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Saturday, 28 Apr 2007
Today is going to be the day that I've been dreading for quite sometime now. Today is the day I walk away from this blog. Done. Finished.
There are many reasons, each would take a post to list, and I just do not have the energy to list them. As anyone who has been reading this blog for the past month, I think it is apparent that things are not the same with me. There are reasons for that:
One of the chief reasons is the fact that there has been too much heat around me lately. I no longer believe that my anonymity is kept, especially with State Secuirty agents lurking around my street and asking questions about me since that day. I ignore that, the same way I ignored all the clicking noises that my phones started to exhibit all of a sudden, or the law suit filed by Judge Mourad on my friends, and instead grew bolder and more reckless at a time where everybody else started being more cautious. It took me a while to take note of the fear that has been gripping our little blogsphere and comprehend what it really means. The prospects for improvment, to put it slightly, look pretty grim. I was the model of caution, and believing in my invincipility by managing not to get arrested for the past 2 and a half years, I've grown reckless. Stupid Monkey. Stupid!
And speaking of the state of the egyptian blogsphere, it has been pretty depressing in its own right. One has to wonder at some point the futulity of being a keyboard warrior in a country where nothing seems to matter to its people anymore. At the same time, there has been those amongst us who have loved the fame and the attention, and are now becoming the egyptian blogsphere's equivelant of Paris Hilton: They are famous for being famous, peddling the same stories and not really presenting anything of value to the debate. And then there is the fact that we are entering the "Iconogrphy" phase : We are becoming Icons. Too much Media attention, too many american organizations claiming to champion our causes while they are cashing out in donation from people gullible enough to believe them, too much hype generated by us and others, so many of us tooting our own horns and even crying wolf at times has made Icons of us. We now have young bloggers who come up to many of us "Old Guard" and tell us how they are such great fans of ours, and how we are their role models and heroes and how they are starting to blog because of our "courageous example". And there are those of us who are buying into it, taking in undertsudies to placate our big heads, hooking up with groupies to feed our egos, acting as if we are the warriors for change we are made up to be and forgetting why we started blogging to begin with. It seems that we are entering a state of transformation, and we should either 1) evolve, take the next step whatever it is, 2) stay the way we are and risk becoming carricatures of ourselves or 3) quit. Not knowing what the next step is, and needing time and space to figure it out, I chose the only other option that made sense: I quit!
So here comes my apology to those of you who read me: I am sorry. I really can't continue to do this. You guys have been the best readers anyone could hope for, altough there are some of you who made me come close to shutting down the comments section many many times. I love you all for everything you have done for me, for all of the egyptian blogsphere. When I asked for your help, you gave us more than a helping hand. You cared. You gave a damn about a bunch of egyptians who had a dream to be free and stood by us in our houres of need. For that you are my heroes, and I can not possibly thank you enough.
May the day comes when I rant once again….
Love you all,
The Sandmonkey
April 28th, 2007 at 11:28 am
There’s an undercurrent of noise that bad things are about to happen in Egypt. I don’t know, it could be just noise. There must be an ex-pat Egyptian society over here. Perhaps New York. New York will totally amaze you. Don’t worry, the pyramids will still be there when you get back.
April 28th, 2007 at 11:37 am
It’s been great, Sandmonkey, but you gotta be safe. Maybe you should take John’s advise and get out.
April 28th, 2007 at 11:42 am
This is going to be sad. I was hoping that blogs would be able to overcome barriers, but I forgot what it was to live in a dictatorship.
What is there to say? Come back any time!
Best,
April 28th, 2007 at 11:47 am
Dammit!
April 28th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Cry …cry …cry …..bey bey big hug to you
April 28th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I’ve been a long-time reader, but this is my first time commenting.
Just wanted to say, whatever issues I may disagree with you on, you’ve provided a great insight into my homeland-of-origin every day. It must have taken a lot of courage and effort; we’re lucky that you’ve managed to keep doing this for as long as you have.
So thank you, take care, and all the best. Hope to see you on the ’sphere again someday.
April 28th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
He who fights and runs away, may live to fight another day.
Hugs.
April 28th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
A small flicker of light in the middle east goes out…
Good luck Sam! Let’s hear from you again soon!
