In Tahrir Square Today...

Thousands began marching from different parts of Cairo this morning to converge in Tahrir Square in time for prayer; in the CNN video clip above, you can see many rising and kneeling in sync according to Muslim tradition.

The protestors have all converged at the famous square at the hub of the city at the same time, but not necessarily for the same reasons.  As many as 7 stages were constructed early this morning, but reports are that many were taken down to preserve unity within the square and not present multiple, conflicting voices with so many gathered.

The square has been the site of continual protests nearly weekly for one group or another; this date was chosen for several reasons by several groups:

• The rejection of particular candidates such as Abu Ismail (a Salafi priest and lawyer) and al-Shater (the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate) -- Abu Ismail's supporters have been zealously protesting this ruling of the Presidential Election Commission and some fear they are on the verge of riotous action.
• Some gathered to protest the candidacy of former (Mubarak) regime members, like 'spy-chief' Sulieman -- however, he was one of the 10 candidates rejected by the Election Commission for other reasons.
• Some have gathered to protest the ruling military's council statement that a president should not be elected until a constitution has been drafted; this has been viewed as a desire by the military to hold on to power as the presidential election has been scheduled for next month.  Meanwhile, the constitution's draft committee was disbanded by a federal court after it could not work well together, with dozens leaving the process while claiming domination by the Islamists.
• Some just show up to see what's going to happen and to be "where the action" is on the weekend.

As for us, we're safe in sound like a typical weekend morning, taking it easy.  No sounds of protests are echoing this far south, and we're at peace.  Continue to pray for Egypt and this ongoing process of sorting out new government.