Egyptian Constitution Referendum

          Delivering a stinging rebuke to Barack Obama, Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptians overwhelmingly approved their new constitution in a two day referendum held last week.  Over 98% of the votes were in favor of the new constitution with more than 38% of the electorate casting ballots.  The new constitution was drafted by Egyptian leaders who would like to see the country move towards a democracy, after the military ousted radical Islamist Mohammed Morsi from power last July.  Morsi’s removal followed weeks of mass protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square against his increasingly authoritarian policies.

Washington Liberals Not Pleased

          One would think that this would be the perfect time for the United States to heartily congratulate the people of Egypt and welcome this first step in their journey towards democracy and restored relations with the western world.  Instead, Secretary of State John Kerry has done nothing but ‘raise concerns’ about these new developments.  And while all other news outlets are expressing optimism for Egypt, the New York Times has been patently negative in their reporting of this event.  And just imagine the chagrin of Barack Obama who supplied Mr. Morsi with F-16 fighter jets…or Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who told students at Cairo University two years ago “I would not look to the U.S. Constitution if I were drafting a constitution…”.  Guess we know whose side they’re on!

Walk Like an Egyptian

          Well, I for one am delighted and happy for the Egyptian people who have firmly rejected those who promote sharia law (also known as ‘hand chopping fascists) and instead have set their course toward democracy.  With a population of 84 million and a strategic location at the intersection of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Egypt is poised to reclaim its heritage as an important world power.  All eyes will be upon them as they navigate uncharted waters in their voyage to a better life for all.  Egyptians will now have an opportunity to serve as a shining example for the people of other countries in the region who also long for the same simple pleasure of just being able to live, prosper and raise their families in peace and freedom.  We wish our Egyptian friends well and look forward to an ever closer relationship with them.