Mideast Democracy?

Submitted by J Randall Peacher (United States), Feb 13, 2011 at 19:15

It is the misfortune and short sightedness of the West that the first thing we push on other nation's and entities is the concept of democratic government. We forget that democracy in the United States took years to develop and mature. The citizens of the Colonies in the 16 and 1700's were not taught from cradle to grave to hate Jews, non-Anglicans (for example) or other ethnic groups; as have the citizens of most Muslim nations. For true democracy to take root in most Islamic nations the very nature of Friday sermons must change, the school system (if there is one) must teach multicultural issues, and accountability of all for the betterment of society.

Mubarak is gone. Now what? Is there a George Washington or Thomas Jefferson of Arab descent in the wings that I have not read about yet? The likes of the Muslim Brotherhood, other radical clergy and institutions wait for the day the strong men who have subdued the violent message they teach to be removed.

I fear that for the most part the leadership of the Western nations have intellectual pigmy's in positions of power. There has been no long range planning or preparation for the day Mubarak fell. As long as oil was flowing freely, American leaders have sown to the wind, and we will reap the whirlwind. What a tragedy; not only for America, but for Egyptians.

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