Blame vs Change

[H2O Man]

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
President John F. Kennedy; 1962

Who is responsible for making a peaceful revolution in Egypt impossible, thus making the current violence inevitable? More, without accurately answering that question, is it possible to prevent worse violence tomorrow?

The most obvious answer is, of course, Hosni Mubarak, the “President” of Egypt. He is a man who has exercised significant political power for much of his adult life. President Anwar El Sadat appointed him as the Vice President of Egypt in 1975; he held that powerful position until Sadat was assassinated in 1981, which resulted in Mubarak's becoming president.

As vice president, Mubarak had held vital positions in terms of both intelligence and military matters. Having served in two branches of his country's military had played a role in helping to prepare him for his powerful position. This, along with the role that Sadat played on the world stage, can help us to understand how Mubarak became so firmly entrenched in his present position.

Sadat was a complex man. In his early adult life, he was considered dangerous by the British Empire. He would become a rebel, who helped overthrow the government in Egypt. He was considered to be a hero for his role in the 1973 war. Sadat also had a curiously close personal relationship with the Shah of Iran. But he was also fascinated with the teachings and philosophy of Gandhi. In my opinion, Sadat had the potential to become a truly great leader, by his brave move towards peace in the Middle East.

When a leader such as Sadat is killed and succeeded by one of his top aides, that aide almost always serves not in an inspired way, but rather, in a bureaucratic manner. They become a “systems man.” And Mubarak became the type of petty tyrant that a system that is propped up on massive military aid from an outside empire produces.

Hence, while President Barak Obama is tasked with dealing with the crisis in Egypt, his job was made difficult by the decades of support Mubarak received under Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush/Cheney. So it isn't as simple as being a democratic policy, or a republican position: it is the entrenched American system that has provided Mubarak with the ability to stay in power for so long.

Still, an out-of-touch 82-year old man, by himself, cannot pose a threat to anyone.There is also a substantial pack of jackals in Egypt, who have become addicted to the sense of power, and all the material benefits afforded by supporting an aging, incompetent dictator. It is these people who are now engaged in the violent attacks on the majority of the people of Egypt, who are engaged in peaceful revolution.

What seems evident to me is that in order for Egypt to experience democratic change, there must be a change in the American system. No dam ever built can hold back waters that have flowed by in the past. President Obama can't undo what American policy was from 1981 until today. And while there is some debate about how he should be handling the situation today, I think it is extremely important for the American people – including you and I – to contact the White House, and say that we want a real change.

There is more than enough blame to go around, including forces in Egypt and in the United States. It goes far beyond just our own politicians domestically, too: our military-industrial complex has spoon-fed Mubarak and his ilk for far too long. The merchants of death in the weapons industry have profited on other human beings' suffering, including in Egypt.

I view the nations of the earth like pieces on a giant mobile, hanging over the infant of humanity's crib. In order for one piece to move, the others must also shift. Too often, they, too, become entrenched – just as Mubarak is – and invested in stifling any change. In order for Egypt to change, America must change. And for America to change, really change, we must consider applying some of the tactics and lessons now being taught in that beautiful land called Egypt.

[WilliamPitt]

1. K&R

[OneGrassRoot]

2. K&R (with gratitude) :) n/t

[spanone]

3. k&r ....

a million times

[blondeatlast]

4. The world would most likely be very different had Sadat survived

and continued as President.

Those of us who remember have a duty to those who cannot possibly remember. You've done so exceptionally well. thank you. k/r

[H2O Man]

6. One of the reasons

that it is important to consider Sadat has to do with how some of our friends on DU are concerned when the read that the Muslim Brotherhood had once had a relationship with Nazi Germany. Now, that sounds ugly to everyone today. But if we take a moment, remove the emotional influence, and examine the context, it did not mean then, what it means today.

Sadat and almost all the radical young people of his day wanted the British out of Egypt, to quote Malcolm X, "by any means necessary." So when Germany was beating England, they were happy. But not because of Germany's policies internally; only because these young people hated England. That is what "hate" can lead to.

Gandhi was unique in his insights as a rebel. He wanted England out of India, but he didn't hate. His stances during WW2 confused most of his closest associates. They did not want to do anything to support England, and were glad to see Germany beating them in the war. Not because they supported Germany's internal policies -- but because they hated England.

As I noted, Sadat found Gandhi fasciniating. And there came a time when he came to understand why Gandhi did what he did .... and only then could be embrace that level of being which knows that non-violence is the only way to end violence.

For that brief moment, there were three important world leaders willing to risk peace. President Carter was essential, too. But those who love violence could not allow a Sadat or a Carter to continue to hold office. The rest is history.

[bleever]

5. "No dam ever built can hold back waters that have flowed by in the past."

"I view the nations of the earth like pieces on a giant mobile, hanging over the infant of humanity's crib. In order for one piece to move, the others must also shift."


Evidence of why you are one of my favorite commentators with a national audience.

[H2O Man]

7. Well, thank you!

I do appreciate that.

There are a number of things that I should be doing in these past few days. But I'm glued to the television and DU. And every day, I'm attempting to post an essay here, to explain what it is that I am seeing. I'm glad that people like you take the time to read it.

Your friend,
Pat