Protesters in Egypt are hoping for democracy. They wonder how Americans could not support democracy taking root in Egypt. While there are a number of reasons why the United States would prefer just about any option other than a Muslim Brotherhood backed government coming to power, the United States is known for its support of democratic reforms around the world. That said, the United States is not a pure democracy itself and for good reason. The United States is a democratic republic. Everyone’s vote in the United States is not equal believe it or not. Voters in less populous states have as many senators as those in the most populous ones. Voters in Wyoming have as many Senators representing them as do those in California. We are also a Constitutional Democracy with a Bill of Rights.
The primary purpose of these modifications to pure democracy is the safeguarding of minority rights and liberties. While we advocate for democratic reforms and progress toward democracy, mob rule, pure democracy, is not the goal. In fact, mob rule is the greatest of tyrannies and the worst variety of it is a dictator at the head of the mob.
The founding fathers of this nation were equally afraid of mob rule as they were the tyranny of the monarchy. Majorities not only have a tendency to act against minorities, but religious majorities have a long history of doing so with murderous fervor.
Hosni Mubarak is a dictator. The Egyptian people have been suffering under his rule for decades. It is easy to assume that virtually any alternative would be better if you are impoverished, unemployed, and hopeless as many Egyptians are. However, many alternatives are going to be worse in the short run and far worse in the long run. Egypt could turn into Iran overnight.
Not only would an Anti-Western theocratic nation be a problem for America and Israel, but it will rapidly oppress its own population.