ours is diffuse, with aspects of it quite hidden, and is more like an octopus (no distinct figure of "dictator" to focus on), and it's very hard to identify who is pulling the levers of power here and what kind of strategy will loosen their grip.

Our rulers are more obtuse than Mubarak and have utilized a strategy here specifically designed for us--for a massive-sized, culturally diverse country, at the heart of western power/wealth, with a strong democratic tradition. The trick here is to maintain a strong enough illusion of democracy to fool most people, while gaining an iron grip on all levers of power.

And I am going to mention only one of those levers--where the latest coup against our democracy has occurred--and the one that is most important to reverse, and still possible to reverse: Our vote counting system has been taken over by one, private, far-rightwing connected corporation--ES&S, which just bought out Diebold--and is now run (largely, 80%) on their 'TRADE SECRET,' PROPRIETARY programming code, with virtually no audit/recount controls.

This was all done recently (2002 to the present) entirely by corrupt lobbying. There is NO federal law mandating conversion to private vote counting. And control over the choice of voting systems remains at the state/local level, where ordinary people still have potential influence.

A movement against this outrage--privatized vote counting--could and should begin locally, in every county and state venue in the country. That is where a change back to transparent vote couning is still possible. And that movement could "snowball" into a general recognition of our need to throw off the Corporate Rulers. It is a righteous cause, that almost every American would be behind, if they knew the facts. And it aims right at our power as a people--our ability to elect leaders who actually represent us. It has imminent value in that regard. Voting pretty much IS our power. But it is also symbolic of the whole corporate system--the corruption of both parties' leadership, corrupt lobbying of every kind, corrupt corporate press (which should have cried the alarm on this, and, of course, and didn't), of massively corrupt and unjust wars, of the plan to loot Social Security, everything. It embodies and symbolizes all our ills.

No big "march on Washington." Not yet. Widespread, determined local action first. And no one has to break any laws. We have a right to SEE our votes being counted and to evict private corporations entirely from that process. This is a universal right. It is a blatantly obvious right. It's just waiting there for us to assert it! And the people who make these decisions are LOCAL--local election officials, local county supervisors, state legislators, etc. All the Anthrax Congress did was appropriate a $3.9 billion e-voting boondoggle, which got the lobbying binge and the fast conversion to a 'TRADE SECRET' electronic system going.

Transparent--seeable--vote counting is very nearly equivalent to the phrase "We the People." Voting is how "We the People" temporarily transfer portions of our sovereignty to elected leaders, to act on our behalf. This vital power has been placed under a veil of corporate secrecy. We MUST remove it from under that veil and make it public once again.

This Scumbag Congress doesn't represent us. Bush/Cheney didn't represent us. All the nutball rightwingers in office around the country don't represent us. It is very obvious to me that this 'TRADE SECRET' vote counting system has already been used against us. But even if it is not obvious to all, the danger that this system represents IS obvious. We can't have 'TRADE SECRET' vote counting. Period. It is the most fundamental violation of democracy conceivable. It is blatantly, obviously wrong. And it is a prime example of Corporate Rule.

My hat off to the Egyptians, who could get rid of a "dictator" by massive, courageous, unstoppable street demonstrations!

What a scene! It is exhilarating and inspiring!

But I don't think it can happen that way here. Well, it might. You never know. But if it isn't focused on an achievable goal--and, I think, on the mechanism of power itself, the voting system--and gets all diffused into struggles against every arm of this great corporate octopus--it will fail, and how it will fail is that it will simply be ignored--as the massive protests against the Iraq War and the preceding Seattle protest against global corporate rule were ignored. Our government has grown very skilled at being stone deaf. You could put a million people around the Washington Monument--or 2 million, or 3 million--and if they aren't focused (as the Egyptians were) on ONE thing--one ikon of power--in our case, our sovereignty as a people as expressed in our voting system--then it will be ignored; everybody will go home and nothing will happen. And even with a really big, very focused protest in Washington DC, it could be ignored, because the power to decide on voting systems is still LOCAL. In truth, we don't want Congress--especially this Scumbag Congress--to mess with our vote any more. This potentially massive rebellion needs to begin locally, as pressure on the local officials who make these decisions.