April 28th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Rantings of a Sandmonkey: Done
Another great voice is being silenced by the intimidation of its own government… Today is going to be the day that I’ve been dreading for quite sometime now. Today is the day I walk away from this blog. Done. Finished.Read the entire post. It is sad…
April 28th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Really sad to read that :(… I just emailed you for the first time today, suggesting an alternative idea of blogging sorta or being in opposition in general.
email me your response if you want.
April 28th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I’m going to miss you, Sam. Stay safe. And come back soon.
April 28th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
sad, I was almost getting in use to recognize the members of this cosmpolitan place ; during this past year, I have learn a lot, I met some people whom I never thought that would happen, and for whom I hope it’s reciprocal ; well, take time to think about your future and your safety ; don’t forget to let us know what you’ll become
April 28th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Thank you Sam for allyou have done to increase our education of life in Egypt. If you can ever get the visa thing to work, you have a room here…
Apply to SUNY Stony Brook for a Masters degree. We live up the street. Take it from there.
My whole family wishes you the best.
April 28th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
We’ll miss you Sam. But most of us would rather hear this than get the word that you were in prison. You’ve got our addresses. If you restart, give us a call. And even now I say, be careful.
April 28th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
God, it’s great to be an American. We don’t appreciate free speech enough. Wish you were American too. Thanks for all you’ve done/written. May it not be in vain.
April 28th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I’ve been reading this blog regularly since June last year, I found your posts to (almost always) be witty, intelligent, informative, and showing a vastly different perspective on the Middle East than what the Mainstream Media likes to show. Good luck with whatever you choose to do now, and may you blog again in better times.
Cheers
Adam Lakeman-Turner
April 28th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
My comment did not show up. Please excuse if I double post. I said:
God, it’s great to be an American. We take free speech for granted and people we disagree with annoy us but we are free to speak. What a great country.
I hope all you’ve done and written is not in vain. Wish you were an American too. Take care.
April 28th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Sandmonkey,
I’ve been following middle-east affairs for over a year now, and have been truly impressed how you have articulated your views to your countrymen and the international community with such bravery, honesty and excellent writing skill. It is extremely sad that your voice has been silenced.
You will be missed. Good luck!!!
April 28th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Sandmonkey, I cannot tell you how terribly sad I am that there won’t be anymore ranting monkey roaming Egypt. I will go to Cairo for some research soon and frankly do not know how to cope without your ruminations then.
As hard as it will be to do without your wonderful blog (despite your position on Sarko, mind you!), I really think that your safety comes first. Do take care, do not despair, there are better times ahead and I firmly believe that it is people like you who make things happen. Should you ever be in need of a place to stay in Berlin, you are most welcome.
All the very best + keep strutting!
April 28th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I have not been a reader for long, not ever commented until now, but I’m sorry to see you leaving the ’sphere due to the circumstances around you. Hopefully you will be able to start again once conditions in your country improve.
Good luck and stay safe.
April 28th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Sandmonkey:
I run the Small Wonder web site in the U.S. (www.smallwonder.tv) and I’d be happy to freely erect a mirror Sandmonkey web site over here for you to email material to from anywhere over there so to reproduce your blog without being cornered in one place. I can’t promise I can reconstruct it as beautifully as you’ve done yours but at least you’ll have an outlet to continue with. You can contact me via jimwg@mac.com or from the Small Wonder page’s fan forum.
It’s a damn shame and sign when a whole government’s so intimidated by a web site!
Keep your chin up and flag high!
James Greenidge
April 28th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I just want to thank you for giving me insight to your part of the world and taking risks that no one would ever feel is a risk in this country. I think a lot of people in the US are so misguided when they believe that our country is evil and yet when fine people such as yourself are forced to not speak the truth we find that indeed we are lucky to have been born in the most free country in the world. I feel blessed to have been born here and I am distressed when I find that others do not enjoy the same freedoms I do. I hope that you will find such freedoms in the years to come and will pray for that day for you and all of your brothers and sisters in the Middle East.
April 28th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
God speed, Ya SM,
Maybe when the heat is off you could come back under a new name and blog. May God help you with the blog withdrawal symptoms :-).
