February 11, 2011

After 30 years of a repressive regime, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned today, and will step down immediately. Seventeen days of peaceful struggle and the desires of the Egyptian people proved to be the power needed to topple this regime and successfully strive for freedom and representative government.

SEE "Egypt's Mubarak Steps Down" (CNN)

The Egyptian people have proven that a non-violent movement can demolish a dictatorship. Even after Mubarak's police tried to stop protestors with tear gas, bullets and tanks, it couldn't stop the will of the people. Even after they shut down the internet and tried to get the Egyptian people to turn on themselves, it couldn't stop the people. Through all the attacks they faced, the protestors remained peaceful. 

While Egypt celebrates today and the military and Egyptian higher council take over, it is now time for fast-track democratic reforms, a transitional caretaker government, and a quick move for free and fair elections.

It now is a crucial time for America to stand behind the will of the people and ensure that this movement does not turn to vigilante violence and martial law. Our government should not allow for geopolitical interests to interfere with the will of the Egyptian people and the new Democratic process unfolding in Egypt today. It is through heeding the will of the Egyptian people and the people of the region that peace and stability will be attained.

Since our country was founded and is preserved by our allegiance to democracy and equal representation of its all citizenry, the Obama administration should assert its influence to support a free and democratic Egypt as a reflection of our nation’s principles, values, and interests.