Taking
inspiration from the historic protests that ended Hosni
Mubarak's
rule in Egypt, Wisconsinites express displeasure with
there
governor, Scott Walker, and a law limiting the collective
bargaining rights of union workers in the state.
Al Messa, Egypt
Egypt Inspires People
in U.S. and Around the World
"Everyone
recognizes the change that Egyptians have achieved. The situation has gone so
far that the West has begun to hold Egypt up as an example. Recently in the
U.S. state of Wisconsin, protests were held opposing a bill limiting the rights
of trade unions. What was so astonishing was that the protesters held up signs reading:
'One World, One People, Inspired By Egypt', 'Egypt=18 days ... Wisconsin=???,' and 'Egypt is Our Inspiration.'"
"Today, we are all
Egyptians. I came to demonstrate my solidarity and the solidarity of the United
Nations with the Egyptian revolution." That was the beginning of a message
by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed to Egyptians via SakiaAlsawi [culturewheel.com], stressing: "We are
putting all the capabilities of the U.N. and the international community at the
disposal of democratic change in Egypt.” [Translated quote].
But the matter hardly stops with
the declaration by Ban Ki-moon or those of other Western officials, whether
from Europe or the United States. Everyone recognizes the change that Egyptians
have achieved. The situation has gone so far that the West has begun to hold Egypt
up as an example.
Recently in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the world witnessed protesters
expressing opposition to a bill limiting the rights of trade unions in the
state. What was so astonishing was that the protesters held up signs reading: "One
World, One People, Inspired By Egypt", "Egypt=18 days ... Wisconsin=???," "Egypt is Our Inspiration." Another sign
read, "The Egyptian Revolution Succeeded in Toppling a Corrupt Regime in
18 days. How Long Will it Take Wisconsin?" In other words, the Egyptian
revolution lit the way. Another sign, "Egypt Showed the Way - Down with
the Dictator." A fourth poster, "Help from the Egyptian Revolution.”
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
In Hungary as well, there were
protests against a new media law. News agencies broadcast photographs of Hungarians
with signs warning, “I Could Be an Egyptian," in other words, in revolt.
The entire world is looking
on us with respect and envy but unfortunately we seem to be shooting ourselves
in the foot. Particularly after the referendum on amending the Constitution. The
“yes” vote won overwhelmingly. Unfortunately most academics, writers and researchers
overlook the fact that the overwhelming "yes" vote had less to do
with the wording of the amendments than for a desire for stability. In fact,
what was the difference between stability and the amendments?! Isn’t approval
of the latter the way to achieve the former?!
A protester in Egypt's Tahrir Square shows his support for
workers demonstrating for their rights in Wisconsin.
Especially since there is
real substance to the amendment requiring that the Constitution be completely
redrafted. That was a fundamental demand of opponents who voted “no” on the
referendum. Those who supported the amendments have a responsibility to prove
that "yes" voters were right. These are people who cry at the greatest
moment of joy and pride. And it's no surprise, since that is the nature of being
Egyptian.
[Editor's Note on the 2011
Egyptian Constitutional Referendum: While Amendment Article 189 requires
the newly-elected parliament to write a new constitution within 60 days, opponents
argued that the way the new parliament is to be elected will not guarantee that
all strata of society are fairly represented in the process].
