THE HUNDREDTH MONKEY

From Wikipedia:  "The hundredth monkey effect is a supposed phenomenon in which a learned behavior spreads instantaneously from one group of monkeys to all related monkeys once a critical number is reached. By generalization it means the instantaneous, paranormal spreading of an idea or ability to the remainder of a population once a certain portion of that population has heard of the new idea or learned the new ability. The story behind this supposed phenomenon originated with Lawrence Blair and Lyall Watson in the mid-to-late 1970s, who claimed that it was the observation of Japanese scientists... They state that unidentified scientists were conducting a study of macaques monkeys on the Japanese island of Koshima in 1952. These scientists purportedly observed that some of these monkeys learned to wash sweet potatoes, and gradually this new behavior spread through the younger generation of monkeys—in the usual fashion, through observation and repetition. Watson then claimed that the researchers observed that once a critical number of monkeys was reached—the so-called hundredth monkey—this previously learned behavior instantly spread across the water to monkeys on nearby islands."

  My intention is not to compare the oppressed people of Mideastern countries currently protesting for democracy, to monkeys. I am using this supposed phenomenon to suggest that those people reached a critical number in consciousness (critical mass) that desired and, therefore, were willing to protest and even die for a democratic existence.  

  Algeria, Yemen, Bahrain, Iran, and now Libya. One by one the Mideastern countries are following the recent Egyptian example by protesting the authoritarian regimes denying ~ or severely restricting ~ equality and their freedom.  I am not surprised that this is happening; but I am surprised it is happening now ~ and so quickly.  Low wages and high unemployment of the nations' young people, while those in power rake in billions of the countries' money, are among the biggest complaints. (I read that one of the Arabic nations gave a large amount of money to each of its citizens to help prevent their joining the uprisings. I wish I could find the news article, but so far I can't ~ and I can't remember which country.)  Economic and political conditions have always been this bad or worse in these Mideastern countries, but never have they been so visible to so many of its citizens.  Modern technology has made the inequities obvious to anyone with a TV set or a computer. The state may control the television and newspaper contents, but it is more difficult to keep the Internet silenced.  Although many realize they may face death for joining in the anti-government protests, as our own forefathers believed, they believe the risk is worth it.  I also think that knowing that the world is watching gives them more courage.  That makes it even more surprising that the CBS reporter Lara Logan was so brutally attacked. The Egyptian women who came to her rescue were very brave indeed. The attackers might have been government supporters trying to limit reporters access to the protests .

  We are witnesses to historical events taking place around the world.  Life will be forever changed in many countries.  That's not to say it will be better for those citizens in the short term, but in the long term, none will be satisfied with the way things were.  How shameful that Mubarak absconded with billions of dollars of his country's money when there is so much need and poverty in existence there.  What on earth can he possibly spend that much money on?  He's certainly not in the ranks of the U.S. philanthropists such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.  And at 80 years of age, in failing health, how can he enjoy such wealth obtained by corruption and at the expense of his people?  Some people have no conscience.
  This morning I read where the security forces of Bahrain attacked camped protesters during the night, killing at least three and wounding 200.  Perhaps they thought it would be more difficult for the media to document such brutality on film at night.  Bahrain is such an important U.S. ally, especially with our Navy base located there. How do we condemn such treatment of their people without jeopardizing our relationship? This afternoon there is news online that dozens of protesters have been killed in Libya by the military.
  The thugs running Iran will be the next big news item. They are antagonizing Israel by purportedly planning to send warships into the Suez Canal.  Is this just a diversion to keep the world from focusing on the unrest of their citizens?
   Wow! So many rebellious situations going on at one time around the world. It has to be extremely difficult for the leaders of the Western allies to decide how to respond.. and when. The West is so dependent on the oil and natural gas produced by the Arabic nations. Are we watching the beginnings of another World War? The people deserve to be free and to live in a democratic society. Most of them wish to protest peacefully.
  I will continue to hold thoughts of "peace on earth" in my mind, and pray that more lives are not lost in their quest for a better way of life. I also pray that we don't see a militant Islamic takeover in some of these countries as we saw in Iran in 1979, when the Ayatollah Khomeini became the country's leader after the revolution that overthrew the government and ousted the Shah of Iran.  More refugees for Al Qaeda are not needed!
  Join me in imaging for peaceful resolutions to these uprisings.. so the Hundredth Monkey consciousness can keep on moving throughout the world until we truly do have peace on earth!

Peace, love, and freedom,
Marilyn