Today was a monumental day for Egypt. They had their first free democratic election in decades... 5,000 years... ever.
No reports yet on what the exact turnout was, but it was definitely significant. It seems that the massive demonstrations over the last week reminded Egyptians of the importance of these elections, the importance of assembling a civilian government as soon as possible. Undoubtedly the number of voters was much greater than it would have been without the recent wave of protests. The lives lost last week were not in vain. Egyptians were reminding each other to that people have lost their lives fighting for the privilege they experienced for the first time today.
I read an article in the Washington Post that interviewed an Egyptian farmer, who said that although he himself could not participate in the demonstrations because he has to work and support his family, he wants his kids to go to school and become educated so they can be "like the ones in Tahrir Square who have the time and education to demand their rights." What a powerful statement. Even Egyptians who have not been in the streets, could not be in the streets, are supporting the movement.
Not all Egyptians in the "silent majority" feel the same. Others are more concerned about the significant drop in crop prices that the crisis has brought. Others still feel the hard times are worth it to secure a better future for the country.
I think the country owes a great deal to these farmers, who have kept the sub-economy going and sustained Egypt through all of this chaos. When I was in Egypt during the first days of the revolution in January, my first concern was of food and supply shortages. But to my amazement, this has never been an issue. Despite the political chaos, daily life goes on throughout Egypt, thanks to non-privatized agriculture and small family-owned businesses that dominate the economy for basic living needs. It really is remarkable.
No reports yet on what the exact turnout was, but it was definitely significant. It seems that the massive demonstrations over the last week reminded Egyptians of the importance of these elections, the importance of assembling a civilian government as soon as possible. Undoubtedly the number of voters was much greater than it would have been without the recent wave of protests. The lives lost last week were not in vain. Egyptians were reminding each other to that people have lost their lives fighting for the privilege they experienced for the first time today.
I read an article in the Washington Post that interviewed an Egyptian farmer, who said that although he himself could not participate in the demonstrations because he has to work and support his family, he wants his kids to go to school and become educated so they can be "like the ones in Tahrir Square who have the time and education to demand their rights." What a powerful statement. Even Egyptians who have not been in the streets, could not be in the streets, are supporting the movement.
Not all Egyptians in the "silent majority" feel the same. Others are more concerned about the significant drop in crop prices that the crisis has brought. Others still feel the hard times are worth it to secure a better future for the country.
I think the country owes a great deal to these farmers, who have kept the sub-economy going and sustained Egypt through all of this chaos. When I was in Egypt during the first days of the revolution in January, my first concern was of food and supply shortages. But to my amazement, this has never been an issue. Despite the political chaos, daily life goes on throughout Egypt, thanks to non-privatized agriculture and small family-owned businesses that dominate the economy for basic living needs. It really is remarkable.
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