Comments on: Egypt: Mubarak speaks, won't run again, elections in September http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sat, 18 May 2013 15:12:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: moniker42 http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014016 moniker42 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014016 The Mustache says it all! The Mustache says it all!

]]> By: irksome http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014018 irksome Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014018 Mubarak's intention all along has been to transfer power to his son; my assumption is that this "smooth transition" he speaks of is a cover for patriarchy, provided he can hang on and let the smoke clear. I do have one comment ie, the photo illustration. My favorite sign at the Rally to Restore Sanity (besides my own w/ the Mad Hatter's Tea Party and "Perhaps Some Decaf?" underneath) said, "We may disagree but I'm pretty sure you're not Hitler". Mubarak is a despot and a vicious one at that but I'm pretty sure that that same standard applies. Mubarak’s intention all along has been to transfer power to his son; my assumption is that this “smooth transition” he speaks of is a cover for patriarchy, provided he can hang on and let the smoke clear.

I do have one comment ie, the photo illustration. My favorite sign at the Rally to Restore Sanity (besides my own w/ the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and “Perhaps Some Decaf?” underneath) said, “We may disagree but I’m pretty sure you’re not Hitler”.

Mubarak is a despot and a vicious one at that but I’m pretty sure that that same standard applies.

]]> By: The Chemist http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1015043 The Chemist Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1015043 Show me a Zogby poll and I might believe it. Pew contracts out its polling in the Middle East. This is a problem when these polling companies often have their own conflicting interests, and when they're in the pockets of governments in those countries. Do you really think a dictator lets polling firms work without interference? Meanwhile, someone shows up at your door in a repressive society and asks you questions claiming they're from a polling place. How honest are your answers really going to be? How did Pew factor that? Oh, it didn't. Polling in the region is notoriously inaccurate, which isn't to say I reject any poll, but Pew's methodologies have always had issues in the Middle East. Zogby isn't perfect either, but it's a little better. Meanwhile, what we're seeing in the streets is protesters shouting down people yelling religious slogans. I'm getting chain emails from my more religious friends trying to discredit the protesters. Thing about the Middle East is it's not exceptional or special, it makes perfect sense if know the region. But, if you don't know the region and don't understand the high context of the rhetoric that gets passed around there, you're going to reach the wrong conclusions. Show me a Zogby poll and I might believe it. Pew contracts out its polling in the Middle East. This is a problem when these polling companies often have their own conflicting interests, and when they’re in the pockets of governments in those countries. Do you really think a dictator lets polling firms work without interference? Meanwhile, someone shows up at your door in a repressive society and asks you questions claiming they’re from a polling place. How honest are your answers really going to be? How did Pew factor that? Oh, it didn’t. Polling in the region is notoriously inaccurate, which isn’t to say I reject any poll, but Pew’s methodologies have always had issues in the Middle East. Zogby isn’t perfect either, but it’s a little better.

Meanwhile, what we’re seeing in the streets is protesters shouting down people yelling religious slogans. I’m getting chain emails from my more religious friends trying to discredit the protesters. Thing about the Middle East is it’s not exceptional or special, it makes perfect sense if know the region. But, if you don’t know the region and don’t understand the high context of the rhetoric that gets passed around there, you’re going to reach the wrong conclusions.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014032 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014032 It's up to the Egyptians as to whether or not they really want to give Mr Mubarak the "bum's rush", or whether they will afford him a more dignified exit from public life for "old time's sake". At some time(s) in the past, Mr. Mubarak was AFAIK very popular with Egyptians, specifically for the valour he displayed in the 1973 war with Israel, from what I understand (though I don't know the details). This does not change much - I still think it is up to the Egyptians as to what would be best for the Egyptians going forward. Good luck to them! It’s up to the Egyptians as to whether or not they really want to give Mr Mubarak the “bum’s rush”, or whether they will afford him a more dignified exit from public life for “old time’s sake”.

At some time(s) in the past, Mr. Mubarak was AFAIK very popular with Egyptians, specifically for the valour he displayed in the 1973 war with Israel, from what I understand (though I don’t know the details).

