There is great opportunity here, and a responsibility after so many tears of US support to ensure a true democratic reform, and no totalitarian state. Below in comments is a brief discussion from a Facebook chat with a friend with Egyptian heritage.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2048622,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular
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Sunset, Venice 12/20/2012
I've been thinking some about the Winter Solstice, the Mayan end of the 30,000-year-cycle on 12/21/12.
What if in fact the world did end? Even though this probably will not happen, to live consciously it is honest for us to take a bit of an inventory.
Am I happy with how I've lived my life? (Yesterday, I thought mostly yes, with some areas for improvement, as below.) Are there changes I would make?
Would I have tried to forgive those that were hostile or disappointing to me?
Would I spend more time with those I loved the most, telling them that, feeling that more?
Would I be happier, grateful for what I have, what I've experienced, the joy, the beauty in this world?
Maybe the answer is yes to all of the above.
So this time can serve as a point of rebirth for all of us. If we think about it.
Because somewhere along the line I realized I think maybe mankind deserves it. !
The way we are killing each other, killing the planet.
How selfish we are, and snotty to those around us. Petty, competitive. Why is this? Do we have to behave this way? (I say no, it greatly detracts and misdirects energy from the full-time celebration in which we could engage, the great multi-cultural, multi-rhythmic dance we can sustain here.)
Maybe God or the Great Universe is fed up, and will pull the rug out from under us.
Don't think I can say we could blame Him/Her/It.
But it probably won't happen. (Probably not! This time.)
Still we are finite on this ride.
It is a time to think, am I happy with how I've lived my life?
Hopefully most of us can say yes.
For the part of us that have a little worry, a little sadness....
This is the time to be present.
This is the time to be the person you want to be, that can die at peace, that can hope to every day be able to look yourself and the Universe in the eye and say, how beautiful, smiling, and thank you. Let's do that.
What if in fact the world did end? Even though this probably will not happen, to live consciously it is honest for us to take a bit of an inventory.
Am I happy with how I've lived my life? (Yesterday, I thought mostly yes, with some areas for improvement, as below.) Are there changes I would make?
Would I have tried to forgive those that were hostile or disappointing to me?
Would I spend more time with those I loved the most, telling them that, feeling that more?
Would I be happier, grateful for what I have, what I've experienced, the joy, the beauty in this world?
Maybe the answer is yes to all of the above.
So this time can serve as a point of rebirth for all of us. If we think about it.
Because somewhere along the line I realized I think maybe mankind deserves it. !
The way we are killing each other, killing the planet.
How selfish we are, and snotty to those around us. Petty, competitive. Why is this? Do we have to behave this way? (I say no, it greatly detracts and misdirects energy from the full-time celebration in which we could engage, the great multi-cultural, multi-rhythmic dance we can sustain here.)
Maybe God or the Great Universe is fed up, and will pull the rug out from under us.
Don't think I can say we could blame Him/Her/It.
But it probably won't happen. (Probably not! This time.)
Still we are finite on this ride.
It is a time to think, am I happy with how I've lived my life?
Hopefully most of us can say yes.
For the part of us that have a little worry, a little sadness....
This is the time to be present.
This is the time to be the person you want to be, that can die at peace, that can hope to every day be able to look yourself and the Universe in the eye and say, how beautiful, smiling, and thank you. Let's do that.
2 comments:
CA "What do ya think? Family have a take on the developments? "
JY "Hard to paraphrase, my friend.
Having been there several times for extended periods, and experienced the wonderful people, this is all extremely shocking to everyone. No one would have expected that such a mild mannered, conservative society of people would stand up against there government, especially when you're not really allowed to. That should speak volumes. As far as Mubarak goes, the family's point of view is that he's done a lot of good work in his 30 years, and he's been a hero in many ways. He's no Sadaam Hussein, however, its clearly time he goes. The have a democratic system in place, but its been corrupt for many years, and he's obviously no longer in touch with what is right for the people. There is a fear that if he left, chaos would ensue, and that the Muslim brotherhood would take over. But, they are not the ones who brought all this forth. This was brought forth by young educated individuals who are tired of the way of life. No one blames them. This is what they had to do to get their point across. In watching the videos on CNN, its really interesting to us, that the protesters are most well-dress, suit&tie business people. Not really the "fellahs" as they call it, who tend tend to be the muslim fundementalists. I hope that relationship between the US and Egypt isn't too damaged by this. The people of Egypt want Obama on their side. If that doesn't happen, I think there could be really sever consequences. My cousin is hiding out right now, and its very frightening. Half of his familly is here, and half there. We're just hoping this whole thing doesn't drag out. What are your thoughts? "
CA "Hey J! Yes, I think you have a good/accurate/very interesting assessment of it.
I have no family there, but know an ex-coworker who did study at the American University, I think near Cairo. He liked it very much, and the people as well.
I wasn't sure how the people historically felt of Mubarak; that you/they consign it is time for him to go is telling. More so that there should at least be an election.
That's why I signed the petitions early to support the reform and democratic election (possible ouster of Mubarak too I suppose). I agree that the worry of the Muslim Brotherhood or whatever they call it is an issue, but as you said this movement seems to involve a number of sections of society. I don't think this could empower only the Muslims, certainly I hope not.
I like that young folks, near the Middle East, Africa, and in large Muslim-population nations, are standing up for modern Democracy, freedom of speech, and elections. That absolutely does not detract from the sustainability of Islam, it ought to be part of a proud culture that is moving into the present and future.
Good luck to your cousin and family there. I have a high school friend that lives there now apparently.
Fascinating times to watch a country modernize, and keep its soul.
Onward, keep on keeping on,
C
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