Comments on: Egypt: Protests inspired by Tunisia and fanned by social media break out all over http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sun, 26 May 2013 03:21:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: lakelady http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005825 lakelady Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005825 thank you for posting this with links. I've been looking all over for information about this since I first heard about it this morning (PST). There's very little info out there so far and it seems to be non-existent in the US media (at least on TV). This may blow over, this may blow up. Either way I'd like to know more about what's going on. thank you for posting this with links. I’ve been looking all over for information about this since I first heard about it this morning (PST). There’s very little info out there so far and it seems to be non-existent in the US media (at least on TV). This may blow over, this may blow up. Either way I’d like to know more about what’s going on.

]]> By: petsounds http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005835 petsounds Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005835 Maybe. But I'd wager most of the Chinese people living in cities are so consumed by their new capitalist trappings that governmental oppression is tolerable. (see: USA) It's really in the Chinese country folk who've been left out of the Great Lifting Up that real change is possible. But I'm not sure how much technology plays in these peoples' lives. And it certainly won't be through US support. Our corporations need the communist regime to stay in place so that wage, human rights, and environmental laws won't be passed. Maybe. But I’d wager most of the Chinese people living in cities are so consumed by their new capitalist trappings that governmental oppression is tolerable. (see: USA) It’s really in the Chinese country folk who’ve been left out of the Great Lifting Up that real change is possible. But I’m not sure how much technology plays in these peoples’ lives. And it certainly won’t be through US support. Our corporations need the communist regime to stay in place so that wage, human rights, and environmental laws won’t be passed.

]]> By: angusm http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005839 angusm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005839 One of the basic rules of land warfare is "Don't send tanks unsupported by infantry". This is why. If your own infantry aren't there to stop them, the other side's foot soldiers can screw with your armor. See also "Problems caused by heavy weapons that can't depress for close-range engagements". One of the basic rules of land warfare is “Don’t send tanks unsupported by infantry”. This is why. If your own infantry aren’t there to stop them, the other side’s foot soldiers can screw with your armor.

See also “Problems caused by heavy weapons that can’t depress for close-range engagements”.

]]> By: abulafia http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005848 abulafia Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005848 If a nation suppresses its people for long enough, there will eventually be a backlash. When the people see their leaders living in luxury whilst they themselves have to go without food, jobs, basic necessities, and they have access to the internet....... .....there may be trouble ahead. If a nation suppresses its people for long enough, there will eventually be a backlash. When the people see their leaders living in luxury whilst they themselves have to go without food, jobs, basic necessities, and they have access to the internet…….

…..there may be trouble ahead.

]]> By: gwailo_joe http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1006105 gwailo_joe Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1006105 I think these protesters are very brave: but all too often in these cases 'the nail that sticks up gets hammered down'. Remember the monks in Burma? That turned out ill for those that dared. God bless 'em if they can effect real change for the better in their respective lands. But I trust the Mob to rally and rebel, dismantle and destroy hated systems and organizations. . .less so to build a cohesive, fair alternative. Demolition is always easier than construction. And yes, the Islamists already have a system: 'Sharia, fool! What!?!' The Middle East suffers greatly for a myriad of reasons: scars of colonialism, the benefit and curse of oil, foreign meddling, thousands of years of war and conquest. . . The corrupt secular strongman I Do Not Love and Cannot Support. But dump the Shah. . .what do you get? Dispose Saddam and occupy the country: an improvement? No easy answers. And I say Power to the People. But, I know that if the times ever got that bad Here: I do have water cannon experience. And mouths to feed. God help me, I *might* have to support the Evil Empire. . . sigh. Good luck. Be careful out there. . . I think these protesters are very brave: but all too often in these cases ‘the nail that sticks up gets hammered down’.

Remember the monks in Burma? That turned out ill for those that dared.

God bless ‘em if they can effect real change for the better in their respective lands. But I trust the Mob to rally and rebel, dismantle and destroy hated systems and organizations. . .less so to build a cohesive, fair alternative.

Demolition is always easier than construction. And yes, the Islamists already have a system: ‘Sharia, fool! What!?!’

The Middle East suffers greatly for a myriad of reasons: scars of colonialism, the benefit and curse of oil, foreign meddling, thousands of years of war and conquest. . .

The corrupt secular strongman I Do Not Love and Cannot Support.

But dump the Shah. . .what do you get? Dispose Saddam and occupy the country: an improvement? No easy answers.

