828) Shari3a, Social Justice, and 3abdo Moota !!

May be the title looks like "samak, laban, tamr hendy" (complete chaos) , but actually the three mentioned topics are extremely related in Egypt after Jan 25th. May be it is a a new version of the be old trilogy of Man, Life, and Control. 

I really wonder what do the people in power (Islamists) really want? Ok, they want the application of Shari3a Law, so what?! The vast majority of our laws t driven from Shari3a, or they want a special interpretation of shari3a that keep them having an upper hand over the people in a way close to what the Catholic Church had in the Dark Ages?!

I am actually optimistic when it comes to this point in specific, because no matter how they try, the Egyptian people wont change easily regarding their perception about life and religion ... A short visit in history will tell you how many sects and groups had governed Egypt, and it has always ended up with its own unique interpretation.. just a unique blend of all.

What really worries me is the change of Culture ... There is a deep change in the Egyptian character that has been always known for decency, kindness, helping others, motivated with the least praise...etc. This culture is changing fast to the opposite and it is clear from the people in streets, protests, songs, movies, writing...etc.. and I consider this change as the root for all evil.

Many people may have got offended by the latest movie "3abdo Moota" but a simple fact is that it had scored the highest movie premier income in the history of Arab Movies (and $1 Million in 3 days). This tells you that this kind of culture is now spreading and actually  is prevailing -without any exaggeration. 3abdo Moota is what they call "She3ar El Mar7ala" or the slogan of the current period/era. I was worried about Egypt when "7ena Maysara" movie was released almost 5 years ago (see post 350), and now I can see this culture standing on a solid ground.

What I want to say is that Shari3a won't help changing the culture back as it was there most of the time and wasn't the reason for the change in the 1st place; but the extreme pressure and injustice that happened throughout the last half a century specially in the last 10 years were the main reasons for this change. The only way back is to have a clear and strong applicable strategy to bring Social Justice to Egypt, and without that neither law or Shari3a will be able to bring Egypt People to what they were.

Time is passing fast, and every year the new culture of aggressiveness, selfishness, laziness is fixing its roots, and every year we will waste will make it harder and longer to change ... At a certain critical point, we wont be even able to change as it will be THE real, final, and genuine Egyptian Culture where 3abo Moota will be the icon of the typical Egyptian citizen then...

So my question now is: Is Social Justice a priority? and if Yes, how and when it will be achieved?

Mohaly

766) We are making History .. Let's be up to it !

 19/3/2011 is a historic day in Egypt ... 

For the first time since the establishment of the Egyptian Republic in 1953 (actually since 1924), many Egyptians are going with a free will and after long debates to give their vote knowing that every vote does count and make a difference. This is the first time that we don't really know what will be the real result. Actually, I am expecting that about 20 million people will join and the winning majority won't be like the unrealistic previous differences.

By now, you most probably have made up your mind...and whether you will vote Yes or No, you have to be ready to accept what the majority chooses and start acting upon it and see how you will plan for the next period accordingly. No for Violence, No for protesting, No for attacking, Yes for working together for a real Democracy. Democracy means ... thinking, debating, campaigning, voting, and accepting, then evaluating, thinking...etc.

I am completely convinced with NO, and respect those who will say Yes.

May God Bless Egypt and guide us for its best.

Mohaly

P.S. Please don't campaign for or against in the comments to comply with the restriction made by the Armed Forces for not campaigning pro or against the referendum today and tomorrow.

765) Yes & No Scenarios!

I am really happy with the debates taking place these days .... It is not easy and people are not used to it, but bit by bit everyone will be an expert in applying it. There are people who has made it clear that they are convinced with no, other with yes, and still some left undecided. 

This is a summary of both scenarios and consequences for those who are still confused. If you are pro or against, please respect others opinions, and remember that:YOUR VOICE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.For me, I have already made up my mind against the amendments as indicated in the last post (764).

Please remember it is not a fight, we are exercising our first real debate for democracy... There are no personal interests, we are all trying to vote for a better Egypt, each from his/her point of view... So let's debate but not fight, and ask God to Bless the country in both cases.

Mohaly

764) I will GO and say NO !

I usually don't take much time in realizing and taking decisions. However, it took me a whole week to think about shall I vote for or against the constitutional amendments on the referendum taking place after another week (on March 19th). Although I am aiming for having a completely new constitution -since we had a revolution for "eskat el nizam" and starting a new era with new rules, values, and systems- I tried to give it a try and think about the amendemnts, read a lot, watch TV programs, and discuss with friends... After all these activities I have finally decided to go on 19/3 and vote AGAINST the amendments, I will simple say NO.


Why did I reach this conclusion, why will I say NO?

1. Presidential Powers: In a country still having people protesting saying "We are Sorry Mubarak", I don't trust any president with such Devine powers in the constitution. I don't even trust myself if I have all these powers. So what will oblige the new president to call for a consitution that will minimize his or her authorities

to less than half. Please don't say: Tahrir Square, this is like "Wednak Meneen ya Go7a" (Arabic quote for taking the long and sophisticated way instead of cutting it short and simple)! I do support having the next president for 1 term only.

