In the past Copts were killed and the perpetrators were set free, and Churches were burnt one at a time; these heinous acts were committed and the existing Government blamed them on “outside sources”. At the same time, Christians were bypassed routinely in appointments and promotions. The Autocratic Government that ruled Egypt at that time denied they had a role in any of these acts or denied them altogether. The current Government in Egypt not only continued this unholy tradition but condoned it and encouraged it. What was done covertly in the past is now escalated and became overt. The Coptic victims of these brutal acts are blamed for them, as if people were asked not to believe what they see and hear. Egypt became another trend setter for how to tell lies and commit these unspeakable acts; a shame that was reserved to the likes of Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Recently Dr. Morsi repeated that Copts are the original owners of Egypt and that they are treated equal to Muslims. I say “really”. Am I supposed not to believe what I see and what I know to be the facts, and believe these falsehoods uttered by the current President of Egypt? Six Copts were killed in Khosous and two others were killed outside the Coptic Patriarchate, which was attacked for the first time in history by the Muslim fanatics. A Copt was burnt alive in your reign Mr. President whereas this kind of act caused the rebellion against the Clergy in the Dark Ages. Do you know Mr. President that the letter sent by Galileo is a prized possession of the Vatican today? This letter was written after the Bishops deemed Galileo to be a heretic who deserved to be put to death. Times have changed and continue to change to the better in the West where many sincere citizens consider that radical Islam to be a menace and a cancer threatening their civilization. As a Copt, who never believed that religion should be considered in any decision, I tell you that we do not believe you, and that we bought this same horse before.
You keep saying unbelievable things as if the entire world is full of fools and that they believe these laughable statements from you. You have proven one thing: You are unfit to steer Egypt in the right direction. I sincerely hope that Egypt has not been divided forever by you into those who obey your masters blindly and a consortium of moderate Muslims, who are independent and strive to make Egypt a modern democracy for all citizens, women’s groups, religious minorities and those whose voices are never heard. Copts owned Egypt, are descendants of the pharaohs, and are among the first Christians on earth; they do not deserve calls asking them to leave the country that they built. It is true that some in the West still call for equal treatment of ALL citizens since this is the essence of Democracy. Also, we have to admit that oil money managed to finance Islamic Departments and other private Institutions, but many in the West have contempt for Islamists and want to steer away from them. No one should be against Islam but all civilized people should be against violence, extremism, fanaticism and killings in the name of Allah. I ask which God is He who condones the murder and maiming of other human beings.
Dr. Morsi: you have managed to create an environment hostile to the Copts, women and foreign investors. I say “wake up before it is much too late”. You are steering the country to financial and social ruins. Qatar’s help will last for a short while after which you will fall off the cliff. I hope that such will not herald blood baths, strife and civil war. If you continue your current policies Egypt will become another Syria albeit on steroids. I will say to the Copts what I never imagined myself saying before; get ready to leave in a hurry. In the forties, Egypt had 400,000 Jews who became 250,000 in the fifties, most of whom left in the sixties and one of the few remaining Jews in Egypt (Ms. Carmen Weinstein) died few days ago. Herein lies a lesson. I really wish that I am wrong in my forecast and that this gloom and doom scenario doesn’t materialize; many voices are now saying that Egypt does not deserve such an outcome.
In the past I prodded all groups opposed to the current regime to unite under El-Baradei and to vote. El-Baradei is known and respected by all world leaders. I hope that the entire opposition groups will heed my call this time and save Egypt from the dark cloud that hovers over it. I will say again that it matters not who will take the credit for not letting Egypt’s ship sink. Egypt needs wisdom, experience, courage and enthusiasm. Guys “nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” to quote Waldo Emerson.
___________________________________
Professor Lotfy Basta (MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FACP, FACC, FCCP, FAHA (APRIL, 20-2013) is member of Coptic Solidarity Advisory Council