Demonstration on Friday, February 18, 2011
Well, the military announced Thursday night, the 17th (after the 'pro'
Mubareks had planned an approved demonstration of their own (a
peaceful demonstration to let their voice finally be heard and to
thank Mubarek for what he has done). The announcement stated that
the anti-Mubareks were to be allowed to demonstrate instead of the
'pro' Mubareks and that the 'antis' were going to "martyr the dead"
who had died during these last few weeks of the Revolution.
But this was upsetting to the so called 'pro' Mubareks because we
were told that if we wanted to participate at Tahrir we had to wear
"mourning" clothes. For me that would mean a black galabeya and
black headscarf. I will repeat what I've said before: the so-called
"pro" Mubareks do not want him back, like all Egyptians, they want
free elections and democracy, but they did not want Mubarek to be
forced to leave the country. They want him to be able to die in Egypt
for all of the good things he's done. And to be allowed to die in
peace—no trial, etc.
Well, the military announced Thursday night, the 17th (after the 'pro'
Mubareks had planned an approved demonstration of their own (a
peaceful demonstration to let their voice finally be heard and to
thank Mubarek for what he has done). The announcement stated that
the anti-Mubareks were to be allowed to demonstrate instead of the
'pro' Mubareks and that the 'antis' were going to "martyr the dead"
who had died during these last few weeks of the Revolution.
But this was upsetting to the so called 'pro' Mubareks because we
were told that if we wanted to participate at Tahrir we had to wear
"mourning" clothes. For me that would mean a black galabeya and
black headscarf. I will repeat what I've said before: the so-called
"pro" Mubareks do not want him back, like all Egyptians, they want
free elections and democracy, but they did not want Mubarek to be
forced to leave the country. They want him to be able to die in Egypt
for all of the good things he's done. And to be allowed to die in
peace—no trial, etc.
This older man is saying: "As long as I know, Mubarek was a military
leader, he was honest, straight (didn't do bad things: drugs, womanizer,
drink, etc) and was an organized military officer who loved his country
more than any Egyptian. I fought in the war, but I don't belong to any
party, I'm an old man who just wants to say the truth. (there is a sign
being held next to him that followed him around that says: "It was an
honor to participate with you in the October War". To the right there's a
sign in green that says: "Yes for Change; No, for Humiliation". For
those of you who don't know, The 6th of October war, 1973 was when
Mubarek led an airforce strike that took back part of the Sinai and part
of Suez (in 1967 Israel had taken the Sinai and the W. Bank of Suez away
from Egypt. Land that had always been considered Egyptian soil.
leader, he was honest, straight (didn't do bad things: drugs, womanizer,
drink, etc) and was an organized military officer who loved his country
more than any Egyptian. I fought in the war, but I don't belong to any
party, I'm an old man who just wants to say the truth. (there is a sign
being held next to him that followed him around that says: "It was an
honor to participate with you in the October War". To the right there's a
sign in green that says: "Yes for Change; No, for Humiliation". For
those of you who don't know, The 6th of October war, 1973 was when
Mubarek led an airforce strike that took back part of the Sinai and part
of Suez (in 1967 Israel had taken the Sinai and the W. Bank of Suez away
from Egypt. Land that had always been considered Egyptian soil.
I immediately said, no way. First of all I will never where a headscarf,
period. I don't like what it symbolizes. But mainly, I was not bothering with
this replacement demonstration called "Martyr day". We have seen
pictures and stories of the dead for weeks. The same sad and horrible
stories and pictures every single day. I felt that enough was enough and
that it was time to move on. Also, I felt (like so many do here), that the so
called 'pro' Mubareks should be allowed to say they were sad. So I wasn't
going to go. But then Essam's phone began ringing off the hook from
people who know we don't have a smart phone and that our internet is
down (or I should say 'my' access to the internet—I'm still not sure why—I
think my computer has a worm or virus).
We were told that our original demonstration was to now meet in a square
in Mohandiseen (a suburb) to do our thing. And of course, be peaceful,
which was the plan to begin with, we aren't angry, nor do we want
problems, we just wanted to say 'thanks' for the 30 years of peace'. The sad
thing is that it seems that only the 'anti's' are allowed to rally in Tahrir and
are reported by the media.
So the 4 main 'pro' groups on Facebook (around 70,000 people--but
probably twice that because its the young who do Facebook and then
report to their parents--sort of like how we are hearing about it--second
hand because of our lack of smart phone, etc). I've been supportive
because the region will be a mess now without a strong 'world leader' who
understands that we must have allies and peace within the region and one
who will hold together the peace between Israel, Jordan, Syria, Saudi
Arabia etc. (more on the options for the next Egyptian president later). But
personally I don't see anyone who can juggle the various extremist groups,
the pressure other countries are already putting on us to join them in a war
against Israel, etc.
