A voice for freedom

I have written about what it means to have personal freedom.  What’s happening in Egypt and the rest of the Arab world is inspiring me to write about what it means to have freedom as a citizen in any country.

I am not a political commentator – there are many more qualified and better informed journalists and political scientists weighing in on the topics I care about - but as a citizen of the world I speak up about politics.  I like politics mainly because in my world it gives a chance to people like myself to create their governments and their future by their ability to think, use their voices and place their votes.  Then we have to take responsibility for our elected officials since we elected them.

I have been exposed to oppressive governments, ones that are more focused on maintaining power than representing the people they govern.  I have read extensively about countries where the abuse of power and the removal of basic human rights of people that fought for their freedom and that of the rest of society is rampant.  I have watched in horror as constitutions get amended at whim to ensure that leaders with little education are able to continue governing past what the previous constitution allowed.  I have also observed the challenges of democratic countries face in striking strong alliances with countries that demonstrate complete disregard for human rights and having to hang those governments out to dry because it is not politically correct to support them once the people start speaking out against their government.

Egypt is a case in point.  Yes, the United States considers it an ally and its relationship with Egypt has been very close for decades.  Very hard to have a friend in the Arab world, a world where in the past years many of its people have spoken and acted out in hatred against the U.S. and its allies.

However, nothing good can come out of an oppressive government that uses its police force and pro-government thugs to oppress its people.  Surely we don’t know the extent of the repression that has taken place over three decades but the fact that so many people are speaking out and giving up their lives for a different Egypt, says it all.  An Egypt where Parliamentary elections are not a sham and opposition leaders may be elected, a country where the constitution does not require Presidential submission of changes to existing articles and a country where freedom of expression is respected and that allows for democratic elected governments is a minimum set of conditions for any country in the 21st century.

Reading about Egypt and the fact that 40% of its people earn less than $2 despite the country’s economic growth and multi-billion dollar assistance from its allies demonstrates a complete lack of focus on investing in its people through social programs and education as well as shows disregard of the country’s future. Keeping people in poverty is an abominable strategy for submission and many countries have followed that strategy.

It’s hard to tell how the on-going demonstrations will end but it is my hope that we do not turn our back on the Egyptian people in fear of a strengthened Mubarak retaining his power for many more years either directly or by passing the Presidency to his son.  Enough is enough.

We are only seeing the tip of the iceberg of many more shifts towards freedom in many more countries where people are still oppressed and where basic liberties do not exist.

I am praying for peace and freedom for all.