The crisis in Egypt has caught the world’s attention. American journalists have been covering the news of the riots and protests since the onset not long ago. The people of Egypt are upset at the direction in which their country has been going.
Many people in Egypt want a democracy like we have here in the States. A democracy means people have a say-so in choosing their leaders and can voice concerns and approval as they see fit (within reason, of course). Egypt had “elections” just last year and people have boisterously voiced their disapproval. The protests got so bad in Egypt it had to establish an early curfew. The hours were put into place by the government to contain or even eliminate the protests in the streets. The police force wasn’t enough to stop them all.
There is no guarantee Egypt’s new government will be any better than it has been with Hosni Mubarak as president, but I am hopeful. It will take time before any new positive changes can take effect and actually work.
I personally would like to see Egypt become a democracy, although we can’t force any country to do anything. It’s the fairest political system in which everybody will have a chance to make it. We had to talk to the Egyptian leaders about becoming a democracy so it wouldn’t send a signal that we, as a country, are weak.
It would be like your opinion matters. And nobody wants to feel like nobody is listening to what he or she has to say. Social justice would be of the utmost importance. Social justice is what Mubarak promised when he took over as the Egyptian president in 1981. He once bragged he was going to hand over power to his son and that there was nothing anyone could do about it. What kind of democracy is that?
As with most government leaders, he was associated with many instances of corruption. He played to the special interests and did just enough for the people of his country that they wouldn’t revolt (that is, before now). By his ignoring his people’s cry for reform, he almost had no choice but to take matters into his own hands. I don’t blame them. I would take my chances of something bad happening to me, especially when there are so many protesters but few police officers in comparison. Besides, fighting for a cause bigger than yourself is well worth it in the end.
I’ve been paying attention to the protesters. I’ve noticed they, for the most part, are not shouting “Death to America.” That’s a nice thing to know. People that hate us are often not afraid to chant those hateful words.
Many Americans can relate to the Egyptians. They want to make sure they keep a roof over their heads, as well as food on their tables. There are many countries that want to be like America. Egypt has the potential to be like it, considering the country is an ally to America.
Many people have suggested America cut off billions of dollars of aid we give Egypt if it doesn’t get with the program and start the process of forming a democracy. I couldn’t agree more. They need us way more than we need them. They know their future partly depends on all that money.
The military is one area Mubarak hasn’t been able to corrupt. That’s a hopeful sign for Egypt, if you ask me. Its soldiers come across as independent, which means they aren’t easily influenced. There was talk about whether American leaders should’ve been more vocal sooner in forcing Mubarak out. There’s just no satisfying some people.
We need to make sure we help Egypt but at the same time not do it directly so it won’t look like we are interfering. There is a fine line, but if we walk it right then it can pay off for America.
Christopher Webb is a junior majoring in  business administration. He can be contacted at [email protected].