Thursday, June 16, 2005
The Mubarak Dynasty
I don't know much about politics, really, but every once in a while I see something that grabs my attention. I'm sure that most of America is not up to date on the whole Egyptian election issue that is going on as I write, but, naturally, Karim and I are concerned. It seems that Mubarak, having come to the fall of his life has decided, finally, to allow free elections, (they call it a democracy). The only people willing to run against him are an extremist religious group. I shudder to think what that might do for the future of Egypt in the areas of tourism and trade, the ONLY things that keep Egypt from becoming completely destitute. However, I'm not sure I agree with a fifth term for Mubarak. During all of his years on the throne, he has refused to appoint a vice president, (I am assuming that this is to avoid being assassinated by upwardly mobile leadership candidates), and only now, at 77, he is claiming that should he be elected, (as if he won't be elected), he will appoint one. Let me make an uneducated prediction--Gamal, his son. There have been rumors.
It just seems to me that the term "democratic elections" used herein doesn't mean much. I see it as another way of forcing the people to bend to the will (under the guise of democracy) of the tyrant. I don't generally agree with our own system of government, either, but one thing that gives me great hope is that after this term in office our beloved dictator George must step down to allow another "fearless" leader to ascend. In Egypt, this isn't so. Mubarak has been in office for two and a half decades now, and plans on going longer. (What is he, the Energizer Pharaoh?)
Mubarak is great for trade relations and international "peacekeeping", but inside the walls of Egypt it is a completely different story. The people have nothing to give them hope. The average Egyptian works full time or longer to make less than the equivalent of 15 to 20 US dollars a month, paid monthly if the employer feels like paying it. There are no benefits, insurance, vacations, or advancements. Once a clerk, always a clerk. As a result, the people have learned to beg, barter and bribe, and corruption abounds. I could speak for days about the state of Egyptian poverty, but there isn't really a need. There is poverty all over the world, but the great sadness of it all is that there IS wealth in Egypt. Unfortunately, it is only for the select few. The rest, seemingly, are there to serve them.
I think it is time for Mubarak to take off his Pharaonic robes and let someone else drive the chariot. Someone that cares not only for the Middle East peacekeeping process, but also for the Egyptian economy and the people who work so hard to make Egypt Egypt. Unfortunately, Sadat is not available for office, so the people will simply have to appoint one that THEY feel is appropriate. I would hope they wouldn't be that afraid of the Mubarak Machine to do it.
It just seems to me that the term "democratic elections" used herein doesn't mean much. I see it as another way of forcing the people to bend to the will (under the guise of democracy) of the tyrant. I don't generally agree with our own system of government, either, but one thing that gives me great hope is that after this term in office our beloved dictator George must step down to allow another "fearless" leader to ascend. In Egypt, this isn't so. Mubarak has been in office for two and a half decades now, and plans on going longer. (What is he, the Energizer Pharaoh?)
Mubarak is great for trade relations and international "peacekeeping", but inside the walls of Egypt it is a completely different story. The people have nothing to give them hope. The average Egyptian works full time or longer to make less than the equivalent of 15 to 20 US dollars a month, paid monthly if the employer feels like paying it. There are no benefits, insurance, vacations, or advancements. Once a clerk, always a clerk. As a result, the people have learned to beg, barter and bribe, and corruption abounds. I could speak for days about the state of Egyptian poverty, but there isn't really a need. There is poverty all over the world, but the great sadness of it all is that there IS wealth in Egypt. Unfortunately, it is only for the select few. The rest, seemingly, are there to serve them.
I think it is time for Mubarak to take off his Pharaonic robes and let someone else drive the chariot. Someone that cares not only for the Middle East peacekeeping process, but also for the Egyptian economy and the people who work so hard to make Egypt Egypt. Unfortunately, Sadat is not available for office, so the people will simply have to appoint one that THEY feel is appropriate. I would hope they wouldn't be that afraid of the Mubarak Machine to do it.