Just before this mess with Libya, Omar Khadafi told his people to rebel
against Israel and made innuendoes about blowing them away. Other
countries, too, have said the same because there is no Mubarek to talk
them out of it. I'm all for a Palestinian state (I think it would solve a lot of
problems in the region). Palestinians aren't allowed passports of any kind
(not even Palestinian) so they can't go anywhere—they cant get out; they
are not allowed Red Cross help; they are not allowed WORK permits and
hence, cannot make money; they are not allowed visas OUT. No wonder
they are so desperate. And hence, the Arab world is angry over this
situation. People who can trace their heritage and their land owned for over
3000 years are tossed out of their homes and their homes are blown up and
new ones built for Israelis. They end up with no homes, can't get out, can't
work, can't get health care, what a mess. Egypt was the only one wth a
peace treaty with Israel and Mubarek met with Arab leaders in the region
and kept them from war with Israel.
period. I don't like what it symbolizes. But mainly, I was not bothering with
this replacement demonstration called "Martyr day". We have seen
pictures and stories of the dead for weeks. The same sad and horrible
stories and pictures every single day. I felt that enough was enough and
that it was time to move on. Also, I felt (like so many do here), that the so
called 'pro' Mubareks should be allowed to say they were sad. So I wasn't
going to go. But then Essam's phone began ringing off the hook from
people who know we don't have a smart phone and that our internet is
down (or I should say 'my' access to the internet—I'm still not sure why—I
think my computer has a worm or virus).
We were told that our original demonstration was to now meet in a square
in Mohandiseen (a suburb) to do our thing. And of course, be peaceful,
which was the plan to begin with, we aren't angry, nor do we want
problems, we just wanted to say 'thanks' for the 30 years of peace'. The sad
thing is that it seems that only the 'anti's' are allowed to rally in Tahrir and
are reported by the media.
So the 4 main 'pro' groups on Facebook (around 70,000 people--but
probably twice that because its the young who do Facebook and then
report to their parents--sort of like how we are hearing about it--second
hand because of our lack of smart phone, etc). I've been supportive
because the region will be a mess now without a strong 'world leader' who
understands that we must have allies and peace within the region and one
who will hold together the peace between Israel, Jordan, Syria, Saudi
Arabia etc. (more on the options for the next Egyptian president later). But
personally I don't see anyone who can juggle the various extremist groups,
the pressure other countries are already putting on us to join them in a war
against Israel, etc.
Just before this mess with Libya, Omar Khadafi told his people to rebel
against Israel and made innuendoes about blowing them away. Other
countries, too, have said the same because there is no Mubarek to talk
them out of it. I'm all for a Palestinian state (I think it would solve a lot of
problems in the region). Palestinians aren't allowed passports of any kind
(not even Palestinian) so they can't go anywhere—they cant get out; they
are not allowed Red Cross help; they are not allowed WORK permits and
hence, cannot make money; they are not allowed visas OUT. No wonder
they are so desperate. And hence, the Arab world is angry over this
situation. People who can trace their heritage and their land owned for over
3000 years are tossed out of their homes and their homes are blown up and
new ones built for Israelis. They end up with no homes, can't get out, can't
work, can't get health care, what a mess. Egypt was the only one wth a
peace treaty with Israel and Mubarek met with Arab leaders in the region
and kept them from war with Israel.
| The sign they are holding says: "No for Humiliation" and "You kept us in Peace for 30 years". |
| Sign says: "You lived a hero for war and peace and sacrifced for Egypt and its people". The words in the black part of the flag are words from a Mubarek speech: "This dear country is my country. I lived in it and fought for it and I'll die on it. And history will judge my deeds". |
Anyway, back to the main point here. There will be no democracy if the 'anti's can't even let us mourn what Mubarek represented.
He represented consistent peace in the region.
The "Day of the Martyrs" turned into being called "Cleaning Up the Country". Some called it the "Victory March". Who knows what it
will end up being called. Basically they rallied and took Tahrir just because we had planned a march there. So at the last minute, as
mentioned, the phones rang off the hook and our demonstration moved to Mohandiseen. My main thought was: 'what kind of
democracy is this if the other side is not allowed to express themselves?'. and to be more or less 'forced' to wear 'mourning' clothes
if we wanted to participate? Uck.
The highest clergy of the Muslim world who has been living in Qatar (he left because he is more or less a radical and Mubarek kept
the radicals out), anyway, he was invited to lead the Friday prayer sermon in Tahrir specifically for the demonstration. This to me was
a bad sign. First of all--he's back. And he is extremely against Israel, wants war, and says so. Many throughout the Arab region are
talking war with Israel (instead of Peace—like Mubarek). The "youth" is very organized, I'll give them that, but its getting sort of
frightening about who will fill the gap as President. Even Essam for the first time says he has a bad feeling. I have a very bad feeling
and am preparing to move. Have already started to figure out what to do. So far the choices for president aren't good. Baradei is a
joke, just an opportunist, and everybody here feels that way. The current V.P. would be a decent choice because he'd keep the
peace, is anti-fundamentalists, etc., but the "youth" consider him too old and thin of him as part of Mubarek's past, so they won't vote
for him. The Muslim Brotherhood announced that they do not seek anything to do with 'politics' and won't have one of them run, but
they officially created a political party last week. Why? If they have NO plans to become involved politically or run for President why
have they just created a political party of their own. I fear an extremist is going to sneak in while things are so very vulnerable.