And I say Power to the People. But, I know that if the times ever got that bad Here: I do have water cannon experience. And mouths to feed. God help me, I *might* have to support the Evil Empire. . .

sigh. Good luck. Be careful out there. . .

]]> By: C White http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1006371 C White Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1006371 Thank you, Boing Boing, for covering this. Very inspiring to see people out on the street, and interesting to see it spreading across borders. Dan Carlin of the Common Sense Podcast (www.dancarlin.com) spent some time in his latest podcast discussing the potential for a movement spreading across multiple countries. Worthwhile listening if following the topic. Thank you, Boing Boing, for covering this. Very inspiring to see people out on the street, and interesting to see it spreading across borders.

Dan Carlin of the Common Sense Podcast (www.dancarlin.com) spent some time in his latest podcast discussing the potential for a movement spreading across multiple countries. Worthwhile listening if following the topic.

]]> By: mdh http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1006119 mdh Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1006119 Um, brother, these protesters ARE the ones in Egypt. Aside from being wrong there, I also disagree with the point you were trying to make, which where you equate "Islamists" and "the Egyptian protesters" without evidence. I mean, SOME of the people who fought the American Revolutionary war were slave owners. Does that mean we should have a do-over or something? Um, brother, these protesters ARE the ones in Egypt. Aside from being wrong there, I also disagree with the point you were trying to make, which where you equate “Islamists” and “the Egyptian protesters” without evidence.

I mean, SOME of the people who fought the American Revolutionary war were slave owners. Does that mean we should have a do-over or something?

]]> By: bricko http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005870 bricko Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005870 Dont forget these protesters are Islamists wanting to turn a secular state into another Sharia Islamic state. NOT just some poor disgruntled teenagers. The same as the protesters in Egypt are the Muslim Brotherhood bent on the same in Egypt. So pick your oppressors wisely and understand what is being protested. Dont forget these protesters are Islamists wanting to turn a secular state into another Sharia Islamic state. NOT just some poor disgruntled teenagers. The same as the protesters in Egypt are the Muslim Brotherhood bent on the same in Egypt.

So pick your oppressors wisely and understand what is being protested.

]]> By: SarahFenix http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005876 SarahFenix Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005876 YES! I knew this Masryah could count on BB to help spread the message! If you want the latest updates, go here for the best stream of the Twitter hashtag #jan25: http://www.google.com/search?tbs=mbl:1&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1241&bih=656&q=%23jan25&btnG=Search If you can understand Arabic, go here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=104075423002909&set=a.103652329711885.5178.103622369714881#!/RNN.NEWS Twitter itself has been shut down in Egypt, and I suspect there's something awry going on when #jan25 is NOT a trending topic despite the thousands of posts sent the last 12 hours. Nonetheless, Facebook is still accessible through proxy servers despite many people whose internet and cell phone services got blocked. International hackers have shutdown the Egyptian government's websites. And Hosni's wife and son and son's family have reportedly fled to the UK. With "97 pieces of luggage." Knowing Egyptian, that sounds about as credible as you can get. (Don't let the sand your asses on the way out!) A national strike is planned for tomorrow #Jan26 - Protesters in Cairo, Alexandria & all over Egypt. No school, No University & No Work (as if it would make a dent in the already vast unemployment rate). ¡Viva la Revolución! -- YES! I knew this Masryah could count on BB to help spread the message!

If you want the latest updates, go here for the best stream of the Twitter hashtag #jan25:

http://www.google.com/search?tbs=mbl:1&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1241&bih=656&q=%23jan25&btnG=Search

If you can understand Arabic, go here:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=104075423002909&set=a.103652329711885.5178.103622369714881#!/RNN.NEWS

Twitter itself has been shut down in Egypt, and I suspect there’s something awry going on when #jan25 is NOT a trending topic despite the thousands of posts sent the last 12 hours.

Nonetheless, Facebook is still accessible through proxy servers despite many people whose internet and cell phone services got blocked.

International hackers have shutdown the Egyptian government’s websites.

And Hosni’s wife and son and son’s family have reportedly fled to the UK. With “97 pieces of luggage.” Knowing Egyptian, that sounds about as credible as you can get. (Don’t let the sand your asses on the way out!)

A national strike is planned for tomorrow #Jan26 – Protesters in Cairo, Alexandria & all over Egypt. No school, No University & No Work (as if it would make a dent in the already vast unemployment rate).

¡Viva la Revolución!

