Fireworks over Egypt

A Stark Reminder..,..
Why We Celebrate July 4th

Egypt reminds us that to hold elections is not to become a democracy.  US officials were said to be in a bind as to what to say about the Egyptian leader, democratically elected, ousted by military coup--when they and the rest of the world watched a dictator take office in elective process and then elevate himself above the constitution.  How ironic that Morsi left office appealing to the people to restore him because of the constitution and the election that placed him in office as the legitimate leader--the same guy who said he was above the law!  Say the obvious!  Taking part in an election does not a democracy make!

The fireworks over Egypt from large demonstrations is an erie mimicry of our July 4th celebration.  They are celebrating the end of a dictatorship at the hands of the military--such was the tyranny.  Now will the military play referee to get elections restored and new leader elected/?  Strange enforcement of democracy, isn't it?  In the USA, the people enforce democracy and legitimize it either through elections or in the unusual circumstance of the courts.

 When Washington left office, he turned to Thomas Jefferson and remarked that the office was being peacefully transferred--and despite Jefferson's worst fears that Washington would not step aside--he not only did so, but saying to Jefferson--"and not to a king!"  What Washington did was consent to the governance of the people rather than the President telling the people who they should blindly uphold.  No one claims that we are a perfect people.  We do continue, however, to be governed by a remarkable process of a government "of, by and for the people."