The sentiments in Egypt, and other cities across the world, where protests against the Muslim Brotherhood and President Mohamed Morsi are underway are full of joy and hope. Activists have told Bikyanews.com throughout the day that this is the "beginning of the rebellion against Morsi," who is celebrating his one-year anniversary as Egypt's leader with massive street demonstrations across Egypt and in major cities in Europe and North America. According to Bikyanews.com reporters on the ground in Egypt, days of tension and fears have turned to optimism after the "rebel" movement Tamarod announced on Saturday over 22 million signatures for their petition to oust Morsi from the presidency and establish a transitional government aimed at bringing an end to the polarization and Islamization of the country. "It is exciting and people are really coming together," said activist Mina, who was already in Tahrir Square by early Sunday morning Cairo time. He, like millions of other Egyptians, are hopeful that June 30 will be a day that begins to change the country back to the trajectory that had begun on January 25, 2011, when thousands took to the streets calling for an end to dictatorship and Hosni Mubarak. As I watch from afar, based in San Francisco now, it is surreal to see the country that I spent the past decade working and living in come together like it hasn't in over two years; once again against dictatorship that has risen as a result of the hegemony of power that Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood have taken. Now, activists and average citizens are once again saying enough is enough. It has manifested into the largest showing of strength that Egypt may have ever witnessed. This is a moment that the world is watching and waiting. Anxious. The fears that had been created over the past few days after violence erupted across the country, largely the result of Brotherhood supporters attacking opposition forces, has abated and a new sense of hope has arrived. This is a momentous day for all those with connections to Egypt. This past week I spoke with a number of elderly Egyptian women who have found a home in America. They are once again turning their attention to their native country and are throwing their support behind the youth who want change. The situation may have seemed bleak only this past week, but after Saturday's announcement that over 22 million people signed a petition calling for an end to Morsi oppression, Egypt is back on track. And without the violence that has marred previous demonstrations. At least thus far on Sunday. Egyptians are a strong and proud people who have had enough of decades of dictatorship. Morsi is no different. While many, including American Ambassador Anne Patterson have argued street protests are not the proper course of action, Egyptians know differently. They know their country. They understand the necessity for change and they know too well that going to the streets can make a difference. It has worked in the past and can work today. Times may have changed. Faces in power may have morphed into bearded men attempting to control the future of the country, limit basic human rights, curtailed cultural change and moved the country toward conservatism. But on June 3o, Egyptians are standing firm. The smiles and joy and happiness that they can once more come together in the face of an oppressive government, whether it be Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood or Mubarak and his cronies, should not be underestimated. This is the time for change and we all, inside and outside Egypt, should support the actions of the majority. Change and revolution are in the air. BN
