Pursuit of Democracy for Egyptians

I witnessed history unfold in front of my eyes. I impatiently switched channels between Al-Jazeera the Arab channel and CNN; I watched President Mubarak's representative bravely announce Mubarak's resignation. I couldn't believe it; it felt surreal that I had the opportunity to witness people standing up for their rights, revolting against an old regime and demanding justice, in my lifetime.  We always studied about the past and other rights movements especially the civil rights movement, rights people fought and died for, but I never thought I would get the opportunity to witness that taking place. I was overcome with joy and hope for the Egyptian people. They persevered and had tenacity and even went beyond the naysayers. I was proud, today I felt like an Egyptian.  However, as much as I tried to stay in the moment, and enjoy history unfolding in front of me, I recognized the hard work ahead for Egyptians and all nations surrounding Egypt. The Egyptians demanded and fought for freedom and democracy. I believe God is giving them an opportunity to put those theories in to practice. Aristotle states the hardest form of government to run is a democracy. It is hard because people with different point of views have a say in how the government is run.  Egyptians must define their idea of a democracy, what form of democracy they want for their country, and how they will avoid returning to the old regime they ousted. As a philosophy graduate, I had the opportunity to study different views and the outcomes of those views. I will explain the causes of a revolution in an oligarchy, and factors to consider in the process of beginning a democratic state. I hope I can offer meaningful advice to my Egyptian brothers and sisters and all nations surrounding Egypt.   What stirred these revolutions in the Middle East? Not many people pondered this question, but I think it is poignant to ask and study these causes. The uniqueness of human nature means we have a history to which we may refer and which may apply to our current situation. Aristotle raised these questions in the Politics; I think it is worth studying his perspectives on revolutions. Aristotle notes revolutions arise from inequalities, numerical or proportional; i.e., from a numerical mass claiming equality denied them, or from a minority claiming superiority denied them. Aristotle informs us that a revolution may result in a complete change of government or a modification of the existing one. Egypt had an oligarchy government, so I will discuss Aristotle's definition of an oligarchy and the causes of a revolution in an oligarchy. According to Aristotle, an oligarchy government has in view the interest of the wealthy. An oligarchy is when men of property have the government in their hands. The leader looks out for the interest of the elite group; it is the government of the few and the wealthy. In an oligarchy the majority of the citizens have some property, but not very much; it allows any citizen who obtains the required amount of property in sharing in the government. The elite groups make the law represent their wishes. This form of oligarchy leads the ruler to amend the law so that the son shall succeed the father. So what causes a revolution in an oligarchy system according to Aristotle? In an oligarchy, revolution arises from the oppressive conduct of an oligarchy leader. In Egypt, Mubarak began as a moderate leader; he improved the conditions of Egypt. However, power and wealth led him to be dissonant from the wishes and desires of the people. He created an elite group and kept much of the wealth of the nation within his inner group. After recognizing Mubarak intends his son to take his place; Egyptians could no longer take the oppression of Mubarak. The Egyptian people felt deceived by Mubarak, they saw his corrupt ways and violence his army committed against the people. Egyptians erupted and there was no way stopping them, until granted their wishes. John Donne in Meditations XVII quotes "No man is an island, entire of itself; everyman is a piece of the continent, a part of the main"; this quote should guide the Egyptians. To become a democratic state, the people must be in it together. One group that defies the concept of democracy potentially destroys the evolving nature of democracy. People view America as a democracy, but even America has a long way to reach democracy. Democracy is the hardest government to run. People die and kill each other to reach democracy. I hope Egyptians do not reach to that level. To avoid dire circumstances, Egyptians must first define their idea of democracy with inclusion of other religions in the country. They must decide what form of democracy they want for their people. Remember, democracy doesn't equate to majority rules. All people must be represented in the system.  Aristotle, James Madison, Tocqueville, and John Stuart Mill expressed their fear of the tyranny of the majority. Who will protect the minority if the majority forces its beliefs on the minority? The only solution, I believe, is a 'checks and balance' system in the election process, to make sure the law protects the minority. Aristotle warns of this in The Politics and considers it a potential cause of a revolution in a democracy. We must not resort to oppression and unfair treatment of minorities. I know many consider religion to be ideal with government; however, we must understand religion is a personal choice and should come from an intuitive choice, not enforced externally. Islam requires Muslims to teach others about Islam, but also to allow them to practice their own faith.  Egyptians must understand that just because a majority wins, this doesn't necessarily equate to fair representation of the people. Secondly, Egyptians must focus on creating a constitution and improving the conditions in Egypt, before worrying about international interest. Only, when a nation is settled and developed does it worry about allies and others. Egyptians must first create a democratic, strong Egypt before dealing with other nations. Remember, a nation's word matters in the international arena, when the nation has a strong cooperative nation. I would like to warn the future Egyptian leader to be wary of the capital interests of the super power nations. What I mean by this is, the super nations like the US, Europe, and other countries offer large sums of money to ask a nation to support them in a cause. I believe this is wrong and unethical; whenever money is involved in a peace treaty, I think it deteriorates the notion of peace. Money does not bring peace; it creates resentment, which leads to anger and a revolution. I believe this is what led Mubarak to his downfall; he did not listen to the concerns of his people. Egyptians must be very careful in their strategies for creating a better government for themselves. Once Egyptians concretely figure out their concept of democracy and freedom, Egyptians will be ready to choose their leader. When electing their leader and creating their constitution, I would urge the people of Egypt to please consider the following: 1.  Egyptians must understand that secularism doesn't mean democracy; it is a particular attitude that may be held within a democracy, but it can be held in other forms of government as well.  And it should be noted that secularism may lead to worse conditions.  So, Egyptians should focus on democracy, not necessarily on secular notions of governing.  2. Egyptians must not rely on the government for funding or providing economic security in the form of welfare; they must focus on creating a prosperous Egypt that leads to economic independence. Nonetheless, Egyptian leaders and the people must find a way to protect the poor. Egypt has a strong history, and this movement is part of that history. 3.  Create a strong government system that creates a balance and check system between the different branches.  Don't give too much power to the executive leader, whether that person is called president, prime minister or whatever.  If Egyptians do this, this could lead to another tyrant leader.  So, Egyptians should be very cautious in this transition period. Some groups who are not interested in genuine democracy will attempt to take advantage of the chaos of this time of transtion. Egyptians must not allow these groups to derail Egypt's new opportunity for democracy. -- A. Hussein, IDEO contributor