Lessons in Change?

The events in Egypt (and Tunisia) continue to captivate us. It has livened our debates; it has stimulated discussions regarding dictators, foreign policy, sustainable energy policy, peak oil, amongst others subjects. We all collectively hope for Mubarak's quick resignation. Some theorize the power of Twitter or Facebook, whether Wikileaks had any influence, but none are focusing these conversations on future domestic action.

Egypt and America are very different states. Our governments, economies, and societies are very different. But I sense, amongst most Americans regardless of political affiliation, a feeling of disconnect from our political process. We have legalized political bribery in the form of lobbying. Our politicians tailor legislation for corrupt big business. Our military leaders wait in line to become hired guns as defense industry consultants. Our most elite soldiers are eager to become oppressive mercenaries. Our court system recognizes non-living, non-breathing corporations as having human rights. And in the midst of our second largest recession, wealth (and power) is being consolidated into less and less of the citizenry. Our democracy is slowly becoming such only in name. This is the very issue the people of Egypt are rising against.

The effectiveness of the Cairo demonstrations may not been seen for months or years, if ever. We in America have rich history of effective mass struggle. But are mass demonstrations still an effective means of change in America? Or is the utility of these uprisings contextual, depending on culture, country, time, or issue?

Is there something else to learn from Egypt? Is it time to reignite mass protest here in America or do we feel we can effect needed contemporary change within our current political structure?