We're better off than Egypt—right?

MANIFESTO

R.J. Eskow explores the question.

You know, when one considers that Egypt has had

a government run by and for the rich and powerful; leaders who lecture others about "sacrifice" and deficits while cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy; a system so corrupt that rich executives can break the law without fear of being punished; increasing poverty and hardship even as the stock market rises; and now, a nation caught between a broken political system and a populist movement that could be hijacked by religious extremists at any moment,

the question assumes a certain topicality.

It's no wonder that Washington types are falling all over themselves trying to figure out whether to back those who are promoting democracy or the plutocrats who've been running the country for decades.