egypt: the people unite

"it's a sign of weakness......it's makes the people the stronger."

(mos, answering question from ivan watson, cnn about the military air warning)

i find it interesting --that the u.s. government keeps talking about encouraging the egyptian government to give the people what they want in terms of economic change and maintain democracy. 

secretary of state, clinton told fox news sunday: "we do not want to see a change or a regime that would actually continue to foment violence or chaos -- either because it didn't exist or because it had a different view in which to pose on the egyptian people." (link) and "this is a very serious time for egypt and we are going to do all we can to support an orderly transition to support a situation in which the aspirations of the egyptians are addressed,"

when candy crowley of cnn asked clinton, "we are seeing signs that say 'u.s., stop back mubarak, what side is the us on- mubarak or the people in the streets?" clinton answered, "well there's another choice- it's the egyptian people, we are on the side - as we have been for more than 30 years, a democratic egypt that provides both political and economic rights that respects its people... "

she went on to talk about supporting "concrete steps" for reform in egypt - but failed to  lay out what those might look like in the eyes of the u.s. government - after all, they've done so much to support various rights groups in egypt. then of course there's the "complexities" because the u.s. has been a partner an ally and that reform should start with mubarak have dialogue with the people.

there is also a lot of talk about what the people want and the government analyzing economic change and preventing extremists from taking over- even from the republican side (boehner- fox news sunday) and of course:  "we want to see an orderly transition so that no one fills a void, that there not be a void, that there be a well thought-out plan that will bring about a democratic, participatory government" (clinton link). 

what no journalist has bothered to ask is this: "the people are chanting for mubarak to step down. while their protests do want economic change etc- what they really want is for the old guy out and for a new guy to take over - they no longer feel mubarak is the best leader - and it's coming from thousands of egyptians: if you support the people: do you support their cries for a new leader?"

but no: mainstream media won't ask this question**. and the american government, like any other government that wants its fingerprints around the world ~will back away from truly supporting a people's revolution. power breeds an attitude among governments that says, "i'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." the point being - they will support a questionable government if it wins them an ally, economic advancements or affluence in a region - the middle east in particular. this is observation alone.

nevertheless: what i find more powerful, most unique and amazing - are how many american citizens (and others around the world: syria, london, and more) are reaching out to the egyptian citizens by holding protests of their own. it shows that people - respect people. it takes away governmental power, in its own way. it unites and joins citizens together. revolution isn't always a bad thing: a government by the people should work for the people - and if the people don't see it or feel it - they have a right to take it. 

on the note of terrorists taking over: i think it's too early to even assume that. and it's very important to understand: these are not religious extremists protesting. it's not the religion of islam protesting. nor is it islam running the country - it is one man who wants power - and it a people who are rejecting his power.  what's more is that eygpt's military has always been respected by its government and people - but the government has also been run by military men and this time the people are unsatisfied (discussion juan cole: link) and even pushing for a man formerly head of the international atomic energy agency (cnn-link).

certainly this is my speculation from reading, watching and listening to the events take place a half a world away. but i can say with confidence that if a country of people are demanding change and freedom - they should go after it, take it and cry for it.

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**update since post~ stand corrected: it seems tony blair has just been asked this questions (01/31/11 - LINK CNNi) but as any other politician, he will not directly answer.

Egypt In Pictures

Thoughts to come...

the photo spread...

a few days ago, i told you about pilates plus pacific beach  - and the two inspiring women who run the studio. you can read more about them -here (link). below are just a few of the best photos from the shoot. for more - check out the fitness & dance gallery on my website: http://untamedfocus.com ~

Project Homeless: The Voice

Radio is defined - theatre of mind"

(T.Williams' Inspiration)

A word about Ted Williams:

I have been greatly moved by Williams' story. Watching his interview on the Today Show certainly had me choked up. The humility of this man - knowing his mistakes and the gratefulness for what he's been given -a second chance -- it is truly is incredible. Ted Williams worked in radio much of his adult life - and described himself as something of a "functional alcoholic." but then, he started doing drugs - and as the substance abuse became worse, so did his life's circumstances. He ended up -- on the streets. He had run-ins with the law for theft and generally, like most homeless: had to learn to survive. 

What he recognized was the fact that he had been given a talent: his golden voice. it was resounding and steady and it occurred to him that, just maybe, he could use it to earn money on the streets. Thankfully - for you and for me, the audience - a reporter in Columbus took a chance on him and found out just how talented he was, that his sign asking for money was no joke at all. 

Now Williams is being offered jobs, he is being asked to do radio commercials and someone even offered to buy him a home. He is holding onto this gift, working through the overwhelming attention with his faith, and hoping for continued great things in his life. What stunned me, however, is that throughout his interview with the Today Show, he consistently kept responding to Meredith Vieira with, "yes ma'am" - a form or respect and honor from where he was sitting. 

I hope his mother was listening and watching. I hope she comes forward to embrace him. I truly think that Mr. Williams has something to teach all of us. Everyone has a gift: and everyone has a voice, who we are not to listen? In William's case - a commanding one. 

"If you really work hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen" 

(C.O'Brien) 

I think Mr. Williams exemplifies what that quote is all about and each moment that we see him, he is showing a vigilance, gratefulness and a kind manner - that wins you over and inspires you. Whether he's advertising for Mac & Cheese, announcing the Caviler's players, or speaking from the heart: this man has a story that is worth telling, and one that is worth hearing. 

Mr. Williams, sir, I pray God's continued blessing - and thank you for sharing that amazing voice.