I just heard Suleiman read the statement.
Mubarak is gone. Military is taking over.
SHOCKWAVES THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
They said the kids couldn’t do it!
The people who died did not die in vain.
It’s been a long 18 days. From the Tahrir demonstrations at the end of January:
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dakinikat
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The Sky Dancing banner headline uses a snippet from a work by artist Tashi Mannox called 'Rainbow Study'. The work is described as a" study of typical Tibetan rainbow clouds, that feature in Thanka painting, temple decoration and silk brocades". dakinikat was immediately drawn to the image when trying to find stylized Tibetan Clouds to represent Sky Dancing. It is probably because Tashi's practice is similar to her own. His updated take on the clouds that fill the collection of traditional thankas is quite special.
You can find his work at his website by clicking on his logo below. He is also a calligraphy artist that uses important vajrayana syllables. We encourage you to visit his on line studio.
Sky Dancing 
Okay. I’m sitting here crying. They did it! God damn, the people actually did it! Extraordinary. What an absolutely stunning achievement. It goes beyond words!
That’s exactly how I feel! THEY DID IT!!!!
Yes, they did! There comes a time when the oppressors can’t do anymore to you, and they went to seek redress and to demand to be heard. They weren’t going to continue on the same road for another 30 years.
The Youth are Egyptians greatest resource and a tribute to their country in seeking Freedom and Democracy and rights for ALL Egyptians.
And this entire cast of family members will live happily ever after with this ill gotten fortune as his people struggled for 30 years just to live day by day.
Our American dollars at work:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/11/how-the-mubarak-family-made-its-billions_n_821757.html
Sickening as so much money (28 Billions) of aid was sent to help the people of Egypt and one can only wonder if 5% got to them. Supporting dictators is wrong, on this VP Biden (‘Mubarak isn’t a dictator’)is a #FAIL.
To hear these women reporters for Al Jazeera talk, with such emotion in their voices. It is magnificent!
Iran is doing some satelite and internet blocking, lest their young people get ideas, but they already applied for a permit for February 14th.
WV, if you don’t follow OxfordGirl on twitter, please give her a look see. I have been following her since the “elections” in Iran 2 years ago. She always has a good insight into Iranian politics.
StateDept 11:32am via Web
President Barack Obama will speak on #Egypt at 1:30pm EST/8:30pm Cairo. #Jan25
peaceful protests – no guns, no astro-turfing, no rich and powerful taking over, just desire for a representative government on the part of the poor and middle class.
Just so impressive and inspiring. I’m shaking!
This is what it looks like, Americans!
What madaha said x 2!
I am soooooooo happy watching Egyptians in the square celebrating!
Yes, it is joyful to see people achieve their Freedom from an oppressive dictator and chart their own course into a Free Democracy.
Today, everyone is excited for the Youth of Egypt, who didn’t want to live oppressed and who loved ALL Egyptians, be they Muslims, Christians, Jews or Atheists…they showed the world they were united and protested together. The Egyptian Youth showed a insight where others failed and they wouldn’t give up nor turn to violence.
“#Egypt I support you…What side of History will you be on?” 1st #Danish PM #jan25 #Freedomhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv9kDyaOylI
“#Egypt I support you…What side of History will you be on?” 1st #Danish PM #jan25 #Freedom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv9kDyaOylI
While I never want to feel what those Egyptians in Tahir Square are feeling, I would love to know what the people in Tahir Square are feeling. To topple a dictator……
CNN is commending the Egyptians military, and rightly so, for not unabashedly firing into the crowds. Soldiers are standing on tanks watching the events unfold.
Egypt has a long and difficult road ahead of them. Lets hope that the sun will rise over them.
My Egyptian co-workers said they wanted the military to take over. I think in the short run, that will be good. But today is a day of rejoicing in the fact that together many voices CAN be heard!
Maybe me and 17.99 million of my friends can get together and do the same…. 🙂
Hillary 2012
@TheRock, this must be especially meaningful to you, to see the people of Egypt that have succeeded in bringing down a dictator. With your home country dealing with it’s own…
Now if the US could only get free and fair elections.
