the middle east is rising

I can’t believe you haven’t heard? There is a revolution happening, now.

Today in Cairo, Egypt- as many as 2 million protesters gathered in Tahrir Square for the “March of the Millions.” The masses are demanding the removal of President Hosni Mubarak from a 30 year authoritarian regime. The masses are students, mothers, workers, fathers, the unemployed, children, and the woe of the people.

International reporters are saying the demonstrations are peaceful. The mass mobilization of anti-government demonstrators has not resulted in chaos, but rather organization. No army or police needed, no violence. This is not meant to be romanticized, but I do think it’s meant to be noted as exceptional for today, as our political climate tends to provoke immediate repression.

The question for you is– Where is the protests at home? During this time as we wallow in the recession, continue to lose our jobs, feel the attacks on public education, spend substantial debt, militarize communities, spread xenophobia, and see the rise of the homeless middle class- Americans still sit on their ass. Waiting and watching from afar, thinking the problems of the world are fascinating but not real.

Of course, the United States government, besides pissing their pants, is urging President Mubarak to ‘keep the peace.’ A contradiction, knowing that the power of these numbers could demand more than an end to a regime. The power of these numbers could demand a democratic society, something of which is not in U.S. interests.

This situation is very real and happening now, pay attention.