Freedom Packages

Jon Stewart and John Oliver explain why rebels in Libya get the help of hundreds of Tomahawk missiles while those in Bahrain are told, "hey, tone it down, will ya?"

The Daily Show - America's Freedom Packages
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I love the disclaimer at the end of that segment. Also check out the Odyssey Dawn piece where Jon points out that we're out of money and we can't simultaneously fire teachers and Tomahawk missiles.

That's A Wrap

Laugh at the punny headlines, but also read Ethan Zuckerman's blog about Mubarak's resignation. Ousting a dictator is not enough. Egyptians must rebuild their government now, and then comes the question of our era: what role will Facebook play in the transition?

And what role will Facebook play in the next revolution? History is set to repeat itself in Algeria already as their government shuts down the internet and deletes social-networking accounts. It doesn't surprise me that these repressive governments ruled by elderly men can't do anything right when it comes to social networking. Ever try to explain Facebook to your parents?

Now Is The Time

The president spoke on Egypt today. His speech was short and easy to digest. I think his most substantial point was that the privileged people who serve in positions of political power do so at the will of the people, and therefore, the Egyptian people have every right to change their government. He commended the protesters and the Egyptian military for their professionalism. He said we're committed to a partnership between the United States and Egypt.

Oh, and he said the orderly transition must begin now.

Except Egyptian President Mubarak only said he will not seek another term -- he still refuses to step down or lift the emergency law.

I never really understood people who stick around where they're not welcome.

Anyway, John Bolton (remember him?) was singing McCain's old tune to bomb Iran. It really does sound like a broken record now.

Oh, and somebody at Fox News is having trouble finding Egypt on the map.


I have an idea. Let's not bomb anybody until we all master geography.

Half A World Away

So I suppose I've been failing as a blogger by not even mentioning the monumental events going on in Egypt... I guess a revolution catches us all by surprise. But honestly, I've watched these things before. I think we all have. And these uprisings often have hopeful moments and then? They're squashed. Remember Tianamen Square?

But the story in Egypt is still unfolding, and there is room for hope. The Egyptian Army says it will not use force against the people during tomorrow's March of a Million.

(YouTube video.)

I don't know what to expect from my own government. My hope is that they will support Democracy and stop propping up dictators. Am I asking too much?