Ah, but only people like us know about that, it is a no no on the main media. I personally wish we could do away with Democratic Caucuses (Hillary won the votes, but lost the caucuses due to irregularities, that no one was willing to cover.) and the Electoral College:
Interesting comment by a NYT reader speculating that the military coup actually occurred yesterday; that, as part of the deal, Mubarak was required/allowed to make a farewell speech, after which he would be guaranteed safe transport out of Cairo. Author also speculated that the military was equally unprepared for what Mubarak actually said in his speech, but that they then moved quickly to “clean up the broken glass” by having Suleiman make the announcement today that Mubarak had “willingly” resigned and transferred control to the military council.
Makes sense to me.
That’s what it sounded like to me when I read a CBS report that Mubarak actually left Cairo during or right after the televising of his speech yesterday.
That is a very interesting take on this. Thank you for sharing it. So much is going on that it is easy to miss some comments or post.
BB and I were talking about this last night. It seemed like every one from the President on down was confused by the speech. We figured Mubarak may have gone rogue or at least been delusional with all that “But, I’m your kind father” rambling, etc.
It was weird to hear the Egyptian ambassador to the US call every media outlet and to tell them what Mubarak actually meant.
It must’ve been a soft coup. That’s what I thought yesterday morning.
I get the feeling that things were going one way up until when Al Arabiya got the report everything had changed–it sounds like they switched the plan to get him out of Cairo first.
Yes. That NYT comment explained so much. Mubarak knew it was going to be his last public speech so he wanted to lay claim to all the “good” things he had done for Egypt. Even as he spoke, he probably hoped that the military would at least allow him to remain titular head of the government in order to preserve his sense of personal dignity, regardless of pre-speech deals. After the speech, I suspect that the military leaders told him in no uncertain terms that he was out, and, that if he didn’t have the nerve to come right out and say he was resigning, that the military would say it for him via Suleiman.
I think Mubarak and the military came to an agreement yesterday,(wink and a nod) then when it came time to step down, Mubarak switched it up…with this his not leaving. Then over the next several hours (before VP came and said Mubarak resigned) the military had to re-script the resignation. The message from Mubarak yesterday was a surprise, I don’t think that the army would have planned for Mubarak to give that “I am staying President,” and allow for possible violence that could have broken out, just to buy time for him to get out of Cairo. I am glad that the outcome is what it is. That the military is in control.
The last statement from the military was they will be issuing reforms soon.
It makes sense to me too, except that Suleiman seemed confused by Mubarak’s speech.
I just hope that the protesters don’t go home yet. The military in charge isn’t all that much better than Mubarak.
Yea, the protesters might have to do it all again in September, or earlier if the promised reforms don’t materialize.
On the other hand, maybe the military council will stand by the promises made today. It’s happened before in history.
Yep. And saying the military is in charge is vague: I haven’t heard anybody name the actual people who’re in charge, but they’re men Mubarak wanted in charge when he was President.
Power to the People, HOORAY! A first step in long transition ahead.
We’ve still got a military coups in place headed by a VP that did extraordinary renditions for US. I think we need to see what comes down next. I’m thinking OS and MB may be interchangeable parts at this point unless they really do change the constitution.
Has a slight threat level jade problem …
Yep.
All the cheering seems to me as premature as “mission accomplished.”
Or, what exactly was the goal. If, as I’ve said, it was simply to remove Mubarak, the people of Egypt haven’t accomplished much except the equivalent of photoshopping one person out of the picture. Not that getting rid of Mubarak isn’t a good thing, but it’s not the end play if Democracy and eliminating corruption is the goal.
According to something I read–I think in The Guardian–Suleiman had to resign his position on the Military Council in order to take on the position of VP. If that is correct, Suleiman won’t be a part of whatever happens next.
Suleiman said Mubarak stepped down and power was handed over to the military. It does not look like it is headed by Suleiman. Suleiman’s face was not the face of someone who had assumed power. The army has gotten rid of the entire cabinet. From the statement, and the reporting, it seems he’s out.
