2MSN.net

Just a few hours ago, the crowds protesting against President Hosni Mubarak, were met by a massive throng of government supporters. These supporters, dressed in civilian clothing quickly turned things violent as they stampeded in (someo on horses, some on camels) lashing whips, hurling stones, and tossing firebombs into the once peaceful crowd. In the ensuing chaos, 3 were killed while 600 more wounded, many of which were foreign journalists.

But though these violent perpetrators hope to seem like fierce loyalists supporting the country and President Mubarak, most anti-government demonstrators have their doubts. Most believe these pro-government aggressors to be nothing more than a private army of petty thugs and mercenaries hired to punish those who would challenge the president.

Though terrible as these acts are, the demonstrators had been given warning by the Egyptian military to abandon Tahrir Square in the days before. They claimed that “violent groups” were coming to set fire to the square. Instead of leaving, the protesters stayed and were thus met with violence. The link between these violent groups and Mubarak became clear when the military did not interfere.

But even though these tactics might have some protesters scared, these violent acts have only strengthened the people’s resolve to oust President Mubarak. This the first major out break of violence since the revolution began. Who’s to say if it’s the last. It may not be considering Mubarak has been in power for the last 30 years. Making a man give up that kind of authority will be a difficult task. Power is hard to relinquish. It’s even harder to take away. It’s times like these I am grateful that I live in a nation still governed by the rule of law that remains un-suffocated by tyranny, bureaucracy, and corruption. The United States may have a little in each category but I’d say we’re pretty lucky. I wish the people of Egypt the best and hope that they can achieve a peaceful resolution to all this.