The Egyptians could mount massive demonstrations in 3 or 4 cities and bring the government down. Our landscape is far different. Washington DC is 3,000 miles away for many people. (And for Hawaiians and Alaskans, even further.) We have hundreds of major cities, all crisis-crossed with freeways, with hundreds of side-pockets into which the "authorities" can tuck even large demonstrations. Strategically, we need to stop thinking about "street demonstrations" and going after the rat bastards who are running things with "shovels and pitchforks." For one thing, you can't identify or find most of these "rat bastards." Some of them are headquartered in Dubai or Singapore or God knows where. And there are too many of them--all living in a "bubble" in the upper atmosphere, and sending out their octopus arms by remote systems. The White House is basically just a front for them, and so is Congress (and the Supreme Court). It is pretty much useless to petition these entities--as long and bitter experience tells us. But LOCAL government? Local leaders are both more accessible and more vulnerable to people power, if it is focused. And restoring vote counting that everyone can see and understand is a very strong, fundamental focus--with immense practical value. Get the corporations and their 'TRADE SECRET' code out of our voting system, and then we'll see what's next. Anything is possible in a democracy. But first you have to have a democracy. And if the votes are not counted in the PUBLIC venue, you do not really have a democracy. First things first.

[kath]

94. yep - on another Egypt thread I said "Now if only WE had free, fair, and transparent elections".

The illusion of democracy they give us fools a lot of people...

[fasttense]

97. Just a few items to illuminate how we resemble Egypt before the protests.

Mubarak was elected. It was a questionable election like all the bushes elections. But it was an election none the less.

Egypt officially claims they had a 9.4% unemployment rate in 2009. Do you believe how that matches the US official unemployment rate? Do you think maybe both numbers are fake? http://www.indexmundi.com/egypt/unemployment_rate.html

We are ruled by a corporate aristocracy, Egypt was ruled by a legally elected dictator.

We have judges who are bias and rule on cases based upon political power.

We have a supreme court who prevented the country from counting votes and selected our president for us. We have a supreme court that makes up laws and declared that corporations are people too.

We have torturers and war criminals walking the streets with no accountability. We have rich and powerful people breaking the law with no accountability. We have the rich who ignore laws and rub in our face. We have poor people who if they even look like they are going to break the law are crushed under the heel of the law.

We have terrorists roaming the streets who are actively encouraged to murder doctors, politicians and judges. They bomb clinics, murder whom ever they wish and are cheered by religious and political fanatics

Obama has just raised my taxes and everyone's taxes who make less than $20,000 a year or a family that makes less than $40,000 a year. Yet, all the very rich were funneled money through the Fed when they crashed the economy and through the bank bailouts AND given tax cuts.

People are losing their homes at levels not seen in the history of this country. The foreclosure rate and the bankruptcy rates are higher than during the 1st RepubliCON Great Depression.

Yeah, we are in no way as desperate as the Egyptians... or are we???

Lets protest like the Egyptian.

How about next Tuesday?

[Ken Burch]

95. That's what REVOLUTION looks like, people! That's what HOPE looks like!

The people of Egypt win THIS round...may they press on through and make sure they get full democracy.

[katty]

96. indeed, it does!!!! a great day!

[WatsonT]

99. So now the army is in charge

hmm . . .

[grahamhgreen]

101. Hope and Change realized.

[thelordofhell]

102. Do you hear the people sing?

Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!

When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums.
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!


:patriot:

[Maineman]

104. In my opinion, Mubarak has been Dick Cheney's ideal president.

If Cheney could have arranged it in this country, he would have been just like Mubarak. I wonder if Cheney is learning from Egypt. Probably not.

[Uncle Joe]

105. That is an excellent mass of humanity.

Thanks for the thread, Turborama.:thumbsup:

[stevenleser]

106. I hope this ends up being a good thing. The hard part starts now.

There is always a danger of the most ruthless and reactionary groups seizing power after a regime is deposed.

[Javaman]

108. I think I just heard Saudi Arabia shutter.

:rofl:

Long live the people of Egypt! Peace is always the answer. :)

[Jefferson23]

109. So emotional, such an astonishing accomplishment. ..words fail.

February 11, 2011 never to be forgotten in history.

[bluescribbler]

114. Who's next?

Will dominos start falling all over the Middle East?

Congratulations to the people of Egypt.

[myrna minx]

115. What a wonderful day.

:woohoo:

[AsahinaKimi]

116. Good for them, however ...

The hard part comes next. Having free elections..and hoping that their Democracy continues, that they don't become a Theocracy.

[DCBob]

117. Congrats to the Egyptian people... what a remarkable historic earth shaking revolution!!

Well done!!

[ChiciB1]

123. While We Here Witness What "Peaceful Revolution" Looks Like, I Wonder

how long it will take for "we the people" HERE IN THE USA to take OUR Democracy back! I so WISH we had the strength to take on the POWERS THAT BE in THIS country, so that we too can regain OUR DEMOCRACY!

Power To The People!!

Egypt you have my sincere praise for what you have done! I'm so thrilled for you and wholeheartedly wish you continued SUCCESS with your SOCIAL REVOLUTION!

We here should take a few leads from you and all that you have accomplished! I realize many changes are ahead, but you most certainly deserve the utmost credit and admiration of all countries as you march forward!

