The Power of the People: The Transformation of Egypt

Posted on February 14, 2011 by brushedwithmystery

As a person who loves history, I find myself watching what is happening in Egypt with the knowledge that the anti-government protesters are making history. Many  would identify Egypt as the location of the pyramids and the ancient centre of civilization, but Egypt is back on the international stage.

I listened with reverent silence as the CBC reported this weekend that Hosni Mubarak will step down as President. They did it- the people have spoken! What I find fascinating about this revolution is the methods they have used for political change- a combination of new technology and old space.

The power of the Internet and the social networks  such as Facebook and Twitter were crucial for this revolution.  The Internet, used by only an estimated 16 per cent of the Egyptian population, was one of the only means of protest.  Many people were jailed over what they were posting. Khaled Said was a Web activist who died in prison.  His death sparked a series of Web generated riots over the injustice of the government. Abdel Kareem Nabil had the longest jail sentence for the views he expressed in his blog. During an interview on the CBC on February 11, Ayman Nour  a former president of an opposition party  El Ghad, stated that you can liberate a people by giving them the Internet.

This leads me to the second (older) catalyst for social change-or revolution: the public space. The central location for Egyptian protests was Tahrir Square.  A public space is necessary so that people who agree on the same injustice might come together as a larger force- we see this in social groups on the internet, but the public space is a solidification of intent.  You can’t ignore a body of people unified in the same cause as easily as you can ignore an idea being spread by the internet.  This might change in the future, but not yet.  We see this central location as St. Petersburg for the Russian Revolution,  Tiananmen Square for the failed Chinese Revolution,  the Bastille in the French Revolution.  If you are the government, heed this warning: beware of large groups of unsatisfied people.

After having done some research, another factor I discovered was the importance of women in a revolution.  In both the French and Russian Revolution, women were vital to the impetus of the cause.  Usually absent from the public sphere, they added credibility to the cause.   Their presence in a public demonstration communicates the extent of the disruption in the harmony of the family- the cohesion of a society.  Soldiers, who are more than willing to shoot at a group of revolutionary men, are also less willing to shoot at mothers, sisters, and lovers.

I will continue to watch what is going on in Egypt with interest as the army now takes over control.  It is an interesting irony that the descendants of the people who built the pyramids are the examples of the power of modern technology to prompt a revolution.

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How I Spent the Better Part of My Day…

Posted on February 14, 2011 by brushedwithmystery

18 cards for Morgan’s school friends…3 cards for both school and daycare teachers….

I could have simply given the store bought variety,  but they seem so artificial and cold….I hope her classmates like them.  xo

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Preparing for Valentine’s Day…

Posted on February 12, 2011 by brushedwithmystery




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Thoughts in a Waiting Room

Posted on February 12, 2011 by brushedwithmystery

Hour three: there is a restrained silence, as though we were students in an exam.  A large window covers one wall.  Friends and family can watch the clouds go by, the day to pass.

Time evaporates in a surgery waiting room. The value and fragility of life is put in place.  This is in stark contrast to an emergency room, where time is so vital. There one must count the hours to when pain will abate.  In a surgery waiting room, pain is in the process of being relieved- tragedy averted.  We can wait- we are ‘patient.’

Hour four: the sounds in the room ebb and flow.  One woman talks a little too loudly, another man has what sounds to be a smokers cough; another is addicted to their Blackberry.  One man has no loved ones to pick him up, so a St. John’s ambulance driver has arrived in place of his absent family.  Unfortunately for him the driver is here to pick him up before he is ready- he will have to wait for another ride.

One man has been waiting hours.  He asks politely of the reception desk secretary the status of his wife.  She is still in surgery.

The smell of coffee is tantalizing,

Hour six: the sun’s daily cycle has been witnessed. It is now sinking on the horizon.  The day is coming to an end.  Thornton Wilder’s, ”Our Town,” is finished.   It is a play about life and death- life’s cycle.  A minimal set- simple brushstrokes for maximum effect. Life has too much clutter, it distracts us from what is important.

Hour seven: three code blues have been called and many other muffled announcements. ‘Someone in crisis,’ spoken by a calm voice that has not effect for 99%  of the hospital. Someone else’s loved one, someone else’s crisis. In this quiet space with the sun falling just so on the floor it just seems part of life.

