North African Uprisings

I'd like to put in my two cents about the revolutions against dictator-ish leaders going on in North Africa. Tunisia has recently overthrown their oppressive government in a massive uprising after their president had spent 23 years in power. In Egypt, Mubarak has just stepped down today after 30 years in office. In Libya, the masses have just begun protesting. In my country of descent, Algeria, revolution against President Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999 and even amended the constitution to be able to run for a third term, is set to start tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that in our modern world there are still countries with leaders who's hunger for power cannot easily be satiated. They claim to have a fair government and hold elections and such, but in reality these dictators have no plans of giving up their power. The fact that a president can only be office for two terms is something I really like about the American government. We all need change and new ideas in order to improve our world.

Also, I feel that it shows the power of influence. In Tunisia, a young man was harassed by police after attempting to vendor some fruit out on the street. He committed suicide by setting himself on fire and the masses, seeing him as a martyr, began their uprise against the government. After the Tunisians successfully purged their country of their oppressive leader, other North African countries began following suit. It's incredible to see how the people of these countries bond together for a like cause due to the example set for them by a country in a similar situation.

These control-fixated 'presidents' need to take a hint from the fact that millions of people do not want them leading anymore and step down in a dignified manner. Leadership positions are meant to allow individuals to help the public, not to revel in the luxuries of being on top.