Since the start of the Egyptian Revolution my phone has been swamped with messages forwarded from friends in, and outside of, Egypt – here are some of the messages I received in the last 24 hours:
“I’m sorry Egypt for insulting you when I was younger, for thinking that you were not pretty like other countries, for wanting to leave you, for giving up on you one day, for polluting you, for being ignorant to your history, I promise to clean you, to use my knowledge to grow you, to civilize you, to promote you, repaint your picture in the eyes of others, I promise to be a better citizen… a better Egyptian… I am sorry Egypt.”
“From today this is our country – don’t litter – don’t cross a red light – don’t bribe – don’t forge – report any institution that fails in doing it’s job – this is your chance to build your country with your own hands.”
“Hey everyone – As of 10am there’s an initiative to clean tahrir square. Bring gloves, as many garbage bags as you can and wipes for later. Try to come out, if you can. Spread the word please.”
“Egypt is calling everyone who want to help now, here are some things you can do:
– buy local products
– drive with good manners
– stop shouting and learn to listen
– spend your vacation in Egypt
– convince non-Egyptians to spend a holiday in Egypt
– keep the streets clean
– donate unwanted stuff
– open a brokerage account and buy local shares
– try to help small entities to survive (koshs, local small shops)
– donate blood
– Vote in September”
“People from all over the world are tweeting a template msg: ‘Dear Egypt, don’t worry about all the tourism money you lost over the last 17 days. We’re coming!”
“Breaking news: After the Friday of Victory in Tunisia and the Friday of Freedom in Egypt – Qaddafi has ordered the cancelation of Fridays in Libya.”
We are the Uprising and the Outcry
Translation:
We are the uprising and the outcry, we are the hope of the generations
From here and from us is written the history of the victors (heroes)
We are the dawm that is breaking, we are the sword that is cutting
Our place is in the hearts of the people
We are the joy of our children
You will forget those hard days, oh forgotten people
Throughout these years of estrangement we’ve been exiled in our own country
What does this ‘freedom’ have? Forgotten tears of joy
This long-awaited victory is dear to you and me
Sail the Stars 