This does not change much – I still think it is up to the Egyptians as to what would be best for the Egyptians going forward.

Good luck to them!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014806 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014806 He is taking the taking the only path that makes sense. If Egypt is a democracy than the only way to show respect for the process is to serve his term and allow candidates time to run real elections. IF you begin to bow to street protest as opposed to elections then people get coup happy. If Egypt has been a 30 year dictatorship then it will take a long time to turn around his political machine in such a way that it can be handed over. Leaving right now will plunge egypt into Chaos or a military dictatorship. I'm guessing the military would allow a few days of looting and burning then control the county with the blessing of the world due to the news images. He is taking the taking the only path that makes sense.

If Egypt is a democracy than the only way to show respect for the process is to serve his term and allow candidates time to run real elections. IF you begin to bow to street protest as opposed to elections then people get coup happy.

If Egypt has been a 30 year dictatorship then it will take a long time to turn around his political machine in such a way that it can be handed over.

Leaving right now will plunge egypt into Chaos or a military dictatorship. I’m guessing the military would allow a few days of looting and burning then control the county with the blessing of the world due to the news images.

]]> By: teapot http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014295 teapot Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014295 @trav: I heart you. @anti: Let's hope he's been stockpiling it because he may be about to go from young-looking to dead-looking <i>very</i> quickly. Stubborn dictator is stubborn.... who would have thought? Also, history's greatest douche bag might have a problem with this, but Mubarak is a WAY sexier version of him in the above picture. @trav: I heart you.

@anti: Let’s hope he’s been stockpiling it because he may be about to go from young-looking to dead-looking very quickly. Stubborn dictator is stubborn…. who would have thought?

Also, history’s greatest douche bag might have a problem with this, but Mubarak is a WAY sexier version of him in the above picture.

]]> By: InsertFingerHere http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014051 InsertFingerHere Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014051 I don't get the Hitler reference though. Hitler loved young people and Germany had jobs. Plus he was elected. Don't think this is a poster about Antisemitism either. Completely different governments and citizen rights, economies, geo-political positions AND leaders. A more informed person might have him wearing the Stars & Stripes as a necktie, or have a tiny Uncle Sam and Israel on his shoulders. Just saying. I don’t get the Hitler reference though. Hitler loved young people and Germany had jobs. Plus he was elected.

Don’t think this is a poster about Antisemitism either.

Completely different governments and citizen rights, economies, geo-political positions AND leaders.

A more informed person might have him wearing the Stars & Stripes as a necktie, or have a tiny Uncle Sam and Israel on his shoulders.

Just saying.

]]> By: randomly directed http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014823 randomly directed Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014823 Read and weep: http://pewglobal.org/2010/12/02/muslims-around-the-world-divided-on-hamas-and-hezbollah/ Be sure to read the whole thing. Especially the sections titled "Islam’s Role in Political Life", "Support for Severe Laws", and "Support for Democracy". Read and weep:
http://pewglobal.org/2010/12/02/muslims-around-the-world-divided-on-hamas-and-hezbollah/

Be sure to read the whole thing. Especially the sections titled “Islam’s Role in Political Life”, “Support for Severe Laws”, and “Support for Democracy”.

]]> By: bklynchris http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014317 bklynchris Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014317 I thought it was Mike Meyers with a Hitler mustache I thought it was Mike Meyers with a Hitler mustache

]]> By: bjacques http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014576 bjacques Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014576 Get the Spice flowing again or live out your life inside a pain amplifier! The sign makes him look more like British comedian David Mitchell than Mike Myers. Get the Spice flowing again or live out your life inside a pain amplifier!

The sign makes him look more like British comedian David Mitchell than Mike Myers.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1015089 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1015089 The only poll that counts happens on Election Day, after a free, fair and open election campaign. I for one am not willing to support a bloody dictatorship because of what the future "might" hold. For Egyptians, no less! What kind of reason is that to support a reign of terror? Is this they way Americans have been taught to regard the freedoms of other peoples, in other nations? The only poll that counts happens on Election Day, after a free, fair and open election campaign.

