Democracy is a Lake, Even in Arid Egypt

Experience + Time + Personality = Government

I'm borrowing the wise words of sociologist Charles Tilly to illustrate the concept that democracy is a reflection of its citizens. All governments look like the people that founded it and the experience of getting what they want Governments are created by humans and like humans, are shaped by the good as well as the traumatic incidents they have experienced during their lives. 

So what will democracy in Egypt look like? Who knows, if it will ever comes at all. The oppressed masses may not have the ability to create a representative government.  Only time will tell. 

A few things I do know--

The new Egypt won't occur overnight, even if Mubarak resigns today. Any student of revolution, regardless of the country or period, knows citizens do not flip a switch to create a government, democratic or otherwise. 

Second, the path getting there will most likely be treacherous. Factions will rise, fall and come together with alarming speed. In doing so far right and even some left voices will compete to be heard. The group that convinces the masses that it will put food on their tables and bring security to their homes will succeed. 

In short, buckle your seat belts and let's all hope for the best.