My Thoughts on Egypt: We Need to Pay Close Attention

I am sure you have heard that Egypt is in a crisis or revolution depending on what news channel you are watching.  This story seems to be covered every minute by the stations that cover world news, and it should be.  This story of Egypt, of the people rising up, is a story that is important for the whole world. 

The importance of this crisis has nothing to do with Egypt being a country in the middle east, though it will probably effect oil prices, but has everything to do with Egypt being a country of educated, young, unemployed and disgruntled citizens that have had enough.  Why is this important, you may ask....because that describes many of the countries throughout the world, including many in Europe and maybe even the United States.  As a result, there are already protests of solidarity in countries around the world.  I am sure that many world leaders are shaking in their shoes right about now. 

Another important element of the whole crisis has been the use of the social media to gather the people together for these protests.  We bloggers realize the importance of social media, but maybe not to the scale that we could create a revolution with a well timed, organized and focused flash mob.  Yes, this is how it started, as a sort of "flash mob".  But people did not just show up to dance and sing together, they showed up to pray together at mosques in Cairo and then proceeded to approach government buildings in protest of the current government.  Even the organizers didn't expect 90,000 Egyptians to show up, and create a revolution like none we have ever seen.  I must admit that I find this both miraculous and scary. 

One of the fears right now for Egypt is how radical groups (some possibly terrorists) are trying to take advantage of the situation  and may be hoping to position themselves in some of the vacated leadership spots that are now available.  I am hoping and praying that the educated people of Egypt do not let this happen and that the new government will be of educated people who can represent the masses in a way that is respectful and enlightening.  Egypt wants change, and I hope that the change that they receive is good and that is is achieved through peaceful means. 

As far as the United States is concerned, we need to watch how the dynamics of this crisis in Egypt plays out and be receptive to the new government that will be forming with or without Mubarak.  We also need to realize that a down trodden people can rise up and oust their government without an election.  I know I look around and see a lot of people that are anti-government right now, and I fear what could happen.  We already have Representative Giffords recovering from a gunshot wound, and numerous police officers killed all over the country just this week.  Is this a coincidence, or has something already started, on a much smaller scale?  ......makes you wonder doesn't it?