Dima_Khatib And just if you had a doubt, let me assure you: Omar Suleiman is OUT too #jan25 #egypt 18 minutes ago via web
Seriously. I hope so. Weird he got to make the speech.
Who heads the armed forces?
Who’s in power?
IT’s a transition. AJE already reported late last night/early in the morning that the Egyptian protesters said that they’d rather have the military in power for the transitional phase than have Suleiman or Mubarak. This is the people’s will.
Obama being President was the people’s will as well.
And Mubarak being President was the people’s will in the beginning.
I hope this turns out well but I remain concerned about specifically who is in power and their agenda.
Interesting bit of trivia:
February 11 th is the day the Shah left Iran (79) and the day Nelson Mandela was released (90)
Heh, I guess if we stage a demonstration that the week of February 11th would be a good time to do so.
Yes, a march on Washington is in order! We got a year to get it organized!
Switzerland froze funds of Mubarak, 20 officials
that’s good news
For sure.
Ah, maybe we can get some of our money back!?!
the people have prevailed.so now what??
hoping for the best. :megreen:
From the end of Act 1 of Sondheim’s Into The Woods:
Wow! Did anyone else here know that Little Green Footballs is no longer posting right wing tripe? Red State is too busy front paging Wankfest 2011 to even discuss Egypt but LGF has a post that even mentions right wing fear mongering. I’m floored. I was trying to get a handle on what the other side of the aisle is thinking about Eygypt’s fledgling democracy. I know alot of them foam at the mouth like rabid dog’s when they hear the word muslim.
There is this on Communique #3 that was issued about 25 minutes ago:
EGYPT: Military issues statement | Babylon & Beyond | Los Angeles Times
This from Huffpo:
Louis Klarevas: Holding Egypt’s Military to Its Pledge of Democratic Reform
I think Sami Anan is the guy the military wants to put in charge. He won’t support change. They need to change the Constitution before deciding on a leader.
Anyone listening to AJE live, who was the woman that just spoke? She was someone who had been involved in Bill Clinton’s administration there in Cairo…
Update on surprise content of Mubarak’s speech, from an article in AhramOnline (http://tinyurl.com/4gxopjw):
Seems like the soft coup may have happened overnight.
That is a great link, wow!
quote[Maybe me and 17.99 million of my friends can get together and do the same…. 🙂
Hillary 2012
oh stamp!!!!!!! 😦
During presser happening at WH now, Obama tells reporters a story about Gibbs loaning him his tie for an event some time ago, and characterized it as Gibbs doing it “for the Gipper,” Obama referring to himself.
Obama 2.0
Things here get more and more depressing, don’t they? Obama gets to be the new Reagan. Ohh joy.
Thanks, Zal. I just threw up on my computer screen.
LOL
Thanks grayslady, I needed that!
Hey Zal, if you find any video or transcript of that little “gipper” crap, post it over on the new thread. That was funny…in a disgusting sort of way.
Sorry, I agree with Wonk the Vote. This effort to make Obama=Reagan is full of epic fail.
There is no one who is a better Reagan than Sarah Palin. Whatever he had, she’s got it. She is his true heir; Obama is a wannabe.
The problem is, Obama is an elitist. He cannot fake the populism and optimism that Reagan faked so well. Unlike the professional actor, Barack does not emotionally connect with people. He had a terrible first term and lost the House, and has broken a lot of promises to his base.
Despite Versailles’ endless worship of Reagan, he was not nearly as popular a President as Bill Clinton…not to mention that Reagan was a Repub (something the press seems to have completely forgotten). If Obama ran as Clinton 2.0, he would have a hell of a lot better chance in 2012. Of course, Obama would never do that because he is so! much! better! than! Clinton!
Honestly, I have no idea what the f*ck he thinks he’s doing by marketing himself as The Gipper. He must feel that one BEEEELLLLION dollars is enough to buy the election regardless of how many Democrats stay home.
