As one of the most important revolutions in modern history, the Egyptian struggle for freedom also marks perhaps the first time the Internet has fully stepped into the void left by the major media in covering the momentous events, eclipsing the audiences and influence of broadcast news. You can plug into real-time dispatches and updates at the Facebook for Sixth of April Youth here, including video posted minutes after it is hustled off the street. Kossacks are on top of the action, which will not be duplicated here, with Weasel providing news updates, please keep it on the rec list. Also please read Unspeakable's excellent deep background analysis.
This post is to continue the lobbying avenue, as since $1.5 billion of your tax money goes to the Mubarak government yearly, you have some say in this. Secretary of State Clinton has used strong words to warn the Egyptian government to exercise restraint, but...
she has not said the magic words: A violent response by Mubarak tomorrow, after Friday prayers, will be met with a cut-off of all US aid to that government.
Then, of course, it will only be a matter of time before it falls.
We have seen this before. Tough words by politicians playing to the crowd, with no teeth. After the Butchers of Tiananman Square threw tanks and machine guns at thousands of unarmed protesters, George Bush Sr. rewarded the Chinese government with Most Favored Nation Status. Who led the charge on the Democrat side to relent on human rights? None other than Senator John Kerry.
I remember, John. Oh yes, I remember.
The Tunisian Army refused to fire on its own people last week, resulting in the ouster of the dictator with minimal bloodshed. It is hoped that the Egyptian Army will follow this honorable example. The Egyptian people have been starved, tortured, kidnapped, murdered, and humiliated for over 30 years now. Watch this video which has gone from a few thousand hits to viral overnight. It may leave you a changed person.
"The national army did not betray the people and the nation," said one of the many with new pride for the military, theatre critic Ahmed El Hadek El Orf. "And it is the first time that I have used the word 'national' for the army," - Tunisian after the "Jasmine Revolution"
Democratic Members of Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, which must approve appropriations to Mubarak government, "No More US Money for Mubarak if He Opens Fire on the Protesters":
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