–

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005886 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005886 While Mubarak is certainly a tyrant, the next-most powerful group in Egypt is the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamists who will make the current Egyptian regime look like Disneyland if they gain power. Egypt is not Tunisia. I fear that this could turn into a new Islamic Revolution like Iran's in 1979 - while the Shah was by no means a democratic leader, the rise of the Mullahs made everything much, much worse for everyone. While Mubarak is certainly a tyrant, the next-most powerful group in Egypt is the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamists who will make the current Egyptian regime look like Disneyland if they gain power. Egypt is not Tunisia. I fear that this could turn into a new Islamic Revolution like Iran’s in 1979 – while the Shah was by no means a democratic leader, the rise of the Mullahs made everything much, much worse for everyone.

]]> By: SarahFenix http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005887 SarahFenix Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005887 bricko, you don't know what the hell you're talking about. These are protestors are NOT "Islamists" so stop spouting whatever Foxnews told you. The protestors are the voices of "Z Egyptian Beople" inspired by Tunisia and sick of living in the BS known as "BFE." This is not a secular revolution. bricko, you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.

These are protestors are NOT “Islamists” so stop spouting whatever Foxnews told you.

The protestors are the voices of “Z Egyptian Beople” inspired by Tunisia and sick of living in the BS known as “BFE.”

This is not a secular revolution.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005894 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005894 There will be more protests. This has more to do with both the current high cost of food and the islamic crisis than inspiration via social media. There will be more protests. This has more to do with both the current high cost of food and the islamic crisis than inspiration via social media.

]]> By: SarahFenix http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005896 SarahFenix Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005896 Come on BB - Help me and my embarrassing typos. Come on BB – Help me and my embarrassing typos.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1006411 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1006411 Goddammit. Humans are so magnificent. Goddammit. Humans are so magnificent.

]]> By: SamSam http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005909 SamSam Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005909 What's your evidence for that, bricko? Most of the Tunisian protestors, for instance, were loudly asking for a more democratic government. Do you have any indiction that this is different? What’s your evidence for that, bricko? Most of the Tunisian protestors, for instance, were loudly asking for a more democratic government. Do you have any indiction that this is different?

]]> By: Delaney http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005939 Delaney Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005939 Cry Freedom! HUSZ Tonight, we swallow our differences. Fire, Annabella. In the street, in our throats, in the sky. Red Fire. The ground is shaking. GOTCHLING FIRE! HUSZ I have felt this before. The masses are on the move. --A Bright Room Calley Day by Tony Kushner-- Cry Freedom!

HUSZ
Tonight, we swallow our differences.
Fire, Annabella. In the street, in our throats, in the sky. Red Fire. The ground is shaking.

GOTCHLING
FIRE!

HUSZ
I have felt this before. The masses are on the move.

–A Bright Room Calley Day by Tony Kushner–

]]> By: bricko http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005943 bricko Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005943 Of course they want to "vote"...once. Once they vote the Islamists in...do you think there will be more elections. Keep telling yourself that. How many elections do you see in Islamist states that allow free monitored elections.... Of course Mubarek et al are asshats...but do you want even worse asshats in charge. Again...pick your asshat. Who, what, do you think will take over when Mubarek is thrown under the Islamist bus. Any guesses....that dont follow the usual Leftist line that any Islamists is a good Islamists? Of course they want to “vote”…once. Once they vote the Islamists in…do you think there will be more elections. Keep telling yourself that. How many elections do you see in Islamist states that allow free monitored elections….

Of course Mubarek et al are asshats…but do you want even worse asshats in charge. Again…pick your asshat. Who, what, do you think will take over when Mubarek is thrown under the Islamist bus.

Any guesses….that dont follow the usual Leftist line that any Islamists is a good Islamists?

]]> By: osmo http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005947 osmo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005947 The Muslim Brotherhood has little to do with the protests in Tunis. In Egypt they are trying harder but as of yet have no pull. @Samsam hopefully they manage to do it better than us The Muslim Brotherhood has little to do with the protests in Tunis. In Egypt they are trying harder but as of yet have no pull.

@Samsam hopefully they manage to do it better than us

]]> By: Cazart http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005949 Cazart Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005949 #1 Two guys with a roll of duct tape could have shut that water "cannon" down pretty easily. #2 Bricko, the "of course X is an asshat, but do you want even worse asshats in charge?" -argument has kept the Middle East - and us - screwed up for too long. It's time for new asshats. #1 Two guys with a roll of duct tape could have shut that water “cannon” down pretty easily.

