Not since citizens in Iran took to the streets to protest the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has the world’s attention been so closely focused on the politics of one particular country. For more than a week, millions of Egyptians have gathered in the public places across Egypt to voice their opposition to President Hosni Mubarak and his administration.
If, like most Americans, you have been following this story closely, the answer to this question is quite clear.
Those brave enough to protest in the streets of Egypt do so knowing that they are not protected by any First Amendment right to peaceably assemble to ask their government for a redress of grievances. They do so knowing that they could be beaten, shot or killed because of their actions. They do so knowing that Mubarak’s regime will do whatever it takes to stifle the voices of those who dare to speak out against it.
Egypt has long been an ally of the United States and Mubarak a long-time friend to this nation’s leaders. We understand the delicacy with which President Obama has approached this situation, but there are times when friends must hold each other accountable and, for Mubarak, that time is now. America must stand firm in its support of democracy and call on Mubarak to end those practices that restrict the rights of those who simply want their voices to be heard by all those willing to listen.