Egypt’s Fight For Freedom

Before today, I truly believed that ousting the current regime was not our main fight. That the Muslim Brotherhood was a power to be reckoned with. That, despite my absolute opposition to everything they stand for, they had the support of a segment of society and that should be respected. I mean, this is democracy right? What we need to do is fight against the constitutional declaration and the constitutional referendum, form a unified opposition, mobilize support and create a power-sharing arrangement with the Muslim Brotherhood. After today, that is no longer an option.

Before today, we were fighting against a president that was systematically marginalizing any opposition. We were fighting against a president that actively monopolized power and recreated a dictatorship. We were fighting against a president that promised to restore the rights of the martyrs, and did no such thing. We were fighting against a president who promised to fulfill the demands of the revolution, and did no such thing. We were fighting against a president whom supported a constitution that, among others: legalized child labor, limited labor rights, decreased religious freedoms, weakened political and judicial institutions, practically demolished any checks on his powers, and brought Egyptian women 50 years backwards in their fight for equality. After today, these are not our only concerns. 

Today, we are fighting a president who hears the roars of 25 million Egyptians, and does not dignify them with a single word. Today, we are fighting against a president who uses God and religion to incite violence between fellow countrymen. Today, we are fighting against a president who is destroying everything the revolution stood for. Today, we are fighting against a president who represents a state within a state. Today, we are fighting against a president that sits idly by while innocent blood is shed on the streets of Egypt. Today, we are fighting against a president who values his power above his people. 

THIS is not democracy. THIS is not what we fought for. THIS, we will not stand for.

My thoughts and prayers go out to every Egyptian man and woman who has taken to the the streets to fight for MY freedom. I will forever be indebted to the millions of courageous Egyptians who, though I will never know, put their lives at risk for me. Thank you. A million times thank you. W rabena yi7meekom.