When I first listened to President Mubarak's speech, I was moved almost to tears at the sight of this old defeated man pleading with his people, reminding them of his years of "servitude" and his patriotism. I think he choked on a few words when he was talking about his desire to die on the soil of Egypt!
I have to admit that the speech is very well written; it has a strong emotional appeal yet at the same time preserves the image of a toppled president holding on to his dignity. But upon examining it closely – thanks to Wael Abbas – you will realize how slippery and tricky the choice of words is. This is a hollow speech that promises very little to the Egyptian people!
Mubarak said that 2 clauses in the constitution will be changed; two clauses relating to the terms of presidency! What happens to the Emergency Law? What happens to the autocracy of a centralized leadership? What happens to the judiciary system and its lack of independence? What happens to the stifled voice of the press?
Another question: from now until September when the "president-sans-legitimacy" steps down what would become of Egypt? More theft? More vandalism? More corruption? What if he changes the constitution in a way that forever hinders fair elections? What happens to his network of corruption? The big thieves will have a golden opportunity flee Egypt and to take with them whatever their hearts desire from our national wealth! What happens to Habib El Adly – Minister of Interior from the ousted cabinet – this is the criminal who is behind the death of more than 300 protester, behind the death of Khaled Said and Sayeb Belal, and behind an infinite number of torture victims at the hands of thugs and police officers! What will happen to this man?
What happens to the current Minister of Information – Anas El Fikky? This is the man who treats Egyptians like his private mushroom ranch; he has kept us in the dark and fed us bullshit! He is the man behind the clampdown on freedom of speech, freedom of press, and media independence! He is the person behind the poor performance of the Egyptian state TV and the ridiculous coverage of major events in Egypt!
What happens to corrupt business men who have successfully monopolized our national resources? What happens to Aisha Abdel Hady, Minister of Manpower and Migration? This is the woman who was pictured kissing the hands of Susanne Mubarak! She is still in charge of the humiliation of Egyptian workers domestically and abroad!
What happens to the notorious Safwat El Sherif, Speaker of the Shoura council? This is the man who managed to plant a seed of corruption in whatever government body he took charge of – since the 70s!
What happens to the current parliament? The current make-belief People's Assembly? The forged elections and their anything-but-representative figures?
I was hoping that Mubarak's speech would address those points instead of brainwashing Egyptians into more submission! I was hoping to hear a clear apology about the media blackout, the clampdown on information, and the lack of transparency!
Dear President Mubarak, I have not had my closure yet!
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