Revolutionary Day

Happy Birthday America!

So, today’s the 4^th of July when we mark the incredible bravery of the first Americans.  Across the ocean in Egypt we’re seeing a 21^st Century version of something eerily similar.  Democracy is a new concept in the Arab world and it’s been very interesting to watch these vibrant people make their way through the process.

It’s my personal belief that the smartest thing our founding fathers did was ensure the separation of church and state.  While this still can be a huge sticking point (painful even at times) with some, I think it’s the one thing that allows democracy, and more importantly, freedom flourish.

Morsi rose to power in Egypt because the Muslim Brotherhood was the most well organized of the political entities that emerged when Mubarak was deposed.  He used that organization to try and subvert the democratic movement that allowed his moribund Brotherhood to ascend.  They immediately went about trying to insert religion into the political process, writing a non-inclusive, religiously heavy Constitution and jamming it down Egypt’s throat.

The brave people who took to Tarhir Square again over the past week were rejecting that.  They do not share their Saudi brothers’ desire to live a medieval lifestyle.  Egypt, luckily, is a much more cosmopolitan society that prides itself on it’s long and ancient customs, predating Islam, Christianity, etc, etc.

Congratulations to the Egyptian people who can now mark the 4^th of July with us.  Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that they can figure democracy out without sacrificing their freedom along the way.  Keeping the mullahs out of the process would be a first, required step.

Tarhir Square Celebration