Egypt, Texas

Congratulations to the people of Egypt.  At least those who have taken to the streets in protest over President Mohamed Morsi's recent power grab.  Too many third world nations (And too many first world pundits.) equate democracy with an election.  While one can't have a democratic government without an election, an election does not a democracy make.  There also has to be the rule of law and the building of democratic institutions more important and more lasting than who ever happens to be in office.  I always cringe in embarrassment every time a fellow liberal praises Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.  Yes he was elected, and yes he gives money to the poor of his country.  But he also rules by decree and is nothing more than an elected dictator.

Meanwhile, the Texas secession movement grows.  And no, while it is unlikely to succeed, it's not a joke.  President Obama can no more allow Texas to leave the union than Abraham Lincoln could let the south leave more than a hundred years ago.  It's easy to make fun of Texans, but as the south left to protect slavery, some Texans want to leave because their state is becoming a majority minority state.  That is if it hasn't already become a state without a majority group.  Of course, many of the Hispanics in Texas aren't citizens (yet) and can't vote, but those who are citizens are growing.   Many (white) conservative Texans can't stand the idea of a black President,  and they hate the idea of  being a minority a whole lot more.  Funny thing is, lots of Mexicans supported the Texas revolution for the same reason that many Anglo Texans did.  Santa Ana was a dictator who ruled by decree.  Kind of what Mohamed Morsi wants to do in Egypt.