“Common Sense” disappeared when Ann Patterson (The American Ambassador to Egypt) asked the Coptic Pope, who is the head religious figure of the Church in Egypt, and not a political actor, to prevent the Copts from expressing their opinions on June 30, while Morsi was intent at eradicating them. Morsi proved to be incompetent, was the mouthpiece of his superiors and the laughing stock of modern Nations. America provided lip service to “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” in the face of what was plaguing Egypt and did not condemn heinous acts from militants. That is reflective of the height of hypocrisy, or incredible naiveté from America.
Western news media refer to Morsi as “the first democratically elected citizen to become President of Egypt”. I would like to ask: isn’t it true that only a tiny minority of Egyptians knew whom they were voting for? Isn’t it true that there were no debates, campaigning or even questioning of those who ran for elections? How these elections could be called democratic when 30% of Egyptians don’t read or write? Isn’t it true that a good proportion of Egyptians get their information only from their religious leaders or Al-Jazeera TV Channel? In every society there are extremists but they don’t rule, while Egypt allowed these fringe elements to control the future of the Country.
Examples of the adverse results of the Ballot Box are rampant: Hamas was elected democratically but it is labelled a “terrorist group.” Karzai was openly opposed by the official American envoy Richard Holbrooke. In spite of that he was elected, democratically, and became president of Afghanistan. Hugo Chavez, the sworn enemy of America was elected democratically president of Venezuela. Many brutal despots, around the World, belong to the same category. In Egypt, after the fall of Morsi, it became unlikely that a heinous act from “a lone wolf” will occur in the near future. The Brotherhood hunkered down, learnt its lesson, will recruit more members and will strike back if they are given a chance. Better education and fast economic development are the only antidotes to such a fatal outcome.
Egypt must do what is in its best interests and should not wait to take orders from the West. This is especially true during this critical period of transformation. Egypt is divided, the gap between rich and poor has become enormous, trust in government is lacking, crime has become rampant and education as well as other aspects of life has been allowed to deteriorate. Egypt’s potential remains extraordinary. Its history, location, beaches, culture, scholars and military power are in good supply. However the country has become very sick and requires stability, security and lots of hard work to repair the damage done to it and to steer her in the right direction. It cannot afford another relapse.
Thus, I am totally against a hastened parliamentary election that may bring undesirable characters to power. I am reminded by Thomas Jefferson’s words in his letter to Colonel Charles Yancey (Jan. 6, 1816) “if a Nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
Egypt cannot afford another sham democratic election. The country needs several years of repair before it can stand on its own feet. A new secular Constitution is a must, after which ALL religious leaders, in the Committee of Fifty, have to relinquish their places to lay scholars, and confine their activities to the Houses of Worship. The Committee was chosen to represent the people. Egyptians living outside the country can provide treasure and some selected members with exceptional talents should be invited to participate. Freedom has to be afforded to all citizens including the news media which is expected to abide by the rules, discipline itself and conform to rigorous ethical standards. Emergency rule, which may be necessary now, must be lifted as soon as possible. In the words of Voltaire: “Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.”
We must not squander this opportunity.
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Dr. Lotfy Basta MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FACP, FACC, FCCP, FAHA…