Egyptian Seeds react to Morsi ouster

CAIRO | Egyptian Seeds—from Cairo to Camp in Maine—have taken to social media to share their reactions to the news today that the Egyptian military was ousting the country’s leader, President Mohamed Morsi.

“The potential our generation has and its passion for change is unbelievable,” said one. “I hope for a leader who accommodates the rights of everyone.”

Some Seeds struggled with the non-democratic means in which the military was taking over.

“It’s the best thing that could have happened, in the worst way possible,” said a Seed at Camp.

“I don’t think ousting Morsi was the best solution,” said another Seed in Cairo. “I was hoping that a solution to the political situation in Egypt would have somehow fulfilled the aspirations of both [the pro- and anti-Morsi] groups, since they are both Egyptians demanding legitimate rights.”

“I believe that the best solution would be to hold a referendum on whether or not Morsi should continue his term, and for the Egyptian people to decide their fate through the ballot box.”

“I’m still optimistic—I hope there are early elections,” said a Seed at Camp in Maine.

Other Seeds have spent weeks participating in anti-Morsi protests and celebrated today’s events.

“What you saw was not a coup,” said a Seed who had been demonstrating against Morsi in Cairo.

“It is the outcome of a grassroots initiative that grew exponentially and bypassed all the politics and traditional frameworks to speak directly to and for the people.”

While some Seeds celebrated, others were cautious, warning against alienating Morsi supporters.

“We’ve been calling out for true democracy, and it wouldn’t be true democracy if we decide to exclude a group of people who have the right to be heard. Let’s be smart and break out of this vicious cycle.”

Video taken July 3 by Egyptian Seed of crowds celebrating in Cairo.

Egyptian Seed Mona examines the lack of political leadership in her country.

NECN Video: Egyptian campers attend Seeds of Peace camp in Maine.

More reactions from Seeds to events in Egypt

• “Here’s to a brighter future.”
• “Egypt: a place where internet and traffic is achingly slow. But we create history instantaneously.”
• “The Egyptian revolution continues.”
• “I’m hopeful that we have learned a lesson and things will improve for my country from here!”
• “Today, Egyptians made history—again. It’s not a coup. It’s democracy in its truest sense.”
• “My parents are on the streets. I’m anxious to hear their accounts.”
• “A great number of Egyptians have been alienated by the political decisions recently made, and this could be very dangerous.”
• “We have to unite to run the country wisely.”
• “Today marks another achievement in Egyptians’ efforts to take matters into their own hands and bring an end to decades of exploitation and corruption. I’m glad to have taken part of every part of this wonderful process.”
• “These so-called “Islamists” violated every single principle that Islam stands for.”
• “The ouster of former president Morsi is the direct outcome of a people’s revolution.”
• “The president of the Supreme Constitutional Court will lead an interim coalition government, followed by the drafting of a constitution and early presidential and parliamentary elections. The military is obviously not taking over.”
• “I don’t oppose the fact the he is no longer the president, but I have problems with the way it was done, and the negative impact it might have on the country as a whole.”
• “I am thrilled by the lessons Egyptian citizens are teaching the world in determined and just civil movements. I’m hopeful the spirit of change and justice will spread as fire in a summer wheat field.”

Follow reactions by Seeds about Egypt on Twitter ››
Read a letter from Seeds of Peace Executive Director to Seeds in Egypt ››
Read an Egyptian Seed’s New York Times profile on Egypt’s new president ››
Read an Associated Press story about Egyptians at Camp ››