AFTER ALL THESE CENTURIES, THE EGYPTIANS STILL HAVE SOMETHING TO TEACH US, PART II

2/3/11

One fears that the media and the Bush/Obama Administration, comprised of so many young people who are so far removed from the lives of not only the average Egyptian but also the average American, are making a mistake that has been repeated throughout our history by isolated policymakers and even more isolated press corps: They are confusing the opinions and actions of those who have enough time to demonstrate in the streets with the opinions and thoughts of those who are too busy working for a living to get the attention of the cameras.

Doubtless the anti-Mubarak demonstrators have legitimate grievances. And doubtless many, if not most, of the counter-demonstrators are thugs hired by Mubarak and his henchmen. But the average Egyptian has other things on his mind, like survival. (See today’s other post on Egypt, AFTER ALL THESE CENTURIES, THE EGYPTIANS STILL HAVE SOMETHING TO TEACH US.) Today’s Wall Street Journal quotes numerous typical Egyptians who, while no friends of Mubarak, are satisfied with his offer not to stand for reelection and who fear that the demonstrators are going too far:

--Ahmed Sharif, a 47 year old engineer, marching with his wife and twenty year old daughter: “If the protestors in Tahir Square don’t leave, we will drive them out. He (President Hosni Mubarak) has made some mistakes but I respect him.”

--Mr. Sharif’s daughter, Noha: “He (Mubarak) has said he is open to discussion, so why should we not meet with him? He wants a peaceful transition.”

--Tamer Sadek, a 51 year old owner of a real estate and hotel firm: “He agreed to all of their demands, so what right does anyone have to tell him to leave?”

--Giehan Shoukry, a 38 year old public relations worker for a construction company: “We appreciate what the youth have done to bring this about, but enough is enough.”

--Mohammed Sayed, a 37 year old “supporter of Mr. Mubarak”: “The situation is unacceptable. The majority of protestors are young people and aren’t aware of their actions and consequences.”

Too bad we didn’t have people like Mr. Sayed around in this country in the ‘60s when my generation was in college and knew everything.