Salam ya bob……
Neshoofak 3ala 7′eir ya she2ee2…
April 28th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
That sucks! Just when I was getting ready to delurk in order to argue with you about NIN being “punk rock.”
Why don’t you start a private mail group on Yahoo? I’m sure a lot of people here would like to continue conversing…
April 28th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I’ve been reading your blog since the cartoon debacle, though I’m not much for commenting. You and BP have been my principal source for news from the middle east west of Iraq for some time now. You will be missed.
How about a last shout out of other political/cultural middle eastern bloggers? You’re leaving a vacum.
April 28th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Do not let them win. Continue the fight!
April 28th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
No!
You are my eye in egypt.
I’ve just started reading.
I’m just a student of the mideast, and you are a valuable teacher.
May Jesus Bless You,
April 28th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Another brilliant voice has gone down, because of governmental pressure. It’s a shame. SM, do always know that we’re here for you, and if you can come back to the blogosphere, someday, we’ll still be here for you.
I know it wouldn’t be easy, but try to look into the whole visa thing. Whatever your choice, always know that there will be a place for you here in America, and the American blogosphere.
Best Regards,
Brennan
AmerPundit.com
April 28th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Oh man. A truly dark day.
I’m literally getting on a plane in an hour and a half - headed to the Middle East, and you are one of my favorites from the region, SM.
Even if I don’t comment on every thread (usually for time - not interest - issues), I’ve read everyone since I’ve found your blog, as it’s become one of my daily stops on the net.
Just because you’re stopping (hopefully temporarily), please don’t stop writing. If I can make a suggestion: write a book. You will still have a forum for creative outlet, you can do it quietly and anonymously without external threat - and when you’re done with it, maybe (i know, i know) the situation will have changed significantly enough that going public won’t be such a bad thing.
But you are too talented to let the thuggery keep you down.
All the best and I truly hope to come here in the not too distant future and see either a post titled:
“Done. NOT!”
or just a series of post because you’ve changed your mind.
Best of luck in whatever you choose to do. This is a pretty dark day, though.
SCJ
April 28th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Best of luck to you Sam. I’d love to see you back in Boston at some point. Too bad there are so many assholes in the world–but then again, what would keep us going if there were not?
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON, SANDMONKEY
April 28th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
hooking up with groupies to feed our egos
You say that like it’s a bad thing…
You’ve changed, man.
Seriously, I’m actually a little depressed at this - I’m getting a de ja vu feeling of the whole Dave Chappelle incident.
You have to do what is best for you, of course, but “evolve, take the next step whatever it is” sounds better than quitting.
Yes, there are issues. But you’ve identified them - and self-awareness is an underrated ability - it can help you get past all of it.
Be more cautious (including of some of my fellow Americans who might be using you), don’t buy into the hype that you yourself have identified as a problem, take adulation (although well-deserved) in stride, be more choosy with your groupies (is this really all this is? woke up one morning after some serious beer goggling, felt dirty, and had to hang it up?), and continue being a voice of reason and reform - and the usual hilarity!
I respect your decision - but will miss your blog.
If you’re ever in Washington D.C. - feel free to email.
Best of luck, SM!
April 28th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
hooking up with groupies to feed our egos
You say that like it’s a bad thing…
You’ve changed, man.
Seriously, I’m actually a little depressed at this - I’m getting a de ja vu feeling of the whole Dave Chappelle incident.
You have to do what is best for you, of course, but “evolve, take the next step whatever it is” sounds better than quitting.
Yes, there are issues. But you’ve identified them - and self-awareness is an underrated ability - it can help you get past all of it.
Be more cautious (including of some of my fellow Americans who might be using you), don’t buy into the hype that you yourself have identified as a problem, take adulation (although well-deserved) in stride, be more choosy with your groupies (is this really all this is? woke up one morning after some serious beer goggling, felt dirty, and had to hang it up?), and continue being a voice of reason and reform - and the usual hilarity!
I respect your decision - but will miss your blog.
Best of luck, SM!
April 28th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
It is with heavy heart I learned of your decision to stop blogging.
Thank you for your courage and for providing much good information.You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
I will hold you in my heart and pray for you always.
