Mubarak Resigns

Well, let's hear it for the power of the people. Much to my surprise, President Mubarak of Egypt failed to weather the storm and has resigned.

Exactly what happens now is a bit unclear. At the moment the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is in charge but, at least so far, the Army appears committed to civilian rule and an open election of the next president. Of course that could take a while.

Before we begin celebrating a victory for democracy, allow me to make the point that, according to Pew Research, 82% of Egyptian Muslims think it' proper to stone an adulterer to death. You got that one? And considering just about everyone there is Muslim, that's close enough to 82% of the entire population.

Democracy requires an electorate whose heads are not completely up their asses. Democracy could turn into a nightmare in Egypt the same way it's a nightmare in Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Let's not forget that lurking in the background is the Muslim Brotherhood. They may not be Al-Quida but I don't trust them one bit. The world probably got a little more dangerous on Friday but that's not necessarily a bad thing. A true working democracy in Egypt would be a great leap forward for the region and perhaps that possibility makes it all worth while.

What the U.S. needs to do is support the Egyptian's attempt to build a working democracy even if things are a little rough to begin with. I think Obama is smart enough to do that, but I'm not sure of the Republicans in Congress.