The Morsi Meter Starts Tomorrow.

One of the most interesting websites to come out since Dr. Morsi has been elected president is www.morsimeter.com . A website designed to measure Dr. Morsi's performance in carrying out his promises within the first 100 days of his presidency. I must admit it was one of the inspirations of this blog. So don't forget to check it out.

www.morsimeter.com

-Amro

Free Speech or Speech for Free

(photo by Mohamed Omar courtesy of Daily News Egypt)

Yesterday Dr. Morsi addressed the crowds at Tahrir square and today an assembly at Cairo University. I thought of analyzing the speech. But then, thought "actions speak louder than words". I will stick to analyzing Dr. Morsi's Actions.

One of the interesting bits about the Tahrir speech was the fact that he "swore" himself in infront of the people. Something I believe (as mentioned in my previous post) is more important than swearing in infront of any other governmental entity. While some have called it a slap in the face of SCAF, I say "Chapu".

However, one of the bits that caught my attention came before after the speech as Dr. Morsi was arriving and then leaving. There is a sense of acceptance among the people. Even if I am not one of them, the imagery is powerful. Gone are the days where the presidents security detail are there to protect him from his own people.

Also there is a lot talk going around about the bit regarding the "bullet proof vest" that Dr. Morsi said he isn't wearing. To me that proves nothing, especially with the level of security present around him. 

Dr. Morsi, you are slowly gaining the trust of the people. This is a slow processes. However, it can be undone with a single word. 

-Amro

The fine line between humility and necessity

Being the President of Egypt, Dr. Morsi's job comes with quite a few perks. Security detail, Car with driver, paid travel via private jet, board, and whole lot more. Not to mention that many of these perks are paid by us, and by us I mean the tax payers. There is a reason the President gets these perks, many I believe are out of necessity. However, some people have an issue with these perks. Because its very easy to abuse the perks given to you as President.

A few days ago, Dr. Morsi ordered that his picture not be posted at government offices and asked that governmental institutions not post congratulatory ads (which cost a lot by the way) in the papers. A move I believe to appear closer to the people. And just yesterday, Dr. Morsi gave orders that the presidential motorcade not block traffic (link). And I, for one, am all for that. A president closer to the people. Or is it?

Just the other day there was a rumor that Dr. Morsi sent his younger son to take his finals using official presidential cars. Not only that, but that his son took the exam alone, not with the rest of the students. (link) Perk abuse?! Well, it was found out that while Dr. Morsi's son did go to the exam via presidential cars, his son attended the exam with his peers. But did he have the right to use the cars to ferry his son to and from the exam? In my opinion, yeah he did.

You see, perks at any job are fun to have. They make your life easier, show appreciation, and in some cases necessary for security and job continuity. Yes, I do believe his son has the right to be transported via presidential cars. It's a security thing. The president's immediate family is a source of his stability, if that were to be jeopardized so would his performance and in turn so will our country.

It may seem that I am swooning over Dr. Morsi. Hardly. I am being honest and fair in my opinions and steering away from any conspiracy theories.

But basically 4 points

• Pictures or not: Irrelevant 
• Congratulatory Ads: Positive move
• Motorcade not blocking traffic: For the love of God, YES!
• Family using presidential cars: From a security perspective, I believe they should.

-Amro

Morsi's Vices and Swearing, the Presidential Kind.

Two major problems are facing Dr. Morsi. First he wants to have 3 vices, and second to swear in an appropriate place. What in the world am I talking about?! I'm talking about presidents for the former and Oath for the latter. Naughty either way you look at it.

Dr. Morsi has vowed to appoint 3 Vice Presidents, of which, one is to be christian another to be female, and the last God knows what. Interesting! Is this a pacifying tactic of some sorts or affirmative action (link). Or does he already know who he is hiring based on merit and they happened include a Christian and a woman and decided to use it to his advantage? Depending whether or not I summon my conspiracy theory alter ego or not, I will assume that its all a big pacifier to calm down women and christian fears. What if he hires a Christian woman? Does that have the same effect? Just a thought. But the real question is: Do we need THREE vice presidents?

I thought the duty of the Vice President was to be the first person in succession to the President if something were to happen to the president. What if Dr. Morsi is unable to carry out his duties as president? Who would succeed him? Would we have a supreme council of presidency (SCOP)? Don't forget there's already SCAF president. What would be the roles of each VP? Wouldn't it be easier just to appoint them as ministers? So many questions! Even more controversial questions like: What about a Salafi VP as well? For God's sake we've never had a single VP in the last 30 years. All of a sudden we're to have THREE?

In my humble opinion, a single VP should do. His role is simple, a shadow president. So keep it simple Dr. Morsi, find your shadow. Looking for a pacifier? How about a female minister of Finance and a Christian minister of Defense.

As for the swearing in as President. Simply put, its a promise. To whom? The answer should be where Dr. Morsi should be swearing. His promise is to the people. Swearing infront of the SCAF or Supreme Court means he's promising a select group who were hired by the old system. His accountability is to us, his employers.

My firm belief is he should be sworn in infront of the people, or representatives of them. The People's assembly. Since they don't exist, it should be in public. Obama did it, why wouldn't Dr. Morsi? With the constitution still being written. The people are the true power, SCAF or not.

Summery, single VP, swear oath in front of the people.

-Amro

President elect Morsi, welcome to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Many have written letters publicly addressing Dr. Morsi. Many have written about concerns, fears, advice and praise/criticism. From politicians to activists, TV personalities to Presidents of other nations. Some he will read, many will fall on deaf ears. This blog is not a letter to Dr. Morsi. It is a letter to the people from the people (or person in this case). My own view, my own attempt at doing my part. Whether read my many or not, I have my platform and I intend on using it.

In this blog I plan to address Dr. Morsi as an employee of the people. We have the right to judge his performance, give him praise when deserved and criticize his decisions if we feel the need to. But, like any employee, a fair chance must be given for performance. While I did not vote for him (whether I abstained, nullified or voted for Shafik is irrelevant), the "majority" of the Egyptian people have brought him to power, and as true believer in democracy I accept the the decision of the Egyptian people over any personal feelings I may have. 

I admit the job comes with hefty baggage and practically no hand-over. It's like being a delivery man with no idea what the packages are or where they are supposed to go. Worst yet, he's expected to deliver all the packages and maintain customer satisfaction. Tough job? Hardly. Mission Impossible? He'd hire Ethan Hunt. Job level: WTF

Whether it's evaluating his 100 day plan like www.morsimeter.com or just day to day actions, I will attempt in my own humble way of giving my perspective while trying to keep it light. This blog is in no way trying to be a deep political analysis, just an opinion. Sometimes it will be witty other times funny. Maybe even enlightening. There is no goal here but to say my piece, while hopefully keeping the peace. 

-Amro