There's a man named Amr Moussa, the Secretary General of the Arab League, who seems "o.k." but no one really 'knows' him. We'll
see how that goes. He's been in the paper a lot and expressing views. Maybe there's hope. I really don't know. At least I think he'd
keep the peace, that's what the Arab League was organized for.
He represented consistent peace in the region.
The "Day of the Martyrs" turned into being called "Cleaning Up the Country". Some called it the "Victory March". Who knows what it
will end up being called. Basically they rallied and took Tahrir just because we had planned a march there. So at the last minute, as
mentioned, the phones rang off the hook and our demonstration moved to Mohandiseen. My main thought was: 'what kind of
democracy is this if the other side is not allowed to express themselves?'. and to be more or less 'forced' to wear 'mourning' clothes
if we wanted to participate? Uck.
The highest clergy of the Muslim world who has been living in Qatar (he left because he is more or less a radical and Mubarek kept
the radicals out), anyway, he was invited to lead the Friday prayer sermon in Tahrir specifically for the demonstration. This to me was
a bad sign. First of all--he's back. And he is extremely against Israel, wants war, and says so. Many throughout the Arab region are
talking war with Israel (instead of Peace—like Mubarek). The "youth" is very organized, I'll give them that, but its getting sort of
frightening about who will fill the gap as President. Even Essam for the first time says he has a bad feeling. I have a very bad feeling
and am preparing to move. Have already started to figure out what to do. So far the choices for president aren't good. Baradei is a
joke, just an opportunist, and everybody here feels that way. The current V.P. would be a decent choice because he'd keep the
peace, is anti-fundamentalists, etc., but the "youth" consider him too old and thin of him as part of Mubarek's past, so they won't vote
for him. The Muslim Brotherhood announced that they do not seek anything to do with 'politics' and won't have one of them run, but
they officially created a political party last week. Why? If they have NO plans to become involved politically or run for President why
have they just created a political party of their own. I fear an extremist is going to sneak in while things are so very vulnerable.
There's a man named Amr Moussa, the Secretary General of the Arab League, who seems "o.k." but no one really 'knows' him. We'll
see how that goes. He's been in the paper a lot and expressing views. Maybe there's hope. I really don't know. At least I think he'd
keep the peace, that's what the Arab League was organized for.
| Your achievements are much bigger than your mistakes. All love and appreciation from me. |
| Our love to you Mr. President. You've done a favor (helped up live in peace) and we are here to return it. Egyptian people never betray. |
| THE DEMONSTRATION The main chants were: Where is el Gezeera Now--You Tell Lies. Wake up, Wake up: Mubarek is your father. Mubarek, son of Egypt, your people are grateful. The people want to honor the President. All of these chants had a rhythm to them and were shouted throughout the day. |
The main Signs that people held
said:
The People Want to Honor the
President.
Sorry Our Father.
We Respect you Mr. President
We are Not Ungrateful for what
you've done for Us.
Mubarek: The Hero of War and
Peace.
We pray to God to make you
well.
said:
The People Want to Honor the
President.
Sorry Our Father.
We Respect you Mr. President
We are Not Ungrateful for what
you've done for Us.
Mubarek: The Hero of War and
Peace.
We pray to God to make you
well.
Sadly, when we got home and turned on the tv, every channel only reported the demonstration in Tahrir. We flicked
channels all night and well into the next day and not one word. We get 4 newspapers, a Fundy type (just to hear what
they're saying), a National Party paper, a 'youth for change' type of paper and a 'for the people'-type paper. Only one of
those had a teeny weeny blurb deep within the paper that mentioned a demonstration in Mohandiseen. What made me sad
is that meant Mubarek may never have gotten a chance to see it and know that he has been appreciated these last 30
years by many.
Yesterday Iranian war ships entered the Suez Canal region near Israel. This morning we got a text message on our phones
from the "Armed Forces" regarding today's demonstration (Tuesday) saying be careful of bad influences and bad people
trying to infiltrate the demonstration. My husband thinks they mean us--the "pro" Mubareks. NOT! We just don't want war
or be forced into religious fanaticism in any form.
channels all night and well into the next day and not one word. We get 4 newspapers, a Fundy type (just to hear what
they're saying), a National Party paper, a 'youth for change' type of paper and a 'for the people'-type paper. Only one of
those had a teeny weeny blurb deep within the paper that mentioned a demonstration in Mohandiseen. What made me sad
is that meant Mubarek may never have gotten a chance to see it and know that he has been appreciated these last 30
years by many.
Yesterday Iranian war ships entered the Suez Canal region near Israel. This morning we got a text message on our phones
from the "Armed Forces" regarding today's demonstration (Tuesday) saying be careful of bad influences and bad people
trying to infiltrate the demonstration. My husband thinks they mean us--the "pro" Mubareks. NOT! We just don't want war
or be forced into religious fanaticism in any form.
| Sign says: Yes, for change. Egypt First. No for humiliation. A message to Mubarek: you have been a symbol of Egypt for 30 years and will remain a symbol throughout history. |
| Rough translation: I'm sorry; and; I love you Mr. President |
