We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Friday, November 18, 2011

Tens of thousands protest in Egypt

Click here to access article from Al Jazeera.
The demonstration, dubbed as the "Friday of One Demand," was called in response to a document of "supraconstitutional" principles floated by the government which declares the military the guardian of "constitutional legitimacy", suggesting the armed forces could have the final word on major policies even after a civilian parliament and president are elected.


The first phase of revolution in Egypt happened when the people ousted Mubarak, but now the second phase begins with the conflict against the Empire's satrap in Egypt, the military council. This contest will be much more difficult to pull off; but Egyptians, like most other people in the world, have no other choice but to fight to stop further descent into fascism and barbarism. People everywhere must continue to join the Occupy movement if we are to reclaim control of our lives and that of future generations. 

We are now in a critical period of this struggle. The Empire is both attempting to take advantage of the chaos and trying to divert attention away from the struggle. I am referring to the increasing vitriolic propaganda attacks on Iran and Syria, and the further extension of military bases in Africa, Australia, and Asia. FireDogLake has also noticed this--read their brief article entitled, "Trainers, Marines, Troops Everywhere; More US Deployments Around the Globe".