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Here's what I think I learned ...
-- that humans are capable of immense courage and love for one another in such a struggle --
-- that Non-violence is the only way to overturn fascism and dictators --
-- that the internet is probably a tool which elites will be looking very closely at --
-- why young males are so feared by elites -- and probably a major reason why they want them fed into a military machine very early to be molded and made obedient --
-- that my instincts that Mubarak would go given the immense pressure was correct -- but in the short run I became very frightened by his "thugs" even though I knew they were fake -- frightened by the obvious threat of military which could act against the interests of the people and democracy.
-- that my constant fear was that the protesters would turn to violence -- and was astounded how to the very last they kept this uppermost in mind that non-violence was essential --
-- that guns are probably the last thing you want in a revolt or revolution -- unless you want to get bombed immediately --
-- that you can trust the instincts of the people -- seemed to be an innate knowledge of how to do this --
-- that it can be done without "named" leadership -- that there can be many leaders.
-- that dictators/fascists will always lie -- even to the last --
-- that we always say they are the few and we are the many -- but Egypt showed us what that really meant --
-- that you have to have constantly increasing numbers -- more and more pressure each day.
-- that you gain respect by still treating others justly -- even though you are being treated unjustly --
-- that things like "cleaning up the area" -- volunteer protesters collecting the garbage to keep Egypt clean were thought out and arranged --
-- that water and food are necessary and in the end "tokens" of affection -- whether from the people to the troops -- or at the last from military tossing cookies/water over the fence to protesters at the TV station -- or was it candy bars?
-- that Egypt has shown us just how many more revolts are necessary --
-- that populations can be emboldened and that elites are probably quite worried about this now and this "success" -- after working on how to betray it, I'm sure next on the list will be finding some way to SERIOUSLY discourage others --
-- that along the way it seemed to me that this was giving Mubarak too much time, I thought, to retaliate against the protesters -- for deals to be made which worried me -- but it was one of the fastest in 18 days!
-- that it will help your revolt if you are a beautiful and intelligent people who act wisely -- and justly towards others --
-- that wonderful humorous comments can move a revolution and admiration for your people --
-- that you have to have those among you ready to give their lives for the future of others -- 300 and more did --
-- that religion played an obvious and important role in this rebellion -- that their "call to prayer" each day brought them together - gave them trust in one another -- put "god" on their side -- that they all held a core belief in peace and non-violence --
-- that you need the energy of young strong males to run a revolt -- willing to die or be tortured if their number came up --
-- that we saw and feared that other nation's leaders could keep your dictator propped up --
-- that you need to be able to toss rocks back and stand against Molotov cocktails -- and go without sleep sometimes for days --
-- that there are journalists ready to sacrifice their own lives for freedom -- and Al Jazeera --
-- that with loving care, the story was covered here at DU moment by moment -- thank you!
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