I for one am not willing to support a bloody dictatorship because of what the future “might” hold. For Egyptians, no less!

What kind of reason is that to support a reign of terror?

Is this they way Americans have been taught to regard the freedoms of other peoples, in other nations?

]]> By: The Chemist http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014066 The Chemist Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014066 And I could tell you the Egyptians, and myself couldn't give less of a fuck about Israel if you gave us more fuck than we know what to do with. And Israel's behavior lately hasn't exactly helped me grow a bigger violin. And I could tell you the Egyptians, and myself couldn’t give less of a fuck about Israel if you gave us more fuck than we know what to do with. And Israel’s behavior lately hasn’t exactly helped me grow a bigger violin.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013815 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013815 If Mubarak thinks he will stay in power until September, he is delusional. He better hope his desire to die on Egyptian soil doesn't happen, because that will occur if he stays as the crowds get angrier. If Mubarak thinks he will stay in power until September, he is delusional.

He better hope his desire to die on Egyptian soil doesn’t happen, because that will occur if he stays as the crowds get angrier.

]]> By: Thebes http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1015097 Thebes Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1015097 Mubarak's promise to step down in September gives the Egyptian people nothing. There is no way he could win a fair election, so its just lip service. Meanwhile his plainclothes thugs just beat journalist/pundit Anderson Cooper and his crew. Maybe he's right, he will die in Egypt, and quite soon. As for Israel and the USA, the sentiment against them is growing because of their support for Mubarak. Israel, in particular, just shipped a bunch of tear gas and such to Mubarak- then they wonder why the protesters don't like them??? Mubarak’s promise to step down in September gives the Egyptian people nothing.

There is no way he could win a fair election, so its just lip service.

Meanwhile his plainclothes thugs just beat journalist/pundit Anderson Cooper and his crew.

Maybe he’s right, he will die in Egypt, and quite soon.

As for Israel and the USA, the sentiment against them is growing because of their support for Mubarak. Israel, in particular, just shipped a bunch of tear gas and such to Mubarak- then they wonder why the protesters don’t like them???

]]> By: travtastic http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014330 travtastic Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014330 Angrier times call for angrier music! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLUEGn6BMMQ Angrier times call for angrier music!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLUEGn6BMMQ

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014331 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014331 It's Mubarak's tribute to Chris Gaines. It’s Mubarak’s tribute to Chris Gaines.

]]> By: Meng Bomin http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014076 Meng Bomin Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014076 Speaking of ridiculous dictators who don't show their true age, what is up with Mugabe? The guy's even older than Mubarak. Is there some special secret to being an African dictator with a name starting with an "m" sound? Speaking of ridiculous dictators who don’t show their true age, what is up with Mugabe? The guy’s even older than Mubarak. Is there some special secret to being an African dictator with a name starting with an “m” sound?

]]> By: travtastic http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014334 travtastic Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014334 He's got the bedroom eyes. He’s got the bedroom eyes.

]]> By: Gilbert Wham http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013832 Gilbert Wham Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013832 So, Mubarak: "I will die in the land of Egypt," Egyptian populace: "Okay. Is now good for you?" Not sure that was the best thing he could have said... So, Mubarak: “I will die in the land of Egypt,”
Egyptian populace: “Okay. Is now good for you?”
Not sure that was the best thing he could have said…

]]> By: travtastic http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014345 travtastic Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014345 Mubarak needs to reorient his ideation towards synergistically mixing a next-generation New Economy with a right-sizing of his cabinet. This can best be accomplished with a sexy value-added new haircut that offers a high ROI. The kids will eat it up! Mubarak needs to reorient his ideation towards synergistically mixing a next-generation New Economy with a right-sizing of his cabinet.

This can best be accomplished with a sexy value-added new haircut that offers a high ROI. The kids will eat it up!

]]> By: Ceronomus http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013834 Ceronomus Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013834 I dunno, it seems to me that stepping down in a month's time provides a chance for REAL elections as opposed to a mob forced changeover with no real candidates. Of course, the fear of "I'll steal as much as I can" is a valid one, but if elections are coming up, and are sped up while giving candidates enough time to prepare? Seems like the right way to go. I dunno, it seems to me that stepping down in a month’s time provides a chance for REAL elections as opposed to a mob forced changeover with no real candidates.

