It doesn't get more reactionary than this! 'The people aren't ready for democracy' is a time-worn claim made by autocrats and dictators everywhere - and by their objective apologists. Whether or not the new miltiary regime in Egypt is a servant of democratic aspirations or not will be tested by time. The key question is whether free and fair multi-party competitive elections will be held in September or at some reasonable time thereafter. It would seem at this stage that the military represent a transition to that democracy. It was fairly clear by late January that Mubarak was gone and a transition would be needed, and that the military would provide it.

The author disparages the people around the world who have struggled and acheived democracy, to one degree or another. Demcoracy by its nature is never perfect - but it's far superior to autocracy and fascistic rule. Just ask the Iraqis whether they want Saddam back.

First Saddam, then Ben Ali, then Mubarak...

If the Egyptian revolution fails to achieve free and fair elections, then it's back to the streets for the people. I doubt that this will be necessary but, either way, history will continue to pass Sam Vaknin by.

democracy is where 51 percent
lord it over 49 percent

its still the same 15 percent running things
they only need to bluff the other 34%...one group at a time

thus they go visit clubs..buy votes
build stadia...sponcer local sports clubs to man the booths
unless they get diebold voting machines that do the numbers for them

its not the elected who run things
its the public servants ..and those who own the two parties [and the media]..if you got no fere speach..ie no voice..you vote still dont count

look at palistein
they voted for who was serving them
but then ...well we all know what happend there
or iraq..or belgem..its time to go the way of finland

jail those doing the ripoffs
elect an elect who see their duty to serve all
not just the party machinations..that result in faux demonic autocracies

demon
de-moc-race
de moc crazy

make autocrats chose
betwen money OR power
we had enough of both

lets write.. a constitution
where govt serves the people..not the elites
serves the basics ..*to all...not just the corperate power brokers
or multinationals and multi pasport holders

tax every penny ,..that leaves the cuntry ..at 50 percent

tax every transaction*
..to subsidise the basics ..for the poor

free education
..free assosiation

free-will
free health

good food
good air
good water

that we do ..to the least ..we do to god

Ummmm.... 4 pages of reading..(part of my valuable LIFE) ..and not a hint of a 'solution'.

Ok.. some takes.

GLENN BECK (Fox News) "This is the beginning of the insurrection, the Muslim brotherhood and the Socialist/communists working together to establish a Calipate/Marxist-Socialist outcome. This will spread to other Western linked Arab countries. Strategic issues re the passage of oil etc.. Straits Hormuz, Suez.

ME. While Beck is 'close'... I think he missed out on one important factor. "Egyptian Military"
As we now see, the only viable force in Egypt in the immediate is..the Army to hold things together while the dumb civvies sort themselves out. I agree with Beck to the extent that his basic facts are true, he just did not give sufficient weight to the Armed forces keeping a lid on it and also keeping the real power.(and benefit)

INTERIM. Once the Army stabilizes the situation and Mubarak is gone... the other parties will be very energetically active in trying to gain a better position of access to power.

BARRIERS. Will of course be the Generals, who undoubtedly benefit greatly from being who they are and their connection with the 'throne'.

Will they allow a bunch of Commies and Islamofascists to threaten that ?

I think the best we can realistically predict is that the military will either

a) Retain control indefintitely.

b) Allow some representative groups to 'look' like they have power through democractic elections, but still retain the benefits and trappings of ultimate power.

Are you sure about that, Boaz?

>>GLENN BECK (Fox News) "This is the beginning of the insurrection, the Muslim brotherhood and the Socialist/communists working together to establish a Calipate/Marxist-Socialist outcome. This will spread to other Western linked Arab countries.<<

I think you may find that came straight from the famous GlennBeck Conspiracy Generator.

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/bl-glenn-beck-conspiracy.htm

Here's one from the same source:

"It's time we ask ourselves why Hollywood liberals want to create a One World Government that will dismantle our military and enable Islamic terrorists to colonize America without resistance."

and another...

"Liberal neo-monarchists pose a clear and present danger to the republic because they have a secret plan to turn us all into communist slaves, which, as you know, is what Mao was trying to do when he bombed Pearl Harbor."

...but this is my favourite:

"Hollywood elites and their arugula-eating disciples are operating a secret shadow government whose real agenda is to molest your kitten. And you know who else tried to do that? Hitler."

Give it a spin. It's fun, and instructive!

Mr El Baradei doesn't appear to be representing but very small segment of the Egyptian society. Not sure why many channels are interviewing and quoting him?

Fellow_Human wrote:

>>Mr El Baradei doesn't appear to be representing but very small segment of the Egyptian society. Not sure why many channels are interviewing and quoting him?>>

I think it’s because the news channels that quote him want to believe that whatever regime emerges in Egypt will be made up of people like El Baradei.

And I want to believe I’ll win the lottery.