Non-violence triumphs again

I've been greatly interested in the revolution in Egypt. I find it extremely fascinating that it was accomplished primarily with non-violence. I'm glad the protesters didn't bring guns with them to Tahrir Square and the military chose not to shoot at the protesters. Non-violence wins again. I could only hope that this might be a lesson to the military-industrial complex and the NRA. After the assassination of President Sadat, Mubarak may have been something of a hero in all of the confusion that followed. He imposed state of emergency plans which may have been necessary at that time. However, the plans he put in place 30 years ago to keep the country stable after Sadat's death, he never revoked or changed. Because he was unwilling to change with the times, the people ousted him with this non-violent revolution. They wanted him gone, along with his ideas and plans. What was important 30 years ago is now no longer acceptable. He didn't realize that the crisis had passed and, therefore, he created his own crisis.

I fear that too many leaders, as well as us regular folks, are unwilling to have ideas and plans critiqued and altered as the times change. We hang on to what worked in the past, not realizing that the past no longer exists. I've some friends who talk about how the church and religious organizations and institutions operated 10, 20 and/or 30 years ago. They are saying that if it was good for them at that time, it must still be good. I think it is crucial for growth that we allow our ideas and plans to be critiqued and altered. Do you remember Kenny Rogers' song about knowing when to hold them and when to fold them? I wonder if Mubarak ever hear the song. If so, I bet that now he wishes he had understood it better.