SOME LIGHT IN EGYPT – AT 9:58 A.M. ET:  For months we've been reporting on the betrayal of the Egyptian revolution, specifically the rise of Islamic group and the continued denial of basic rights.  Now some of the original revolutionaries are taking a stand, demanding that the promise of the revolution be respected and realized.  From AFP:

Egyptian activists are calling for a massive rally on July 8 to 'save the revolution' that toppled Hosni Mubarak, urging politicians to drop debates on the timing of elections and focus on the basics.

In a Facebook page entitled "The 2nd revolution of anger", activists say the fundamental demands of the uprising -- to protect rights and freedoms -- have not been met, and have instead become clouded by arguments on whether elections or a constitution should come first.

"To all rival political forces debating which should come first, constitution or elections, save your revolution first, save Egypt first. Our revolution is collapsing," the activists said on their Facebook page, which has garnered over 55,000 members.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took over when mass protests forced Mubarak from power in February, has scheduled parliamentary elections for September.

But an autumn poll is expected to play into the hands of the well entrenched Muslim Brotherhood, prompting calls from secular politicians for a delay to allow new parties to organise themselves.

Some have also called for a new constitution to be drawn up before the election, for fear that the Islamist group will otherwise have too much influence over the drafting of the charter.

But those behind the call for the July 8 protest say the debate is premature, arguing that the priority should be focused on ensuring freedom of expression, the public trial of those found guilty of abuse, and an end to military trials of civilians.

COMMENT:  We wish them well.  They have the right idea, but I fear that the regressive forces have the upper hand.  Egypt is not a country with a democratic tradition.  Its people have never known democracy in their lifetime.  The Muslim Brotherhood started in Egypt in the 1920s and is well organized.  Decades of propaganda and corrupt education have cooked too many minds.

But you never know.  Maybe, and possibly with some discreet outside help, the true revolutionaries will prevail.

June 24, 2011