The Arab Spring

The Arab Spring has seen widespread oppression be relieved of its oppressors- both physically and metaphysically. While a deposed leader serves to showcase the former, the change in philosophy in the Middle East defines the latter. Leaders have been deposed before and have been replaced by a progressively similar one, simple for the reason that philosophy did not evolve as the same speed. This time, I have hope that democracy will finally emerge. The philosophies of the oppressed have changed to one of increased self-respect and personal freedom. They have learned of the extent of freedom that humanity accords a valued individual, and rightfully gained the courage to demand it for themselves.

These revolts were effective because it adhered to peaceful principles. With the exception of Libya, these demonstrations have rejected violence despite systematic executions. The Syrian government kills dozens a week, and yet the people refuse to abandon the principles they seek to administrate once they gain power. To maintain order in the long-term, they must continue to adhere to the principles they demonstrated during the revolts, but also a few other governmental necessities. First, they must clearly define the separation of Church and State. Mixing the two demeans both religion and government and forces each to abandon its principles. Worse, governmental leaders begin to manipulate the text to support their immoral actions. These new governments must end the practice of using religion as political leverage, as they will find that it serves only to divide and allow an ignorance disguised as righteousness. Second, they must establish a legal system that will transcend the present generation. At best, the present generation of revolutionaries will maintain their principles through the legal system, but these will erode with time if guidelines are not established to ensure that they will continue in the future. Third, a functional economy must take root. They have rejected a powerful dictatorial government that exploits the general population, and thus they must reject its economic equivalent. Their economies are stagnant largely because of corruption and inefficiency, and corporate exploitation holds both of these in great amount. A population that believes that it lacks power will be most productive in an economy that does not follow a pure capitalist system. Large efforts must be made to establish a strong small-business sector, one that is given enough governmental support to be powerful and escape poverty through their development. Large businesses, such a factories and organizations, must take advantage of the population's mindset. They have removed the chains that confined them, and this psychological disposition is best suited for research, innovation, and education. Among powerful businesses, a decentralization of their power must occur to both increase wages and decrease the prices. This will likely require government intervention, as old-fashioned powerful businessmen will not decentralize power without a fight. Regardless, decentralization is the key. To each man an increased share of the pie, as too few have been eating the majority for far too long. Once they are successful in doing this, they must help us do the same.