2. The Package voting: (voting for the whole changes) is simply unfair and doesn't make sense because if I don't agree with any of the articles, I have to say No for the rest as well. For example, I am pro cancelling article 179 (Terrorism), but at the same time against some of the modifications in article 75 (Marriage, & No max. Age), and some other points, then simply I can't say yes.

3. No Options:  Even if they will have it as a package there should be 2 options. For example in article 139, I am for obliging the president to have a Vice-President, but I am not for having it by appointment (what prohibits him of getting his cousin, or even son as a VP!). Electing a VP will help us to have more control on the absolute power of the president, and have smooth transition of power till the fixed elections date. I would have preferred to have 2 or 3 clear strategies or plans to choose from.

4. Obligation for a New Constitution: article 189 obliges People's assembly to call for a new constitution, and says nothing about obliging the president to call for it if he was elected first! In addition, the committee responsible for establishing the new constution should be elected directly from the people like what happened in many countries all over the world (Tunisia will do it in July).

5. People's Assembly elections: Voting yes means I agree on the Supreme Council plan to have parliament elections in June, and this is a scary thought for me. Elections while the revolution is not over yet, and parties are not formed yet, is very risky and won't have real reflection of the street powers specially if we continued electing people the same way we do (single vs. coalition lists).

6. Gaining Time: There should be an extra point in the referendum giving us the option of what will be done if the majority said no (most prob. re-amending, or hopefully new constitution). I think saying No will oblige the Supreme council to consider what the people want and stop the unrealistic plan of finishing everything by August without having clear and solid steps in paving the way for democracy and new parties representation.

The Government has launched a poll to see the overall direction of the people regarding this issue (they finall decide to make use of the IDSC) and it ended up in 59% saying No.

I think the best solution is setting some "Mabade2 Destoreya" that can temporarily replace the illegitimate constitution and make us survive for the next 6 months while working on a new constitution leading to electing a new People's assembly and eventually a new president by the end of 2011.


I didn't write this article to make you say no, it is your vote and you are responsible for it. I was just reflecting my thoughts, findings, and concerns. The only thing I am urging you to do is to go and vote. I am against boycotting it as I see it very risky... Experience having a value and the ability of making a difference.


For me, I will GO and say NO...

Mohaly

Link to Amendments: http://www.almasryalyoum.com/node/332005

750) Egypt :: The Time of Wisdom !

The Ignition of the Revolution needed the power of Youth, but at this stage we need the Wisdom of the elder people without losing the momentum of the youth. 

In this endless loop of Egyptian regime and protesters action and reaction to see who will surrender, I think the practical way out of this situation is through "Lagnet El 7okama2"- Wise-men Committee (http://www.shabab-masr.com/) who can negotiate with regime and the protesters while keeping protesting and the right of protesting at anytime anywhere in any number, till we reach what we need (MUBARAK DOWN).

This committee has the best people in the country, and to be more practical:

1) They should be delegated from the protesters and they can lead the negotiations and do all the changes.
2) Mubarak has to leave now, he should just go and spend the remaining time  in Sharm.
3) The committee should divide the transitional period to 2 parts; from Feb to Aug., and from Sept till end of 2012. The first part has to do with the urgent reformations (like 76,77,88 in constitution, canceling emergency law, parliment elections..etc), ending by the presidential elections. The second part is the part where a new constitution needs to be established along with its laws, and the whole new hierahcy and flow of the country, and I think the President elect in 2011 should be leading this part and then call for new elections by end of 2012 (become and Interim President leading the transition) this can be Amr Moussa, Ahmed Zewial...etc. Then have a completely new president then.

By the way..these protests are a real revolution...so please let's refer to it as "Thawret El Ghadab - Rage Revolution" as it started, or "Thawret El Shabab - Youth Revolution", and not just a protest.

May Allah bless this country.

Mohaly

 م"مصر تستحق قيادة أفضل تعكس الإمكانات الهائلة لأكثر من ثمانين مليون مصري، وتعكس مكانتها الهائلة في قلوب مئات الملايين من العرب والمسلمين. "

"For those who want to see results, negotiations should continue. For those who want to avoid starvation, work should start. For those who don't trust the regime, demonstrations continue" Sherif Saleh

152) 7azzak Fe Yom Al Estefta2

This was Al Akhbar on 26th of March (al estefta2)!

Al-Jazeera Documentary - Where is the truth?

Did anyone see the documentary film that was prodcasted by Al-Jazeera yesterday mid-night covering the torturing of Egyptians in the Police station.

I cant believe that is true. If it is, then Why, police men are fellow citizens, what do they gain from doing such horrible stuff even with criminals who should be send to court first. By the way, does anyone know if we have anything about having a lawyer attending with any suspect like in the US or not?

I felt so bad after watching that I haven't slept till 5am!!

Mohaly

DASTOUUUR!!

Long but deserves waiting.
This is an unedited random referendum to show you how much the awareness of the Egyptians is!

Mohaly