Egypt Becoming Free In Real Time

[filkertom]

You can see the current situation and a summary of what's happened on the news, but going through a long series of bit-by-bit updates is compelling as hell.

Comments

[realinterrobang.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'll bite. Hypothetically speaking, if a country democratically elected to form a government based on an extreme interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence, would you have an issue with that, and why? Which do you prioritise -- western-style "freedoms" (which may or may not be compatible with a Muslim's worldview), or self-determination?

I ask because I'm heavily into the idea that people should be able to determine for themselves what forms of government are appropriate for them, an idea which seems to be anathema to most modern Americans (and certainly is a long-standing general rule in American foreign policy). Since I'm a Canadian, and I resent the hell out of American influences on our government (if it weren't for you guys, we'd probably have legalised marijuana and have a considerably more socialist environment than we do now, for instance, both of which I consider to be excellent outcomes), self-determination is a big deal for me.

[emiofbrie.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I can't complain too much if they actually do democratically-elect Sharia law. I would just feel sorry for the women who would have voted their rights away, for they would never be allowed to vote again... -.-

[stevemb.livejournal.com]

Hence the saying "Democracy is three wolves and a lamb voting on the menu". That's why any form of stable popular government has strong institutional firewalls and buffers against unrestrained majority rule.

[stevemb.livejournal.com]

"One man, one vote -- ONCE" is not self-determination in any meaningful sense.