Quick primer to the Egyptian Revolution

[88GT]

At least that's what it's being called by the author. We'll see if anything ultimately changes. Some of you who keep up more regularly with the news from that side of the world might already be familiar with most of the commentary. But as the devil is always in the details, I found the article interesting and illuminating.

Of particular note: about 2/3 of the way down the page, the author discusses how the move to capitalism was a significant boon to the economy, but the population was upset that said move came with a reduction in nanny state social programs. Since the state rhetoric about socialist utopia didn't change, their expectations were no longer being met and it appeared promises weren't being kept. I mention this because even if we in the U.S. were able to turn back some of the socialist spending programs and nanny state laws for the better of everyone, I think we'd see the same irritation and ire from those who've always received from the teat of the government. Makes me wonder how big of a factor nanny state socialism is in the Egyptian riots. And given the opportunity, how big it would be here.

American Thinker: The Story of the Egyptian Revolution

 

[phylodog]

I would hope that if riots were to erupt in this country as a result of a reduction in the entitlement programs, the conservatives and libertarians would have no difficulty joining forces and shutting them down in short order and by whatever means necessary. I would prefer quick and overwhelming violence of action but that's just me.

 

[rambone]

I would hope that if riots were to erupt in this country as a result of a reduction in the entitlement programs, the conservatives and libertarians would have no difficulty joining forces and shutting them down in short order and by whatever means necessary. I would prefer quick and overwhelming violence of action but that's just me.

We need to find a way to deal with such a situation in a way that will keep the constitution intact. Riots truly open the floodgates for limitless government power, and people will foolishly demand it. It is a crisis that the government certainly wouldn't allow to go to waste to advance their agenda.

It would be easy to convince people that the protesters are "enemies of the state" or "terrorists." That the protesters hate America and do not deserve rights or trials. That we need backup from the National Guard or military to help quell the situation. That the protesters should be rounded up and put into designated Federal Emergency Management camps. That we need a curfew to keep us all "safe."

These temptations must be resisted at all costs. I don't condone violent protesters, and I also don't condone a rabid Police State who will strike down all forms of protests.


Just look to Hurricane Katrina to see what I mean. People were rounded up against their will by FEMA and put into the Superdome, which proved to be nothing but a giant cesspool of violence, rape, and murder. People were disarmed and taken from their own homes. These are the types of things I am afraid will happen again. If somebody wants to stay in their home and take their chances, I think they have every right to -- no matter how justified a public servant feels in executing these measures of safety on them.

 

[phylodog]

I wasn't talking about the police, military or the government. I'm talking about guys like myself who don't give a **** about anyone who feels entitled to free food, clothing and rent but are outraged that they would destroy other people's property when the faucet of money is turned off and they're expected to get off of their lazy butts and earn something.

**I am not referring to the legitimately disabled**

 

[irishfan]

I wasn't talking about the police, military or the government. I'm talking about guys like myself who don't give a **** about anyone who feels entitled to free food, clothing and rent but are outraged that they would destroy other people's property when the faucet of money is turned off and they're expected to get off of their lazy butts and earn something.

**I am not referring to the legitimately disabled**

I have said it before and will say it again...If you cut welfare and social security then the protest that follows will be the largest the world has ever seen.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

I did not read the link...

But according to a friend of mine who is currently IN Cairo (grad school at American University; recent President's Medal winner from IUPUI...smart guy...):

The Muslim Brotherhood has joined the fray because they want a much more conservative / Sharia / hard-line type government.

The majority of the protesters are wanting a much more liberal / free society.

And even though Mubarak's gov't is generally seen as one of the most permissive in the greater Islamic Middle East... The citizens have had enough and want more freedom.

Mubarak's struggling to hold onto power, of course. The M. B. wants to take advantage of a possible power struggle / vacuum to wrest control for themselves.

Then there's the average Achmed who just wants to be left alone to do whatever the heck he wants to do.

Let. Freedom. Ring!

-J-