April 28th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I just discovered you and you are shutting down. May God bless you and watch over you and may Egypt become a nation that allows the freedom that all individuals should possess. It is no accident that the Fist Amendment in the US Constitution is Freedom of Speech - - we are now trying to hold on to those rights with the understanding that “eternal vigilence is the price of freedom.”
Will look for you again, pray soon….. from upstate New York…..
April 28th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Dammit! This news is just breaking my heart. Sandmonkey, you are a beautiful person, and I’ve really enjoyed every minute I’ve spent here. Your personality, your wit, your keen eye for the ridiculous, would make you a perfect fit as a commentator on FOX news over here in the States, seriously! It breaks my heart to know that a F’d up government causes people to be deprived of gems like you.
After all this time reading here, I feel like I’m losing family. Your “family discussion” posts have had me laughing until I’ve had tears in my eyes. I’ve prayed for you and your family, and I’ve learned so much. YOU have been such a huge blessing to me, my husband, and so many other folks who’ve found a home here. Dammit! Sam, please take care of yourself, and if you can, from time to time, post somewhere (Michael J Totten’s blog, for instance) and let us all know that you are doing okay.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Egyptian government=feckless leaches of human liberty.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I am a regular reader and extremely infrequent commenter (maybe once ?). But I have always admired your courage to continue with this blog in an environment very hostile to free speech. I certainly understand your decision to stop before you offend one too many governmental nitwits. Thank you for your blogging, and I hope to see you reincarnated somewhere soon.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Take care my brother.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Today is a sad day for the international blogger community! One of the most intelligent and courageous voices of the middle east is calling it quits.. you are such a gifted and smart person you will make your way! In a free country or in the industrialized west you would make it to the top! So why not move? Don’t waste your talent!
I/we hope to hear from you in the not too distant future! All the best and take care!
April 28th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I started reading just after you started publishing. It’s been a blessing in many ways, because you’ve prepped me for some of the maddness that comes from marrying into an Egyptian family.
walla, I’m going to miss you something fierce.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
It is not nice to make a grown man tear up Son.
You keep your head down, our prayers and good wishes go with you.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Well, damn…..I’ve enjoyed reading your work…
Sorry to see you stop, but it’s understandable.
I hope all is well with you and yours.
Watch your six.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Sam,
Man, I’m really sad to hear this, but, as much as I have relied on stopping by your blog daily for an intoxicating shot of humor and trenchant analysis, your personal safety is more important to me. We at Iraqi Bloggers Central were one of the first blogs to promote you in the Iraqi blogosphere (Mojo J. Sandmokey Goes Super-Aggro Upside Raed’s Head (January 31, 2005) because you were simply one of the best, thoroughly unique, and refreshingly unpredictable blogs around.
Also through IBC, here is Mister Ghost’s interview with Sandmonkey:
The In T View: Sandmonkey (May 5, 2005).
from your old pal, the Psycho Sicko American,
Jeffrey
*
April 28th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
t’was fun while it lasted O glorious Sand-simian! hopefully you can use this time to safely rest, regroup, and relaunch a new bigger, better, enterprise.
the state dept is so gonna hear from me about their lack of support for you guys. poo on them >:(
April 28th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
NO!!!!!!!! Please say it isn’t so.
I was afraid this moment would come sooner rather than later! SM, brother, I’ve been following your blog ever since the Egyptian elections two years back and I haven’t missed a post! And now you’re done. Where the hell am I gonna get the “real” news on Egypt???
This sucks, but of course, I totally understand. It’s funny, I’ve never met you (yet) but I have been terribly concerned for your safety over the last couple of years. And considering that you DO live in Egypt, I understand the move. Plus, I’d imagine it’s really hard to keep up such an awesome blog, with a ton of content, for so long.
Habibi - You will be sorely sorely missed! Take care of yourself and stay in touch.
Until we meet…
April 28th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
I’m so sad. Seriously will miss your writings monkey. Chapeau for everything you did and god bless you!
