Today President Obama gave his thoughts on the incredibly complex and potentially wonderful events occurring in Egypt. World leaders have struggled to find their voices in this instance as they tried to come to grips with the potential unraveling of the most dangerous region of the world.
There was much anticipation as the world waited to here The Position of the world’s most powerful country. Doubters on both flanks had already carved a virtually hopeless maze of tiger traps and pitfalls. What could the President say that would speak to the intricate needs of the situation?
In four minutes and fifty three seconds he told us.
Janicket said:
By golly! That speech, it seems to me, came pretty darn close to pulling off the impossible.
…and it got me thinking. This really is a well-thought piece of work. Perhaps not a single extraneous word. Honest, direct, speaks to every point I can think of. Janicket was wise enough not to try to gild the President’s well-turned lily, but fortunately I am not so wise.
Good evening, everybody. Over the past few days, the American people have watched the situation unfolding in Egypt. We’ve seen enormous demonstrations by the Egyptian people. We’ve borne witness[1] to the beginning of a new chapter in the history of a great country, and a long-time partner of the United States[2].
[1] – We have connected, witnessed and testified to the truth of this event, without condescending to impose a definition on it. We know what it is, we aren’t spinning, and as witnesses we are accountable to the truth of it.
[2] – We have a history together, which means several things, including being responsible to our friends. Again, you could unfold that and talk details, but this isn’t the time for that and any more is imposing our will on them.
And my administration has been in close contact with our Egyptian counterparts[3] and a broad range of the Egyptian people[4], as well as others across the region and across the globe[5]. And throughout this period, we’ve stood for a set of core principles.
[3] – I’ve talked to Mubarak, and I didn’t mince words.
[4] – We have been talking with people high and low who represent and/or are the Egyptian people, we can watch CNN and Al Jazeera as well as anyone, and we get it.
[5] Yes, I know what the other leaders are saying. I’m in touch with them, I get their concerns, but nobody else can stand in these shoes.
First, we oppose violence [6]. And I want to commend the Egyptian military for the professionalism and patriotism [7] that it has shown thus far [8] in allowing peaceful protests while protecting the Egyptian people[9]. We’ve seen tanks covered with banners, and soldiers and protesters embracing in the streets.[10] And going forward, I urge the military to continue its efforts to help ensure that this time of change is peaceful.[11]
[6] – All y’all.
[7] – Professionalism and patriotism. A disciplined and effective conscript military is staffed by folks who enjoy being proud of their work and their love of country. Don’t be the kind of loser soldiers you sneer at.
[8] – Don’t screw it up now when you are doing so well.
[9] – The people on the street are in your care.
[10] – You are with the people, as you should be.
[11] – Stay on the right side. You’ll know it when you see it.
Second, we stand for universal values, including the rights of the Egyptian people to freedom of assembly[12], freedom of speech, and the freedom to access information[13]. Once more, we’ve seen the incredible potential for technology to empower citizens and the dignity of those who stand up for a better future. And going forward, the United States will continue to stand up for democracy and the universal rights that all human beings deserve, in Egypt and around the world.[14]
[12] – we support all of you in the square in Cairo and the streets of Egypt.
[13] – stop turning off the Internet. It’s a bad idea and it doesn’t work real well.
[14] – Yes, I know what I am saying. This applies to us so I expect to get slapped with that but it has to be said. It applies to a number of other Middle Eastern countries, and I know all that implies, so get your houses in order.
Third, we have spoken out on behalf of the need for change. After his speech tonight, I spoke directly to President Mubarak.[15] He recognizes that the status quo is not sustainable and that a change must take place. Indeed, all of us who are privileged to serve in positions of political power do so at the will of our people. Through thousands of years, Egypt has known many moments of transformation. The voices of the Egyptian people tell us that this is one of those moments; this is one of those times.[16]
Now, it is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt’s leaders. Only the Egyptian people can do that. What is clear — and what I indicated tonight to President Mubarak — is my belief that an orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful, and it must begin now.[17]
[15] – Stress on “directly” is intentional. I spoke to him personally and I spoke to him bluntly.
[16] – Not September, now.
[17] – Just to be clear: “now”.
Furthermore, the process must include a broad spectrum of Egyptian voices and opposition parties. It should lead to elections that are free and fair. And it should result in a government that’s not only grounded in democratic principles, but is also responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people.[18]
Throughout this process, the United States will continue to extend the hand of partnership and friendship to Egypt. And we stand ready to provide any assistance that is necessary to help[19] the Egyptian people as they manage the aftermath[20] of these protests.
[18] – Real Democracy is the path. Yes, I realize I just slammed Hosni with that “responsive to the aspirations” line, but sometimes you have to call a spade a spade.
[19] – We can be very good friends.
[20] – “Aftermath”, again, let’s be honest that you folks are going through something that, good or bad, is traumatic as hell. Keep your shit together.
Over the last few days, the passion and the dignity that has been demonstrated by the people of Egypt has been an inspiration to people around the world, including here in the United States, and to all those who believe in the inevitability of human freedom. [21]
To the people of Egypt, particularly the young people of Egypt, I want to be clear: We hear your voices.[22] I have an unyieldin
g belief that you will determine your own destiny and seize the promise of a better future for your children and your grandchildren. And I say that as someone who is committed to a partnership between the United States and Egypt.
[21] – Inevitability. Other countries (you too, Iran) take note.
[22] – Literally. I’ve read some of your tweets and seen you on camera. I hear you – personally – with my own ears.
There will be difficult days ahead. Many questions about Egypt’s future remain unanswered. But I am confident that the people of Egypt will find those answers. That truth can be seen in the sense of community in the streets. It can be seen in the mothers and fathers embracing soldiers. And it can be seen in the Egyptians who linked arms to protect the national museum[23] — a new generation protecting the treasures of antiquity; a human chain connecting a great and ancient civilization to the promise of a new day.
Thank you very much.
[23] – we recognize the difference between Cairo’s museum and Baghdad’s, and all that implies. we took the other path, yours is better.
There is more direct subtlety in there that those who are paying attention can read – and if you play it backwards it proves John Lennon was eaten by Ringo – but that’s enough bronzing of a gold watch for now.
Suffice to say I’m impressed.
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