Lovem el-Said

We in the West have a great life, where for all the limitations on our rights and freedoms, we do have rights and freedoms. But we often forget the price someone, somewhere, somewhen, paid for those rights and freedoms. Reporting on the anti-government protests in Egypt, The Washington Post quotes one Hatem el-Said:

He learned to love American values, even as he believes that America itself has lost faith in those values … He feels no fear now. “What’s the worst that can happen? I’d rather lose my life than go on living this way.”

I take my hat off to you, Hatem. You understand the issues – and you are a hero. All values stem from the value of life: but sometimes, to defend those values, even life itself must be risked. My best wishes – and those of freedom-lovers everywhere – go out to you and your fellows.