April 28th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
WTF! I wish you well and hope to see you around the blogosphere (bloggatory) again someday soon. Perhaps another nom de plume? Let’s hope so. I have enjoyed your “rantings,” even though I’ve really only been a reader since this past fall. You have enlightened my outlook on Egyptian politics and I thank you for that. Good luck and stay safe.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
[…] « Vale Mstislav Rostropovich The Sandmonkey exits April 29th, 2007 One of the best bloggers anywhere is hanging up his […]
April 28th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
[…] done. […]
April 28th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Heavy heart, lump in my throat, tears streaming down my face.
I completely understand your reasons, but I can’t comprehend societies that tear the very heart out of it’s own peoples.
Freedom loving people all over the world are in my prayers in my heart.
{{{{{Sand Monkey}}}}}
April 28th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
love you too ):
April 28th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I’ll miss your rants, but safety comes first. Be well, stay safe.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Good luck to you. Be safe, and I hope to hear from you again, maybe another blog at another time
L8
April 28th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Take care man. A sad day this is, but you’re a good guy, so be safe!
April 28th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Well… I am going to miss the snarkyness . Time to use the emergency escape money huh.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
I’ve read your blog from the beggining and it’s sad for me to see you go. Hopefully you can work something out to continue. We all understand that it’s you life not ours that could be in danger.
Best of luck wherever your path leads you.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Hey Sandmonkey… think of it…
“What resolve can torture break ?”
and also think….”Will you be your answer to your children’s, when they will ask, why you let them into enslavement. why you gave up so early…”
————We got this democracy after too long struggle—————–
there were few at imperial side, and few at victim side…. but today majority of world is democratic, they have been fooled by Media, by communist, and also by our politicians…. i know, its hard for you… but don’t give up hopes… there are still ways..
here is something, perhaps it will help. though i m not nationalist… but think of democratic world…. every one is not made to follow blog way, some have to link, some have to fought in democratic front inside court… some had to fight in police and Army, and even some had to fight inside politics…. but come on, there is still space…. some one had to join democracies against Islamofacist states…. Hope you got… that there is still a lot of work… just you need to secure your friend circle… here is a small poem, from a indian revolutionary…. perhaps it will help.
The desire of Sacrifice…now Rules our heart….
Its time to test the power… of the enemy’s blade…
come the time, we’ll leave… for the world to see…..
What joy there is…. in obsession……
in pursuit of the goal….The desire of Sacrifice..
now rules our heart… The desire of Sacrifice….
As we hang to..the last threads of Hope…
trying to hold on to…..a dream we dream together
What resolve can torture break ?
What resolve can torture break ?
The flame of Sacrifice..burns inside our hearts..
Now put to test the strength…of our enemy blade.
Did you see the writing in the skies ?
Our resolve weakens the enemy…
The spirit of Sacrifice…..
In our blood we will etch our history,
From the tyrants we shall redeem our land, our skies..
Imbued with the spirit of sacrifice, fear not even death..
you are young, and our motherland is threatened..
should you stand mute witness ?
witness, every heart carves to perform the ultimate sacrifice..
The flame of Sacrifice..burns inside our hearts..
Now put to test the strength…of our enemy blade.
Like the fragrance of the grain….
we will live in every crop our farmer raise.
Like the humming of life…
we will live on the breaths of every generation to come.
every generation…every generation …. to come.
The flame of Sacrifice….burns inside our hearts..
Now put to test the strength…of our enemy blade.
come the time, we’ll leave…for all the world to see…
what joy there is ..in obsession……in pursuit of the goal.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Dear Sandman:
Thanks for all the good you have done via your blogsite; and may it be that you come online again one day to keep the flame of thoughful and passionate commentary from an Egyptian perspective alive.
Binks, WebElf
Canada
April 28th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Forget that blogger navel-gazing stuff dude, the part that matters is that your safety is at risk. Lay low and take care of yourself. This is a great loss.
April 28th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Well, this is a sad day indeed.
Anyone can blog, but not many have the balls to do it from a country where it can cost you dearly to challenge the ideologies and politics of that place. You’ve got heart Sam and they’re taking nothing from you if you should choose to keep your head down. To paraphrase something from the film ‘McVicar’ : “You may not have won this one, but you were the best fuckin’ second the world ever saw”
I’m sure I could speak for many here that have come to know you when I say that, should you ever need a hand……. Just call, mate.