#2 Bricko, the “of course X is an asshat, but do you want even worse asshats in charge?” -argument has kept the Middle East – and us – screwed up for too long. It’s time for new asshats.

]]> By: Delaney http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005960 Delaney Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005960 (RE: bricko) Please don't feed the trolls. (RE: bricko) Please don’t feed the trolls.

]]> By: rebdav http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005714 rebdav Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005714 Don't worry I am sure it was really the Zionists who are behind all of the problems. And we poisoned the well too! Don’t worry I am sure it was really the Zionists who are behind all of the problems. And we poisoned the well too!

]]> By: Rob Beschizza http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005719 Rob Beschizza Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005719 WHARRGARBL FOR VICTORY! WHARRGARBL FOR VICTORY!

]]> By: mick travis http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1006232 mick travis Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1006232 Not the Zionists - it's the capitalist pig-dogs behind Twitter and Facebook Not the Zionists – it’s the capitalist pig-dogs behind Twitter and Facebook

]]> By: Lester http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005725 Lester Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005725 It is amazing how this looks like something we've seen before. A huge crowd in the street. Shouting. Panic as the crowd breaks at a single moment. Defiant stragglers remain behind to through some rocks at the soldiers marching in. Funny how our minds work. It is amazing how this looks like something we’ve seen before. A huge crowd in the street. Shouting. Panic as the crowd breaks at a single moment. Defiant stragglers remain behind to through some rocks at the soldiers marching in. Funny how our minds work.

]]> By: Goblin http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005986 Goblin Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005986 Is everyone just holding Mubarak and his government responsible for this or am I reading a deeper and broader indictment into other forms of governance and other governments? Is everyone just holding Mubarak and his government responsible for this or am I reading a deeper and broader indictment into other forms of governance and other governments?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005987 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005987 I think I've heard this one before from Tom Lehrer. For might makes right And till they've seen the light They've got to be protected All their rights respected 'Till somebody we like can be elected I think I’ve heard this one before from Tom Lehrer.

For might makes right
And till they’ve seen the light
They’ve got to be protected
All their rights respected
‘Till somebody we like can be elected

]]> By: bklynchris http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1006244 bklynchris Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1006244 I was wondering about this. I am so head in the sand. Power hates a vacuum. I have been thinking about this more and more with regard to the US govt. If we lose our stability then what, we are the most well fed pigs decked out in cheap shit and I feel even we are about to go civil war batshit. Regardless, seeing people standing up against seemingly insurmountable power always makes me feel hopeful, I just never know why. Amazing photos and footage. I was wondering about this. I am so head in the sand. Power hates a vacuum. I have been thinking about this more and more with regard to the US govt. If we lose our stability then what, we are the most well fed pigs decked out in cheap shit and I feel even we are about to go civil war batshit.

Regardless, seeing people standing up against seemingly insurmountable power always makes me feel hopeful, I just never know why. Amazing photos and footage.

]]> By: Rob Cockerham http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005743 Rob Cockerham Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005743 Some protesters have had luck against tanks and trucks by sitting down. It takes one superhuman to sit down first in that situation, but it can catch on if others witness the tactic working. A block of 30 sitters really does make a formidable obstacle. Turning to face the opposite way might work too. Some protesters have had luck against tanks and trucks by sitting down. It takes one superhuman to sit down first in that situation, but it can catch on if others witness the tactic working. A block of 30 sitters really does make a formidable obstacle.

Turning to face the opposite way might work too.

]]> By: Robert http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005745 Robert Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005745 So the watercannon vehicle moves in, some protesters get right up to the front of the vehicle. It stops, and the cannon can't be depressed enough to move them away! Sadly, the vehicle just decides to head forward again, and the protesters are forced to give way. So the watercannon vehicle moves in, some protesters get right up to the front of the vehicle. It stops, and the cannon can’t be depressed enough to move them away!

Sadly, the vehicle just decides to head forward again, and the protesters are forced to give way.

]]> By: mdh http://boingboing.net/2011/01/25/egypt-protests-inspi.html#comment-1005750 mdh Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1005750 the photo by Amr Abdallah Dalsh there. Striking. and no, it's not a tank in the video, but really, it is. @Lester - I've often thought that some people only know David's version of the story, and some others only know Goliath's. the photo by Amr Abdallah Dalsh there. Striking.

and no, it’s not a tank in the video, but really, it is.

@Lester – I’ve often thought that some people only know David’s version of the story, and some others only know Goliath’s.

]]>