FANTASTIC, I must admit I'm jealous, but in awe!
:fistbump: :bounce:

[EFerrari]

118. Juan Cole & Samer Shehata on what post MB Egypt might look like.

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/2/11/post_mubarak_what_will_egypt_look

:hi:

[L. Coyote]

119. DENIAL is a river with the blood of 300 Egyptians

May Justice be served upon the unjust!

Good to see this thread on the Home page!

[AllyCat]

120. Wow. Just wow. Congratulations Egyptians. You're losses have not gone

unrewarded. Brave people. Can you come show us how to do it?

[Matilda]

121. We were asleep in Australia when this happened.

Sorry I missed the moment, but what a wonderful thing to wake to!

There will be a lot of ME despots shaking in their shoes right now...

[Matilda]

122. dupe

[Kajsa]

124. Outstanding!

Here's to Egypt and her people!!

:toast:

K&R

[abelenkpe]

125. Congratulations Egypt

And thank you for showing us how change really happens.

[pam4water]

126. Wishes them luck! Not sure the military is a bug step up.

[marasinghe]

127. 1 down. many more to go. \~/ to the people of Egypt.

:bounce:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

128. back 2 the top

[suffragette]

129. K&R and

:grouphug:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

130. Up next: Remove Suleiman's grubby hands from the levers of power.

[valerief]

131. Bravo!

:applause:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

132. k

[OnionPatch]

135. Woo Hoo! I'm so happy for the Egyptian people!

:woohoo: I spent a lot of time there and I know how much they hated Mubarak.

[lonestarnot]

136. Very excellent people! Here's to you!

:toast: You are free!

[Wolf Frankula]

137. To Show that My Heart is in the Right Place, Here's a Song

for Hubsy Mubsy. Words and music by Bob Dylan.

It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Copyright by Bob Dylan

You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last
But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun
Crying like a fire in the sun
Look out the saints are comin' through
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense
Take what you have gathered from coincidence
The empty handed painter from your streets
Is drawing crazy patterns on your sheets
This sky, too, is folding under you
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

All your seasick sailors, they are rowing home
Your empty handed armies, are all going home
Your lover who just walked out the door
Has taken all his blankets from the floor
The carpet, too, is moving under you
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

Leave your stepping stones behind, something calls for you
Forget the dead you've left, they will not follow you
The vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
Strike another match, go start a new
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

Wolf

[missingfink]

138. Any chance the Teabaggers & other Repubs......?

try to organize their own demonstrations against our ELECTED President in hopes of toppling him as the Egyptians did to Mubarak?

[PoliticAverse]

139. Congratulations on what you've achieved so far, but

the fight for freedom has a long way to go still...

[Odin2005]

140. Congratulations, Egypt!!!

:woohoo:

[Starry Messenger]

141. k&r

[DeSwiss]

142. K&R!!!

[markmyword]

145. Let's Go Home

How fantastic it has been to watch the Egyptian people protest
day in and day out for FREEDOM. 

America(Obama),I hope you're watching, because this is how it
is done.
Hopefully, this has put other Arab nations on notice that
DEMOCRACY is coming their way. let's hope that all these Arab
leaders are nervous, and scared that their days are numbered.
The PEOPLE of Egypt  HAVE SPOKEN.

This brings me to Iraq and Afghanistan, why are we there?
 
It is NOT America's job to police the rest of the world and
force democracy on other countries. When the people are
ready,(with a little help from modern technology, as in
Egypt's case) they will fight for their freedom. The will of
the PEOPLE is a force not to be reckoned with, as we've seen
in Egypt.
They REFUSED to go home, they REFUSED to believe another lie
from their government, they REFUSED to be silent.

Obama should be making a call today, telling his military
commanders that we need to bring out troops home and NOW.
Unless the PEOPLE are ready and want freedom from their
leaders, we are fighting a losing battle.

It's about time our President issued the order to his
commanders "LET'S GO HOME".

[Shining Jack]

146. K&R

I hope that Mubarak, Suleiman etc will be arrested and put on trial and that there will be real elections.

[sabrina 1]

147. That's an incredible photo!

[No Elephants]

148. Okay so far, BUT I am not keen on military dictatorships I will feel better after fair elections

have been held.

The Egyptian Constitution allows an Egyptian President to hand power over ONLY to the V.P. or to the head of Parliament, in which case, an election must be held within 60 days.* Of course, according to Mubarak, Egypt has been in a state of emergency since he took office, so he's been entitled to ignore the Egyptian Constitution, which he did to the bitter end.

With his illegal hand over to the military, who knows when elections will be held? So my fingers are still crossed.



*Per Christiane Amanpour of ABC News, reporting on what she said her sources told her about the Egyptian Constitution.