When the People Lead....

I've been watching events going on in Egypt with some facination. The resolve and solidarity of the people is amazing, but even more amazing, is their relative calm. Of course, Egypt is not the first to experience such an uprising. There was India's bid for independence in the 40's, the 'Velvet' Revolution of Czechoslovakia and other East European countries in the 80's and 90's, the subsequent fall of the Soviet Union, Tiananmen (1989), the Colour Revolutions of the early 2000's, and others. Regardless of outcome, each affected change from simple reforms to complete regime changes.

As for Egypt, I realize it is far from over. However, I am encouraged the government did not continue with its attempts to provoke demonstrators and that demonstrators did not lose all control. I am even more encouraged by both sides current willingness to negotiate and make concessions. It is a good sign. Such cooperation reflects the mutual recognition of something much greater than their individual grievances; the well being of Egyptian people as a whole. If they can pull this off successfully, it may result in a paradigm shift in the way we view revolution and have far reaching implications for the future.

The impact of populistic uprisings, like Egypt's, will be more profound and far reaching than the individual nations in which they occur. Not only do they inspire, they offer hope. They teach us social change is possible without violence. We do not have to be locked into an 'either/or' dichotomy of 'order vs. chaos'. They show us there is a third option reflected in the quiet resolve of the masses peacefully coming together in unified purpose. Thoreau, Gandhi and Martin, among others wrote extensively on its use. In the end, its power and message are undeniable; that governments are truly instituted among men at the consent of the governed, a concept that transcends history, culture, political philosophy, ideology or religion. It is what democracy is all about; faith in the People to lead.