Thousands of people gather in a public square, chanting and holding signs, calling for justice. All the riches of their country are going into the pockets of a few elites. Most of the people have no share and no say in how their country is run and who gets what. Those who disagree with this arrangement are jailed, tortured or disappeared.
There was no question of fighting that system and winning so the people were controlled by fear. Until they found enough strength in numbers, in coming together for their common cause, and broke through the fear together. Look at them. They are disciplined, they are organized, they are committed to nonviolence. They are open and inclusive. Everyone gets a seat at the table. They are the Facebook, Twitter, cell phone, internet generation. They are beautiful to watch, taking back their countries from the old, oppressive regimes.
Building a new world won’t be easy. I hope their steps are true and as sound as the justice and equality they are calling for. Democracy means the people rule and these are the people.