I think you might not understand the nature of the support Obama tapped into, or how powerful a well structured propaganda campaign can be. It’s more complex than flatly identifying himself with Reagan, it’s going to be a wide ranging campaign that recalls 2008, nostalgic feelings about the 1980s, heavy doses of division, and the politics of nowhere else to go. And probably more.
We’ll know soon enough if I’m right about what they’re planning and how it plays.
I can hardly wait. 🙄
Hi zaladonnis, this is for you:
I would be curious to hear what you think it was. Obama’s voting bloc was: AAs, “liberal” Democrats, young people, women, gays and some Repubs/Independets. Obama has lost ground in every single one of those groups, especially women – who are usually the deciding factor in every election. Only the very smallest group within that coalition is likely to be excited by the idea of Reagan Redux. And most of them WILL vote for the real Repub.
As for propaganda being powerful, I agree, but I think you are overestimating how excited people are going to be about voting for Obama when the job situation does not get any better. Americans vote with their wallets, and Obama is not trusted on the economy any more.
Raygun’s appeal was that he was the anti-Carter. He told everyone that oil would last forever and the American dream was purchasable by credit card. Also, Carter bungled the Iran hostage crisis (althought partially because of the behind-the-scenes machinations of Raygun’s people.). I don’t see how any of that applies to a sitting president, especially one whose approval ratings are reliably in the mid-40s. Wait till gas goes up to $4.50 a gallon this summer – people will be hating on Obama like nobody’s business.
I just don’t see how Obama 2.0 works. I think you’ve nailed what he’s doing, but unless Obama is planning to stuff the ballot boxes Chicago-style (even more than the GOP does every election), I think the GOP wins in 2012. The turnout will not be there for the Democrats.
madamab:
See, you’re using reasoned arguments about both Obama’s competence and voter response to Obama, and Obama’s success has never been about that. Obama, all the Obamas throughout history, their success is about seduction, not reason. The reality of the economy, wars, taxes, health care, all that stuff is not how Obama will win or lose (unless he has a powerful seducer as opponent); the determining factor will be if he’s still able to seduce. And I think he is, I think he’s still at the top of his game.
What seducers like Obama do is collect believers, powerful and ordinary. The powerful are to spread the narrative (they may not fully believe it but they have a stake in the seducer’s success) and the ordinary prove that the narrative is true (though of course it’s a lie). Seducers use ordinary Joes as part of their mindfuck (why would this crowd of struggling ordinary Joes support Obama if Obama were bad for the economy) and ordinary Joes get seduced because they want to be part of the crowd. Obama has MSNBC from Morning Joe, all the daytime shows and right through prime time with Tweety, O’Donnell, Maddow. He has CNN from morning all the way through Anderson Cooper at 10-11pm. He has Time and NYMagazine and New Yorker, most of the top popular magazines still standing. He has NYTimes and WaPo, he has HuffPo, he has literally hundreds of independent writers and publicists, etc, like the Journolist group. It’s not because they’re liberal and Obama’s a Democrat, he has them because they want to be cool and Obama’s cool. You don’t think he is and I don’t, but we’ve never mattered – in eras when seducers reign, critical thinkers and reasoning contrarians are dismissed out of hand.
Americans, by and large, are go-alongs who slide willingly into group think. And I’m not just talking about stupid people, I’m talking about educated people who believe they’re principled independent thinkers. That’s what Americans have become, especially since the Reagan era – go-alongs and wannabes. And that brings us to a huge population of voters: youngish adults who grew up during the Reagan era through the Clinton era (the Clintons will support Obama as well) – Obama will seduce them again and he’ll have even more this time. (I think we can’t even fathom the amount of and extent of information that’s available to people like Obama, through all the “share” and “like” mechanisms of the Internet over the past two years alone.) AA’s will support him in or near the 90 percentile, guaranteed (both Oprah and Jesse Jackson were, on separate days, on Morning Joe last week stumping for Obama – and we’ve still got nearly 2 years of this campaign to go). I wondered how this Reagan meme would go down with gays, and so far the younger gays I know are shrugging it off and the older ones are taking it like wormwood – goes down a little harshly but they swallow it. And if all else fails they have the politics of nowhere else to go: “Republicans are evil and look how ridiculous they are!” (Though Obama himself doesn’t say that because he’s Mr. Bipartisan.) Even we, Obama naysayers, push that meme for Obama, so it must be true, right? In the end even bloggers who’ve complained about him the past two years, the lesser ones like Taylor Marsh and more successful ones like Jane Hamsher who claim to have warned about Obama during the last campaign (which of course isn’t true), will return to their original position and say we must vote for Obama (then later on they’ll again claim to have been among those smart enough to know how bad he’d be).
