THE MADISON/CAIRO CONNECTION

I recently posted a picture of an Egyptian demonstrator holding a sign showing solidarity with workers in Wisconsin. But this does not tell the whole story. This was not just an individual holding a sign to have his picture taken. Actually, Kamal Abbas is the General Coordinator of CTUWS - the umbrella group for Independent unions in Egypt. He issued an official statement for the entire organization. Which ended, "We salute you American workers! You will be victorious! Victory belongs to all the people who are fighting against exploitation and for their just rights!" It was signed by the heads of the 40 different unions in their coalition.

But that is not all. When you look at the Egyptian Workers' demands for the Egyptian Revolution they look oh so familiar!!

1. Raise the minimum wage and pension to narrow the wage gap. Payment of unemployment benefits (no 99ers) and regular increases with rising prices

2. Freedom to organize independent trade unions without restrictions (remember EFCA, anyone?)

3. The right of workers to job security. All temporary workers are to be made permanent

4. The end to the infamous privatization which wrecked our national economy (this is one of my favorites for they see the wide spread privatization that Hosni Mubarak allowed as stealing from the people of Egypt. If I can interpret - they see the selling off for private profit to private corporations as stealing the wealth of the country that should be distributed to the people)

I wonder if they will get these things before we do!!!