What's going on in Egypt?

I have refrained the past few days from writing about the uprising in Egypt because, quite frankly, I don't quite understand all that is going on. All my life there have been sporadic uprisings in the Middle East, confusing events that are difficult to understand.

This past weekend we watched thousands of Egyptians in the streets protesting, heard about some who were rioting, and saw news of looting and vandalism of some of Egypt's prized artifacts. Why would the people vandalize artifacts in a museum that represented their history?

As I've watched, listened, and read, two things appear to become clearer: Mubarak is considered by some as an autocrat ... and a group called the Muslim Brotherhood seems to be at least partially behind the uprising.

Hearing some reports that claim the Muslim Brotherhood is aligned with al Qaida brings chills to my spine. Desire for democracy by the Egyptian people can be understood. However, it brings to mind the phrase, "Be careful what you wish for."

Others appear confused, too ... some say we should protect Mubarak while others want him thrown out. One commenter on a morning television program was concerned that the U.S. would line up against Mubarak who has been a reliable ally and has been one of the few friends to Israel.

ACT for America stands against violence and for a strong backbone for America. On Monday ACT passed along an article by Frank Gaffney titled, "The Muslim Brotherhood is the Enemy." Mr. Gaffney wrote:

In short, the Muslim Brotherhood – whether it is operating in Egypt, elsewhere in the world or here – is our enemy. Vital U.S. interests will be at risk if it succeeds in supplanting the present regime in Cairo, taking control in the process not only of the Arab world’s most populous nation but its vast, American-supplied arsenal. It is no less reckless to allow the Brotherhood’s operatives to enjoy continued access to and influence over our perceptions of their true purposes, and the policies adopted pursuant thereto.

There's calls from rioters that Arab leaders lined up with the United States will be toppled. Chilling words in these unsettled times....

UPDATE: My friend David sent over the following: "I was curious to see if there were any flights out of Cairo available.  There is ONE tomorrow with United.  The price is $2,739." Ouch. Of course, when you think about the value of your life, $2,739 is a bargain...