Hour eight: the phone at the reception desk rings for me.”He’s doing well, and you can pick him up in the main lobby.”  My time here is over.  Who will sit in my seat and watch the sun’s daily course? What will happen to the man who has been waiting all day for his wife?

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A Cable from the Front February 1, 1917

Posted on February 9, 2011 by brushedwithmystery

Great Gran’s Journal Feb 2, 1917

I was a very happy person when I went into town Wednesday 31st.  I had just received a letter from Guy(her son).  That was great joy of itself and in Guy’s letter were these words, “I received a letter from Mrs. Shortt saying that they had definite information that Allen (friend of the family) was a prisoner in Germany and unwounded.”  I read that and then all alone in the house I sang and danced.  I was so glad!  I ran to the telephone to tell Marjorie(gran).  Afterwords I went and met the latter at the Bank.  She had to work late because it was last day of the month.  We went to the new restaurant on Princess St.  and had tea there afterwards to the “Grand” to see Aladdin and his Lamp, a perfectly splendid English pantomime.  Very patriotic too.  It was an all English company.  They sang “Somewhere in France” and “Good Luck to the Boys of the Allies.”  They had a good many girls dressed as the Allies and a Rule Britannia Scene also at the end.  There were numerous spectacular effects.

Marjorie had a letter from Donald Fraser (first love?) and I had one from Mrs. Gill.  She does not know at all of Guy’s illness.  I got another cable last night from the Militia Department.  It said “Condition improved further particulars  when received will be sent you.”

Here is Guy’s letter, it is headed Bearwood Park Workingham Jan 16th.

He says,”Here I am at a Canadian convalescent hospital getting along nicely.”  He then acknowledges letters of mine of the following dates: Nov 19, 22, 26, Dec 3, 7, 10, 17.  In my letter of Dec 7th he says was a M.O (money order) for $5.  He got our xmas parcel about New Years.  He says that though he is a little weak and his nerves on edge there is nothing wrong with his appetite.  He encloses a snap of a group of wounded soldiers taken of his ward 6 in Bristol Hospital.  Guy can be plainly seen and it shows those fine decorations of which he spoke.  Nurses dressed in fancy costumes may be seen also/   Guy mentions having received also the box from Marie Shortt for which I sent her the money.  He liked the snap of Aunt Tiny and myself which Marjorie took before Christmas and says I only  imagine I am looking old.  He says he is not sure when he will leave Bearwood Park but thinks it may not be long and says he wants to take a trip to Ireland before he returns to the Front.  He wants to continue to send his mail care of Miss Esson Scotland.

Now having disposed of personal matters what shall I say about the war situation.  Well the war may be said to be dramatically tense-The  United States is again on the verge of war with Germany and possibly the wolf may really come this time! Germany has sent out an announcement to the world that she means to begin a ruthless submarine warfare on all vessels of any kind, merchantmen  and co.  of  neutral or enemy nationality.  She announces that neutral ships can go in certain districts the routes laid down by her.  They must paint their ships certain hues to be visible to her submarines.  A blockade of British Isles, The N.S. may have our merchantmen a week go to Britain etc and more of it and unspeakable announcement of all they announce they will sink hospital ships crossing from France to Great Britain.  It is said will escort ships laden with food and co. by armed cruisers.  About 2000 Americans are now on the High Seas and some are quite close to the danger zone.  Tonight the paper says that neutrals like Switzerland and Holland are calling on the United States to help them as this unrestricted submarine warfare means starvation and ruin for them and their fate of Belgium and Siberia as it is plain  they fear that Germany will soon cease to respect their neutrality.  The American Press calls on the United States to sever diplomatic relations with Germany forthwith.  Stocks fell on Wall St. and most of the wall street journal’s seem to think mar immanent, but it has looked as as this before and all Wilson did was to use his ‘pen.’ He may yet believe it “mightier than the sword”  He may yet stave off by fair words this critical time.  But!  If he does!  the fair fame!  The high position, the glory of the United States must depart and never again in this Generation will she be able  to take her place among the free nations of the world respected or self respecting.

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