Middle Eastern strongman Hosni Mubarak has resigned his Presidency and fled Egypt. Citing the action as in the best interests of his county and its people, he has turned power over to his recently-appointed Vice-President and the Armed Forces Supreme Council.
Nobel Peace laureate and lead protester Mohammed ElBaradei proclaimed: "[Egypt] has been liberated after decades of repression."
On the other hand, has this nation removed one oppressor, only to make room for another tyranny, more radical, more populist, and ultimately more deadly?
I choose to remain optimistic, but cautiously so. Freedom and Democracy are delicate creations which require slow, deliberate, and consistent nurturing. Let's hope that the Egyptians will channel their euphoria into concise democratic reform. Hopefully, the transitional government under VP Suleiman will be just that, transitional, providing enough time and stability for opposition parties to coalesce, make their case, select candidates, and run for Legislative and executive office.
In the midst of this political upheaval, let us remember that it is not elections, but liberty to speak out, to be heard, to practice one's faith, and to learn about one's culture that define a free society.
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