Good statement on Eqypt by Senator Kerry

[karynnj]

"I call on the Egyptian government and security forces to exercise restraint in dealing with protesters and to respect the human rights of its citizens to seek greater participation in their own government. The Egyptian government also should immediately restore communications and access to social networking sites," he said.

"I hope the people of Egypt will continue to remember the lessons and legacy of peaceful protesters from Gandhi to Dr. King and to exercise their right to be heard in that tradition, which will rally peaceful people everywhere in solidarity," Kerry added.

Still, he stressed, it's "not with rubber bullets and water cannons that order will be restored" in the four-day-old street protests in which demonstrators have been clashing with and even chasing down riot police.

"President Mubarak has the opportunity to quell the unrest by guaranteeing that a free and open democratic process will be in place when the time comes to choose the country’s next leader later this year," Kerry said.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/140929-kerry-to-egyptians-protest-like-gandhi

I looked to see what to bold - and realized it would be everything.

[Leithan]

1. K&R

Should've been Obama's Sec of State. (Even though Hillary is doing a good job.)

[karynnj]

3. I thought so,too, but he has been invaluable in the Senate

I watched hours of the NEW START floor debate and he was incredible - taking on every republican issue and clearly showing it's flaws - with an incredible amount of courtesy and often humor.

Kerry will also be introducing legislation for an infrastructure bank that I think is critical to Obama's winning the future effort.

As it is, he has been able to informally be an exceptionally important diplomat. I actually think it a bit unfair to Hillary to compare what they could have brought to the job. Kerry's background, both as a son of a diplomat and his 25 years on SFRC really are really amazing when added to his personality.

Edited to add, welcome to DU.

[Inuca]

2. Perfect statement

This being said, what's happening is scary. I hope it will turn out all right, but there is a huge amount of unpredictability.

[pacalo]

4. Wonderful statement! I still have a crush on Kerry. I love him.

[karynnj]

5. Although 100% OT, in that case, here is something you really need to see

http://www.jkmediasource.org/node/193

It is a little video shot by someone who has posted on DU from a wonderful fundraiser that several of us from the DU JK group were fortunate enough to attend last December that honored Kerry's 25 years in the Senate and 24 years in public service. They got Kerry to conduct the Boston Pops orchestra as Ted Kennedy had in the past. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKwjGssH6zs ) Kerry did it as a tribute to Teddy, actually copying some of what Teddy had done.

This was the Monday before the New START treaty was debated for hours starting on Wednesday. For me, it was a weird experience remembering the Kerry, who obviously was touched (especially by his crew who surprised him there) and who clearly had fun singing Christmas carols with everyone and leading the orchestra with such energy - and connecting him with the Kerry who was completely focused rebutting every Republican argument for hours with patience and humor.

[pacalo]

6. I'm just now seeing your reply! I didn't get to see Kerry's video

because my iPhone doesn't have flash. I saw the one of Ted Kennedy, though, & really enjoyed it (through tears, I kid you not). His wife is so adorable, especially when she laughs.

I've bookmarked & will watch Kerry's ( :loveya: ) when I'm on my PC.

Thanks!

[Donald Ian Rankin]

7. Sadly, I think he's wrong: Order will be restored with rubber bullets and water cannons.

I think that optimism about Egypt's future is unwarranted.