The Obamas of the world put on a show and the masses cheer. It’s not about the truth of the job he does as President, it’s about how good the show is. And part of that is the caravan effect, the parade, the cool group — if Obama can get all that MSM and new media to hitch their wagons to his caravan, the masses will fall in. They want to belong, they want to be part of the cheering crowd. Ironically, it helps them forget the truth of what their lives are as a result of what the seducer really does.
Look at the top newest item on memeorandum: The Obama propaganda apparatus pushes the meme that Obama got Mubarak to step down yesterday, and look how the media spreads it: Obama is given credit for what finally happened in Egypt.
Sources tell ABC News that after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak spoke last night, handing over powers to his vice president but not stepping down, the White House and Obama administration in general conveyed to Egyptian government –at all levels – that his message was not enough for the demonstrators, whom they needed to satisfy or the crisis would continue and get worse.
It doesn’t have to be true, it just has to get seeded in the brain of Americans – the final event that got everybody cheering happened because Obama stepped in. He’s still the one we’ve been waiting for.
They need to make the book The True Believer de rigueur in school. People need to recognize themselves in the mirror of cult movements and Germans under the third Reich when the don’t question how easily they are swept in by media sensations.
Yes Zal, this is really something that should be on the Front Page. You nailed it…
Zal, your analysis is astute and spot on.
And horribly depressing, I hope you don’t mind me saying. However, I have seen the same things you have, smart and bright people being seduced, others who aren’t seduced but ‘go along to get along’, loyal democrats who daren’t say a word because the Republicans are worse and more.
I think most people everywhere want to be seduced and go along to get along. Sometimes the balance is tipped, but all the cautious ones wait until the battle is near over before throwing their weight behind one side and winning. I just hope I’m not a cautious one when the time comes.
I know it’s depressing, friend. I wrote it out cooly but it weighs heavily on me. We lost our battle on this field in 2008, and the last hope, the Krugmans and others with a megaphone who might’ve pressured Obama to do the right thing, failed to step up in 2009. And now he and his smarmy army is more powerful than ever – mark my words. Which isn’t to say I’m going to shut up or even give up, it just isn’t in me to do that, I’ll fight for a lost cause, I’ll go out fighting, but also I’m a realist and I can see what’s happening.
It’s not just percentage that matters, it’s turnout.
2008 was historic and part of being cool.
Obama’s given unsatisfying crumbs to his key Democratic constituencies. They’ll likely still vote for him well enough percentage wise but I think it’s very iffy that they’ll vote with the exuberance/numbers that they did in 2008 or that the worker bees of the party will work to GOTV the way they did in 2008.
The right-leaning Independents who are looking for Reagan are probably more interested in the GOP’s hideously Reaganesque slate of candidates than Obama.
It all depends on whether both parties’ corporate masters think O is still useful to them or not. He’s not very effective at convincing the public that his bullshit policies are what he says they are, so the only thing they would continue to need him for is to rehab the GOP/destroy the Democratic party further so the GOP can run their real star in 2016.
I’m not saying O won’t win. Just saying I think it’s more up for grabs than 2008.
Zaladonis, you have an astute understanding of what makes people tick.
It’s depressing and DISGUSTING beyond words.
OMG! The Gipper?
{gag}
There he goes again. Pretending he’s an athlete. At least Reagan could play the part of an athlete.
I got a new post up…