Washington—U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) sent a letter to President Obama asking that he make it clear to President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt that the Government of Egypt will not receive one more cent of American money until he begins the peaceful, orderly transition to a democratically elected government today, including immediately lifting restrictions on the press and social media.
[Full text of letter follows below. Signed copy attached in .PDF form]
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I write today to ask that you make it clear to President Hosni Mubarak that the Government of Egypt will not receive one more cent of American money until he begins the peaceful, orderly transition to a democratically elected government today. He should begin by immediately lifting the restrictions on the press and social media.
Violence and oppression against peaceful protestors cannot be tolerated. As today’s attack on peaceful protestors makes clear, delaying his departure only risks further destabilization and loss of life. As he has done repeatedly in the past, Mubarak has again responded to his people’s demand for an open and democratic society with a big stick—with the view that he can beat that spirit out of them with fear and intimidation. His belated commitment yesterday to leave office after the next Presidential election is as empty as his repeated promise to lift the emergency law that has choked dissent in Egypt for thirty years. Egypt and its people cannot wait months for change. Reform must start today.
I have sought previously to limit foreign aid to Egypt, but certainly now we must send the unmistakable message to Mubarak and all dictators who are watching our response that we will not continue to waste money propping up his tyranny. Families in Egypt, America, and across the globe are safer when our tax dollars are not used to finance oppression. America is the beacon of democracy to the world. We must lead by our deeds and our words.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Doggett
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by aliciapaxson, Lloyd Doggett, aliciapaxson, Lloyd Doggett, My Harlingen News and others. My Harlingen News said: U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett Calls for Cutting American Financial Support to Egyptian Government http://bit.ly/fzGEwo [...]
Although we as Americans hate to see the Egyptian country in internal turmoil for or against established processes, I for one am happy to see it is without internal conflict caused by the United States. The determination of the future government to be established by Egypt should be a direct involvement and process by the Egyptian people themselves. We must keep in mind that the country of Egypt is a critical Arab country that has recognized the existence and support of not only the United States, but the country of Israel as well. It is also a strategic geographically located country with regard to oil flow through the Suez Canal to the rest of the world. It has been predicted that the next World War will be over price control and shipments of oil throughout the world. The United States needs to act cautiously to assist rather than dictate how Egypt handles their destire to become a Democracy, if that is what the final outcome is by the people and recognized or elected leadership of that country.
lol without internal conflict caused by the US? nevermind the fact that we support Mubarak’s regime financially and with precious weaponry. Pull your head out.
I’M FOR CUTTING AID TO MABARAK. ITS TIME HE GOES. PEOPLE THERE HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FOR 30 YRS & THE LOWEST CLASS MAKES $2 A DAY. WHO CAN LIVE WITH $2 A DAY HERE IN THE U.S.A.? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THOSE YOUNG EGYPTIANS. THEY ARE TEACHING AMERICA’S YOUTH THAT THEY REALLY HAVE MORE GUTS.