according to what little history i've read about July 4, 1777, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence had some gatherings and celebrations throughout Colonial America despite being in the midst of what we now call the Revolutionary War. the citizens of Philadelphia reportedly lit candles in their windows and bonfires in the streets to illuminate the night sky, while church bells rang briefly and nearby ships added a little cannon fire to break the silence. not quite the fireworks and patriotic display we are accustomed to today in hindsight of that monumental event, which makes sense as the uncertainty of the hopeful independents battled for a chance to make their own political and national path.
today, January 25, 2011 marks the first anniversary of the gathering in Tahrir Square--thousands are expected to gather there again today, though similar uncertainty looms. no one will say the revolution that led to the resignation of 30-year President Hosni Mubarek was a bad thing (see videos), but all seem to agree that the revolution is incomplete in that the goals have not yet been achieved (goals that differ from person to person), the quality of life has not improved for anyone (particularly for the millions living on around $2 a day), and the economy has definitely suffered with the decline in tourism as a result of all the political uncertainty in the country.
yet what should we expect? we have grown so dependent upon instantaneous results, as if we expect a government and society to refresh as quickly as the page on our web browsers. if i remember our American history correctly, even after the years of Revolutionary War, there were years of rebuilding and bumbling--even 200+ years later we still have Tea Party and Occupy movements decrying that something is still wrong. is it really possible to conceive of a developing nation, with decades (if not centuries) of political and societal baggage and rampant poverty, to progress to stability within just one year's time?
so how are we spending the anniversary? indoors; quietly continuing to do things around the villas by way of organizing and repairs. the kids are out of school today, as many things are closed throughout the city. we have some Muslim neighbors who have organized a community watch for the evening, reminiscent of their watch during last year's Revolutionary days when the fear for safety and looting despite curfews loomed. such an organized watch further indicates the uncertainty everyone seems to be feeling around us. this is also perceived by other governments as many expatriates have been encouraged by their homelands to keep a low profile, stay away from city centers where demonstrators may gather, and a variety of other similar cautions.
but it is a remarkably beautiful day -- it rained last night (a rarity here) and with the rain came not only a cleansing of the dusty buildings, pathways, and trees but also a clarity in the otherwise normally smoggy skies. perhaps the rain was God's little reminder that He is able to cleanse the grime and cut through the haze to bring beauty, even in our times of uncertainty.
today, January 25, 2011 marks the first anniversary of the gathering in Tahrir Square--thousands are expected to gather there again today, though similar uncertainty looms. no one will say the revolution that led to the resignation of 30-year President Hosni Mubarek was a bad thing (see videos), but all seem to agree that the revolution is incomplete in that the goals have not yet been achieved (goals that differ from person to person), the quality of life has not improved for anyone (particularly for the millions living on around $2 a day), and the economy has definitely suffered with the decline in tourism as a result of all the political uncertainty in the country.
yet what should we expect? we have grown so dependent upon instantaneous results, as if we expect a government and society to refresh as quickly as the page on our web browsers. if i remember our American history correctly, even after the years of Revolutionary War, there were years of rebuilding and bumbling--even 200+ years later we still have Tea Party and Occupy movements decrying that something is still wrong. is it really possible to conceive of a developing nation, with decades (if not centuries) of political and societal baggage and rampant poverty, to progress to stability within just one year's time?
so how are we spending the anniversary? indoors; quietly continuing to do things around the villas by way of organizing and repairs. the kids are out of school today, as many things are closed throughout the city. we have some Muslim neighbors who have organized a community watch for the evening, reminiscent of their watch during last year's Revolutionary days when the fear for safety and looting despite curfews loomed. such an organized watch further indicates the uncertainty everyone seems to be feeling around us. this is also perceived by other governments as many expatriates have been encouraged by their homelands to keep a low profile, stay away from city centers where demonstrators may gather, and a variety of other similar cautions.
but it is a remarkably beautiful day -- it rained last night (a rarity here) and with the rain came not only a cleansing of the dusty buildings, pathways, and trees but also a clarity in the otherwise normally smoggy skies. perhaps the rain was God's little reminder that He is able to cleanse the grime and cut through the haze to bring beauty, even in our times of uncertainty.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts His voice, the earth melts.
He lifts His voice, the earth melts.
...
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
~ Psalm 46:6, 10
videos from Al Jazeera/English (copied from YouTube)
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