Should Egypt follow Obama or Jefferson?

OK, Mubarek is gone. Now what?

Well, unfortunately, folks like Glenn Beck may be too close to right. While Obama tries to tell us it's all good, we may find out that we have another Iran on our hands and this one situated at the head of the strategically vital Suez Canal. But, let's suppose the folks on the Left are right; this is a wonderful thing. What then?

The Egyptians will form some kind of a government. But, what kind of government? Should they choose a government from the mold Obama is striking here in the U.S.? Should they give their new government the power to regulate health care and force Egyptians to purchase insurance? Should they give their new government the power to hit a kill switch and shutoff the internet? Assuming they have similar branches of office, will it be OK if they have a legislative branch to write laws and an executive branch that can avoid the balancing power of a legislative branch by using czars, agencies and regulations to de-facto legislate from the executive mansion?

It's almost funny that Obama didn't support Mubarek. They have so much in common. But, in the case of Egypt, Obama has put concerns about spreading 'democracy' ahead of our national interests. Hopefully, this will work out in favor of our national interests but that's clearly not the position Obama took in the matter leading up to the day that Mubarek called it quits. He put democratic principles first.

Funny, I seem to remember him taking a different posture when similar protesting occurred a little to the east in Tehran in the recent past. Democratic principles took a back seat to an opportunity to meet with the Iranians face to face for a little love fest. Of course, consistency has never been Obama’s strong suit. One day he’s telling new House Republicans they’ll have to get in back the next he’s telling them we’ll need to work together.

If everything works out rosy in Egypt that may reflect on Obama in a positive light. His approval numbers may go up. I hate to think that any situation will improve his image. I find his image is less than consistent with the core values he’s supported since coming to office. But, I do hope things work out well in Egypt. We can’t afford for things to do otherwise.

Still, given a choice, would the Egyptians really want to go back to a quasi-Mubarek form of government, based on the Obama model, or would they prefer a Jeffersonian version of government based on the principles of liberty, freedom and limited government?