The End of the Arab Spring in Egypt
Mike Walker, Col. USMC (retired)
On 4 June 2009, President Obama made an historic speech at Cairo University. Today, his remarks seem tragically prescient. On that day he said:
"...there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others.
So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power:
You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party.
Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy."
Regrettably, that the situation we face today in Egypt: Morsi has become a petty dictator who only advocated for democracy while he was out of power. "President" Morsi has ruthlessly and systematically dismantled Egyptian democracy.
One sad thing is certain. Egypt saw its last free and fair election, perhaps for a generation or more. From now, the "votes" will reflect the will of Morsi and his minions.
Political freedom is dead in Egypt.
How ironic that Morsi will oversee the trials of leaders of the Mubarak regime. Their crimes are now his crimes. What justice they are given will also represent the injustice of the Morsi regime.
The dream is over. Another self-consumed authoritarian with an unlimited thirst for power now rules. May God have mercy on the people of Egypt for the Morsi regime certainly will not.
