Egyptians Are Not My Brothers

Image by messay.com via Flickr

By: John McWhorter

Only now am I becoming able to make peace with something that has nagged at me lately: I don't think of the protesters in Egypt as my brothers and sisters.

There, I said it. CONTINUE....

Crisis In Egypt: Their Problem Is Our Problem

Image by Takver via Flickr

When protesters in Egypt called for a "Million Man March" to mark the one-week anniversary of their Jan. 25 uprising against Hosni Mubarak's 30-year autocratic rule, they did what many African-American public figures have yet to do: draw on the history and example of the black freedom movement to express support for the ongoing global struggle for democracy. With some exceptions (Cornel West being the most notable), members of the black intelligentsia have yet to provide significant commentary on the democratic aspirations being expressed so strongly and courageously in recent months in Arab countries in Africa and Asia. But even if some of us in America remain slow to take up the mantle of our own historical legacy, people around the world are taking note (just as Black History Month commences, no less). CONTINUE....

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.25.08

Egpyt closes off parts of border to Gaza.

Egypt is now sealing off parts of its border with Gaza. That's after tens of thousands of Palestinians have crossed back and forth with little interference for the past two days. Earlier this week, Palestinians breached a border crossing, allowing them to get supplies since Israel sealed its border with Gaza a week ago. Egyptian soldiers in riot gear formed a human chain today while other soldiers rolled out barbed wire. The U.S. and Israel have been pressuring the country to close open border areas because they're worried that terrorists with weapons could travel undetected from Egypt into the Palestinian territory.

Washington leaders have agreed on a stimulus plan to give American taxpayers rebates of $600 or more, but people may not see that money for a while. Government officials say it could be May or June before Americans get any real cash. That's because the IRS has to cut the checks, and the agency is now in the middle of the '07 tax-filing season. However, nothing can get started until the bill is passed by the House and Senate. Congressional leaders say they hope to have legislation on the President's desk by the middle of next month.

Democrat Dennis Kucinich is reportedly dropping out of the presidential race. The congressman from Cleveland told a newspaper yesterday that he would make his withdrawal announcement today. The 61 year old has been an outspoken Iraq war critic who's consistently voted against funding the war and led anti-war efforts in Congress. Kucinich has said he won't endorse another candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

An explosion in Beirut today has killed four people, including Lebanon's top anti-terror investigating officer. The attack, which wounded 38 others, happened in a Christian neighborhood northeast of the capital. Violence has escalated in Lebanon as pro and anti-Syrian lawmakers in parliament are locked in a battle to elect a president. The country has been without a leader since November when pro-Syrian Emile Lahoud (a-meel la-hood) stepped down at the end of his term.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.23.08

Palestinians breach wall, flood into Egypt

Tens of thousands of people from Gaza are reaching food and fuel in Egypt after militants destroyed a border wall earlier today. Last week, Israel closed all border crossings with Gaza to punish Hamas for days of rocket attacks on the southern part of the country. Since then, food and other necessities in Gaza have been in short supply and residents there have struggled with major power cuts. Egyptian guards reportedly didn't intervene as scores of people washed over the fences.

Former Senator Fred Thompson is abandoning his bid for the White House. His decision follows a disappointing third-place finish in South Carolina's GOP primary last Saturday. Thompson entered the race in September, long after his Republican rivals had announced their candidacies and began raising money. Analysts say the late entry may have hurt the former "Law and Order" actor.

And yesterday's rate cut by the Fed is giving borrowers immediate relief. Analysts say the average borrower could save hundreds of dollars in just a few months. The nation's 75 million homeowners are reportedly likely to feel the most significant and immediate benefits. But the rate cut could hurt those who save. Rates on money market accounts and certificates of deposits have been dropping in recent weeks.

President Bush says that common ground can be reached on an economic stimulus package. Last week, Bush proposed a temporary, broad-based tax relief package aimed at spurring the nation's slowing economy. That package would infuse about $140 billion into the economy. The Democratic congressional leadership has vowed to pass a stimulus bill quickly. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says their hope is to have something on the President's desk before President's Day, which is Feb. 18.

Egypt Joins Maury On TV

"MAURY" producers have tapped NEW YORK-based national television and radio personality EGYPT as a special correspondent for the show. She will contribute stories and interviews both in-studio and on-location for the syndicated talk show, reports TV WEEK. Among her responsibilities will be to report on the latest and hottest trends in pop culture, as well as behind-the-scenes exposes.

"EGYPT is a solid interviewer who has an energetic and dynamic personality," said host MAURY POVICH. "She will be a great addition to our show as special correspondent."

The new addition to the long running strip may be best recognized as the morning co-host at CLEAR CHANNEL Urban WWPR (POWER 105.1)/NEW YORK and the current voice of PREMIERE RADIO NETWORK's "Synopsis" entertainment report on "Live In The Den With TIGGER."