Dear World, Having a great time, wish you were here! Love, Egypt

[gateley]

[fasttense]

1. That's what Americans need to do in DC NOW!!! n/t

[tavalon]

3. Not to burst your balloon but I've been to two demonstrations of that size or bigger in DC

and I watched our media claim it was tens of thousands. Talk about having the blinders torn off. I'm grateful the international media is telling the truth about these numbers and just as saddened to realize that twice I have watched my own country disappear me and a million of my fellow Americans. I loved both of those experiences of being with likeminded people but it was hard having the media disappear us. I don't think I've ever gotten over it.

[cali]

5. what demonstrations have you been to in D.C. that were over 2 million people?

I was at a couple protesting the war and there were not 2 million folks there/

[pnwmom]

6. You're comparing the situation of Americans to Egyptians?

[tridim]

2. As an American all I can think about is the massive poop and food problem

I don't see a single porta potty.

Stay strong Egypt.

[gateley]

7. We're SO American! I thought the same thing! Didn't they see Woodstock? :-) nt

[cali]

4. look, I admire the hell out of what the Egyptians are doing but

for fuck's sake, anyone who thinks this is all about having a great time, is woefully ignorant. The economy is crashing. Over a 100 people are dead, and the longer this goes on, the more the people, and particularly the poor, suffer.

[pnwmom]

8. It's not a party or a game.

Some people don't get it.

[gateley]

11. I assume you mean me? Go ahead and name names. I've heard report after report

describing these people as JOYFUL and HOPEFUL. Does that sound like I think it's a party or a game? I have rarely been moved so deeply in my life before, so take your judgments elsewhere.

See ya.

[pnwmom]

15. Not you in particular. Many people don't seem to understand

how dangerous this situation is -- things could go in any direction.

Remember Tienneman Square? Those people were joyful, too. Until they weren't.

I admire the courage of these people. They know it's a life or death matter.

[GliderGuider]

19. The euphoria is coming out of Tahrir Square. We're getting a contact high.

It won't help them any more if we get all gloomy and serious, rather than rejoicing with them.
I haven't felt this hopeful about the future of humanity in 10 years. That makes me feel, um, happy! Sorry I can't be more down about it.

[pnwmom]

20. I won't be happy till its over and they have

a functioning, democratic government.

[GliderGuider]

31. There's the difference between us.

Your happiness depends on the occurrence of a particular future outcome that may or may not happen. Mine springs from the moment. I may mourn later (and I will if this goes south), but I'm happy now. I know which approach is better for my mental and physical health.

I decline to defer my joy.

[gateley]

33. Well done! nt

[pnwmom]

41. Optimism is supposed to be better for mental health, you're right about that.

But a healthy dose of skepticism may be more realistic.

[gateley]

21. I am humbled and inspired by these people. And just when I think I can't be

impressed any further, yet another story comes out about their amazing courage and dedication. I am so glad the world is watching and I hope these heroes know that we are all rooting for them! I'm just swept up in their hope!

There are stark differences between this and Tienneman Square, but I understand the point you're making. Thankfully, they're front and center and under the microscope. A big difference is the military standing with the people, not with Mubarak, and at this point I think they've crossed the Rubicon, Mubarak is essentially powerless. I hope.

[pnwmom]

24. I hope so, too, gately. Fervently. n/t

[RainDog]

12. I think you're both missing the point

people are celebrating that the people of Egypt are out in the streets, en masse, calling for the end of an oppressive regime.

(Relatively) peaceful revolutions do incur costs and create sacrifices - but the point is that people are willing to make those in order to create real change in their nation.

This is an historic moment.

and, rightfully, people around the world are voicing their solidarity with the Egyptians for their bravery and desire for a better life for all of their citizens.

[fishwax]

26. +1

[gateley]

34. Beautifully stated, thank you. nt

[malaise]

40. Great post

:fistbump:

[gateley]

10. Yes, cali, I think they're having a great time and are just having a big party.

You insult me.

[Catherina]

17. Do yourself a favor, use your ignore button. n/t

[gateley]

22. Done. nt

[stillwaiting]

39. Yes, that one is ripe for the ignore function. He/she is one of three for me w/ that distinction.

[rucky]

9. FOX News estimates a crowd of 2-to-3 thousand.

[gateley]

13. Across the entire country! nt

[fishwax]

23. lol!

[Catherina]

25. No! Is this a joke? n/t

[rucky]

27. Pretty scary when we have to ask, eh?

and yes - it's a joke.

[Catherina]

28. +1

:rofl:

[DearAbby]

29. They used an old picture of a Beck Tea-Fest

to guesstimate the numbers of the crowd

[IcyPeas]

35. yeah, per square foot

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

14. Holy fuck!

That is all.

[Catherina]

16. I wonder if they realize just how many of us are watching and cheering them on! n/t

[gateley]

30. I hope so! I want them to draw strength from our support and just knowing how

very much we want them to succeed! :grouphug:

[bdamomma]

18. all the power to them

and there is no way that the people in Egypt should be on "ignore" to their present regime. Not only in Egypt are they protesting, on Al Jazeera website, there are many other countries who are protesting in solidarity with the Egyptian people. Yes!!! People Power.

when the Army says it will not use force towards the people, Mubarak is done.

[Raksha]

32. Hey Egypt...maybe we're not as far behind as you think!!!

Thanks for showing us how it's done.

[gateley]

36. Really. I think the difference is they're fueled by hope and determination, where

a certain party in a certain country with a Black POTUS and and Irish Catholic VP are fueled by fear and hatred.

Seems so simple, doesn't it? :shrug:

[Uncle Joe]

37. Kicked and recommended for the Egyptian People.

Thanks for the thread, gateley.

[malaise]

38. Absolutely fabulous

I'm lovin' it.
http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/