This post is a bit of a departure from my usual crafty musings. Forgive me but it's too important not to bring up. I could go on and on (seriously, you have NO idea...) but I'll try to just keep it brief. I'd love to hear your thoughts about all of this - please feel free to comment or email me directly.
Today has been an incredibly historic day. Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has resigned. He has been in power for pretty much my entire life. While Egypt has long been a US ally, its citizens have never fully experienced a free, democratic society. Everything is changing from this moment forward.
While I can't imagine how proud Egyptians must be today, I feel a sense of victory as well, even from my couch in the cold Big Apple, as opposed to Tahrir (which means "liberation" in Arabic) Square. (I was listening to the daily broadcast Brian Lehrer who was holding a special talk that included practitioners, scholars, activists, and people who have lived through various revolutions/transitions around the world.) Professionally, academically and personally I am committed to conflict resolution, especially in how people cope after conflict (or transitions). My interest in Egypt isn't simply that of a well-read Westerner, but as someone who has been - and will always be - devoted to peace in all aspects of my life. I even have a graduate degree in this.
But regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you do, one guest on the radio today put it best: "Today we are all Egyptians."
There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.
Hi Ruth
ReplyDeleteI will be an Egyptian today. Look like the photo in your name box was taken at Mosselbay?
No Justice = No Peace in my mind and in my heart. We are strong enough and smart enough and wealthy enough to feed, clothe, educate, house and provide medical care to every person on Earth. We don’t because some of us (those who hold the funds and the power, mostly) have NOT learned to share with others so that all may have a decent life.
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