Revolutions and reflections...the day keeps getting better!

When I taught high school I created a class called Civil Change.  It focused on revolutions and civil movements that brought about dramatic change in the 20th century.  I loved studying and teaching about revolutions and change.  That is why I've been riveted by the events in Egypt recently.

Photo from MSNBC's photoblog and from http://twitter.com/#!/NevineZaki

Egypt has been under a dictator for thirty years.  Today, Mubarak, the dictator, stepped down.  The military has taken control...for now.  The people in Egypt have the right to be so proud: they peacefully protested against Mubarak and faced beatings (and worse) and today they saw the fruits of their labor.

Of course this is only the beginning.  Now Egypt has to begin the hard work of building a new government.  And I am very excited to see what happens.  Maybe, hopefully, they'll take some lessons from my hero, Vaclav Havel, and my favorite revolution, the Velvet Revolution:

http://velvetrevolutionandvelvetdivorce.blogspot.com

One of the best parts of my day came when I received a message from a former student.  Here is what he said:
Just wanted to send you a quick message letting you know I've been following the Egypt situation and have just been reminded of all the lessons from your revolutions class coming true. Young people beginning the revolution, it's origins rooted in money, etc.

Was just noticing all these things and was thinking of you and your class and thought it should be noted that your recipe for revolutions holds true nearly every time. Thought that was really cool, as should you. 

What a good day!!