PROTESTS GROW AGAINST PHARAOH MORSI

***UPDATES ADDED AT END OF ORIGINAL POST***

Pharaoh Mohamed Morsi

  NO 

DAYLIGHT 

BETWEEN 

PHARAOH 

AND ME

In what seemed to be deja vu, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi followed the lead of fascist rulers of the last century and like the pharaohs in ancient times has decreed across the land his usurpation of power.

The decrees, codified under the guise of emergency law, give him the power to use any force or steps necessary against what he perceives to be  “any threat to the revolution, national unity and safety or anything that obstructs the work of state institutions.”

Amr Hamzawy

 

 “An absolute presidential tyranny. Egypt is facing a 

horrifying coup against legitimacy and the rule of law and a 

complete assassination of the democratic transition.” 

 - Amr Hamzawy, a member of the dissolved Parliament

As typical, the excuses for the inexcusable abound, such as Mubarek people remain in the judiciary or claiming that the political process is stalled. Morsi already dissolved Parliament and has filled most local offices and the military with members of the Brotherhood. He also took control of all the media in previous actions. 

Mohamed El Baradei

“A major blow to the revolution that could have dire consequences.”

- Mohamed El Baradei, Nobel peace laureate

Pro-reform leader Mohamed El Baradei addressed a news conference along with other prominent politicians agreeing to do every thing possible to force Morsi to rescind his new powers. “We will work together as Egyptians until we achieve the goals of our revolution,” said El Baradei.

At this time Egyptians have returned to the streets protesting and burning Brotherhood offices. The Judiciary has called for strikes across Egypt, apparently the revolution is not over. Many Egyptians feel Mubarek was merely replaced by Morsi.

ARAB SUMMER
The Arab Spring, a phrase routinely used by media outlets friendly to the Obama Administration, has now returned to the Arab Summer where the drought of freedom persists as one dictator was merely replaced by another.

The Obama Administration issued a tepid response to the new dictatorship, one that shows its continued lack of leadership and inability to support those that hunger for the same freedom our forefathers fought and died for.

The hope of millions of Egyptians for a truly democratic country is still alive--waiting-- waiting for true leadership to unite them against the same tyranny that bares a new face.

UPDATE: 11/27/2012

Pharaoh Morsi claims his the decree was limited to "sovereignty-related issues,'' however, the judiciary maintains its view that the decrees are nothing more than power grab.

Hamdeen Sabahy

The four-day crisis has plunged the country into turmoil, increasing protests have resulted in the death of one individual and hundreds wounded. Cairo's Tahrir Square remains a hotbed of activity for a fourth day, as protestors impeded traffic and fought with riot police.

Popular Current, a group that is opposed to Morsi's power grab, said Tuesday's protest would go on. "We asked for the cancellation of the decree and that did not happen," said Mona Amer, a spokesperson for the group.

 "Egypt will not accept a new dictator because it 

brought down the old one."

- Hamdeen Sabahy

 

The National Salvation Front, a new opposition coalition of Egyptian Patriots, have united against Morsi. The Front includes Sabahy, El Baradei and former Arab League chief Amr Moussa.

"There is no room for dialogue 

when a dictator imposes the most oppressive, abhorrent measures 

and then says 'let us split the difference'." 

- Mohamed El Baradei

Morsi also ordered the retrial of Mubarak and top aides on charges of killing protesters during the uprising. He also created a new "protection of the revolution'' judicial body to swiftly carry out the prosecutions.

UPDATE:11/28/2012

Photograph: Mohamed Abdel

Over 100,000 people crowded into Tahrir Square  and surrounding Cairo streets Tuesday to protest against Egyptian Pharaoh Morsi' decrees that granted him sweeping constitutional powers. The scenes were replicated in other major cities, including Alexandria and Suez. Protestors escalated their demands calling for Morsi to rescind his decree and step down from the presidency.

"Today's protests are to overthrow oppression and stand up to the new dictatorship of Morsi, his decree and a constitution far removed from the revolution. He has to back down. The revolution and the streets will dictate what he will do. If he stands in the way of the revolution he will share the same fate as Mubarak."

 -Haytham Mohamedeen, Egyptian Revolutionary Socialists

Total fatalities reached four on Tuesday, on the news of the death of Fathi Gharib, a member of the Socialist Popular Alliance.

Egyptians attend the funeral of Gaber Salah, who was killed Monday by security forces. (Photo: AP)

UPDATE:11/29/2012
The blows to freedom in the Middle East continue as Egypt's constituent assembly votes to keep "principles of sharia" as main source of legislation.