Then and Now

I do not know if I am getting older, and supposedly wiser, or just getting sadder, but I am noticing all sorts of little things that tug at your heart, and in the sad, tear-jerking way too. Another instance in front of the TV, and another thought-provoking scene: legendary singer Asmahan's royal family tries to flee into Egypt without the proper documentation.

What caught my attention, other than the princely manner with which the princess mother dealt with all adversity, is how she managed to enter her family into Egypt. She asks the officer in charge to call Saad Pacha Zaghloul, then Prime Minister, in order to inform him that the Atrash family wants to seek refuge in Egypt. In spite of the officer's incredulity, he is respectful enough of the woman reasoning with him to at least give her the benefit of the doubt. His soul is uncorrupted enough for him to use free will. His brain muscle has obviously been exercised enough for him to be able to use logic to actually place a call to the Prime Minister, regardless of his earlier objections of not being able to talk to the Prime Minister's secretary, let alone the Prime Minister himself. That was the first part of the marvel. The second part was when his call actually went through -and directly to the Prime Minister in person. The third shocker was Zaghloul's instantaneous decision to grant them entry. Even before this entire plea for asylum, the princess had to come into contact with a junior officer on the train whose job was to check for documentation. Even though the officer was unhappy with the situation and in disbelief at the woman's claims. he was courteous, if not gentlemanly, but at least he did not drag them out, and cuss at them.

Now bear in mind that this is a true story, and not a work of fiction.

The existing world's political unrest would not allow a similar outcome anywhere in the world. This realization made me very sad.

The regular Egyptian's current state of mind, and sense of fear and helplessness, would not allow the average office to act according to his own logic. That realization made me even sadder.

The saddest thing though is that it is a downhill movement for us in Egypt. I cannot see this situation happening again in Egypt in this day and age. Can you?

Choices

I thank God I do not need. Of course, nowadays, the first need that comes to mind is the need for financial security. So again, I am very thankful to God that I do not need; that I do not have to worry about food, clothes and shelter. I sometimes forget how blesses I am in that regard, because as a human being I am inclined to lose sight of what is right in front of me, and take ongoing, everyday privileges for granted. You are probably wondering what I am about. Here it comes.

I wonder... would I be this righteous and hell bent on doing the right thing if I have to worry about where my next meal is coming from? I was watching this TV series and one scene got me thinking: a poor many was being propositioned by this rich, ex-boss (since the guy was just forced into early retirement). He was propositioned to sign documentation for receiving company products worth 10 million Egyptian Pounds, while never actually receiving them, and getting two million pounds in return, and the consequent wrap for the crime. As the scene ended I wondered: how would I act if I were in that man's shoes? This is retired father of four, responsible for sheltering, feeding and clothing six people, as well as educating and marrying off four of them. Would I be as adamant as I am right now about doing the right thing? Would I be as crystal clear then, as I am now on what is right and what is wrong?

I am not 100% certain of my answer. Part of me hopes I never have to be, because honestly I am scared. I am scared that I will not be strong enough. I would like to think that I am. I would like to believe that if faced with a similar crossroad, and I am not at an advantage, I would still choose the hard path... the right path.

It is easy to choose when you have the upper hand. The true challenge, I believe, is when the odds are not in your favor, and you still have to choose. I do not wish this on anyone.