Of course, the fear of “I’ll steal as much as I can” is a valid one, but if elections are coming up, and are sped up while giving candidates enough time to prepare? Seems like the right way to go.

]]> By: Keith http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014091 Keith Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014091 I guess this is the result of 30 years of power backed up with American weapons: you loose touch with reality. He could easily go the Charles Taylor route and have a nice comfy retirement in some country with no extradition treaty. Instead, he thinks he can stay put and just be the Big Man in Egypt. Which means he'll probably loose his head in time for Friday night prayers. I guess this is the result of 30 years of power backed up with American weapons: you loose touch with reality. He could easily go the Charles Taylor route and have a nice comfy retirement in some country with no extradition treaty. Instead, he thinks he can stay put and just be the Big Man in Egypt. Which means he’ll probably loose his head in time for Friday night prayers.

]]> By: EvilSpirit http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013838 EvilSpirit Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013838 Mubarak: "I will step down at a convenient future date when there is no longer an uprising occurring." Mubarak: “I will step down at a convenient future date when there is no longer an uprising occurring.”

]]> By: Tatsuma http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013850 Tatsuma Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013850 I can tell you that people here in Israel are terrified at the thought of Egypt without Mubarak. I can tell you that people here in Israel are terrified at the thought of Egypt without Mubarak.

]]> By: EvilSpirit http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013853 EvilSpirit Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013853 <blockquote>I dunno, it seems to me that stepping down in a month's time provides a chance for REAL elections as opposed to a mob forced changeover with no real candidates.</blockquote> Except that there's nothing that I can see stopping him from scheduling elections and <em>then</em> stepping down personally. He's got a Vice President these days and everything.

I dunno, it seems to me that stepping down in a month’s time provides a chance for REAL elections as opposed to a mob forced changeover with no real candidates.

Except that there’s nothing that I can see stopping him from scheduling elections and then stepping down personally. He’s got a Vice President these days and everything.

]]> By: The Chemist http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014367 The Chemist Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014367 I fail to understand what your comment has anything to do with mine. Egyptians not giving a damn about Israel over their own interests is somehow wrong? If it is, it's only because Israel has shown time and time again that they have no interest in befriending the people in the neighboring countries, but propping up dictators. Yeah, sometimes oppressing people leads to bloodshed. Whodda thunk? @Andrew S 75% support Islamic law? [Citation needed] I fail to understand what your comment has anything to do with mine. Egyptians not giving a damn about Israel over their own interests is somehow wrong? If it is, it’s only because Israel has shown time and time again that they have no interest in befriending the people in the neighboring countries, but propping up dictators. Yeah, sometimes oppressing people leads to bloodshed. Whodda thunk?

@Andrew S

75% support Islamic law?

[Citation needed]

]]> By: EH http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013856 EH Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013856 There's going to be a lot of made beds getting slept in this year. There’s going to be a lot of made beds getting slept in this year.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014628 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014628 It now seems that Mr Mubarak would rather fight, than change. Civil war in Egypt? Who would that benefit? It now seems that Mr Mubarak would rather fight, than change.

Civil war in Egypt? Who would that benefit?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1014120 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1014120 my first thought on seeing that image "why did that guy put a stash on mike myers?" my first thought on seeing that image “why did that guy put a stash on mike myers?”

]]> By: Capissen http://boingboing.net/2011/02/01/egypt-mubarak-speaks.html#comment-1013867 Capissen Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1013867 Yeah, this guy is in deep, deep denial. That speech shows that he's clueless as to the magnitude of what's happening. He can either leave the country, or die at the hands of the revolution. The fact that he hasn't left yet shows just how out-of-touch he's become. Yeah, this guy is in deep, deep denial. That speech shows that he’s clueless as to the magnitude of what’s happening. He can either leave the country, or die at the hands of the revolution. The fact that he hasn’t left yet shows just how out-of-touch he’s become.

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