Stay safe, friend.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Never underestimate the long term power of what you and other Middle Eastern bloggers have done, Sandmonkey. For a brief moment in time, the whole world got to see the humanity and kindred spirit of an young Egyptian, who was damned funny to boot. You made so many, many people realize that we are all the same. I don’t think for a minute that you will never return to blogging. The War on Terror, as it’s inappropriately named, is going to last as long as it takes to bring freedom to your part of the world and believe me, it IS going to happen in your lifetime. Lazy ass stupid leftists in the West will not stop it, no matter how hard they try.
You are probably too young to remember Prague Spring, but I do. This was your Cairo Spring. The Egypian version of the Soviet tanks are rolling in right now to bring back the winter, but perhaps by the time your children are as old as you are now, you will see freedom, just like the Czech Republic has it now.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
So sorry to see you abdicate… Yours was one of the finest blog and we shall all miss you - contact me on my private address - would love to keep in touch.
Salamaat wa kalamaat
April 28th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
What the fuck!!??!?!
Nooooooooooo………..
Is ok, you will rise again, I know it.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Oh, and another thing, Sandmonkey. I’ll never forget the game of blog tag we had that day way back when when we were jumping back and forth between blogs. That was great fun. If you ever land in North America again we must try and connect somewhere.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
All your blogs are belong to us.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
We’ll miss you SM. I’ve been reading your material for quite some time and I always got a kick out of it. You opened my eyes and others to what really goes on in your country. Thank you for that
April 28th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
So very sorry to read this. Your blogsite is always so interesting, and I’ve enjoyed it, as I am sure others have; but it is not worth your safety. Lots to do in the U.S. - so welcome if you decide to come here. With best wishes for you, always, and I will pray for you. Mariro
April 28th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
I hope you go undiscovered and wind up safely some where. You’ll be missed by your many friends inthe US.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
sandmonkey,
please be safe i willmiss you i will check every day and pray for your saftey, i am very sad
April 28th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
A long time reader and first time responder. So sorry to learn you’re quitting sandmonkey but I can’t blame you. You’ve given me a whole other aspect into your society and I’m grateful. Thanks for everything and good luck in the future.
Perhaps sometime in the future yoiu will return. In the meantime…
God Bless you, your family and friends,,
aine
April 28th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Nooooo….! Damn! shit…..F#@#!
SM you’ve changed completely my view of the Middle East. The brightness of your spirit, the people I’ve listened to ranting here along side you, the window you opened to your world all captivated me. I realize I haven’t posted here much, my knowledge of the region so limited I felt ill suited to expressing an opinion.
It seems so inadequate but… I just want to say thank you and keep safe buddy.
Barry
April 28th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Bummer! we’ll miss ya. take care.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
I feel terrible for you, your friends, and all Egyptians whose hope for the freedoms that should be granted to all men and women has been dashed to pieces. Maybe it is time for you to leave Egypt, for awhile at least.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
When I first read your blog, I’d thought, this is great! Egypt’s farther along than I’d thought. But, I guess that’s not the case, the government there chooses to regress to the past. We lose a very wonderful voice from your country. They couldn’t have asked for a better ambassador. Egypt’s loss.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
You will always be one of my heroes. Happy trails til we meet again.
April 28th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
[…] “Today is going to be the day that I’ve been dreading for quite sometime now. Today is the day I walk away from this blog. Done. Finished. .. One of the chief reasons is the fact that there has been too much heat around me lately. I no longer believe that my anonymity is kept, especially with State Secuirty agents lurking around my street and asking questions about me since that day.” […]
April 28th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
You’ll be back. Either here in the US, somewhere else upon our globe, or in Egypt. You’ve already proven that you are couragous just by having this blog. Now, with this step you take, you prove that you are not foolhardy. Bravery and wisdom are qualities that tend to encompass a meaningful life, whatever your time here may be. My prayers are with you. May God bless you, keep you safe, and above all, may God move you toward Him with each choice you make, for, if He does so, and you follow, you are free. No imprisoments can bind the soul that belongs to God. Again, thank you for your tremendous nerve and hard work. May you have peace and fortune and meaning all of your years.
April 28th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
You will be missed my friend.
I hope the day will come where we in the Arab world will be able to voice our concerns without having to continuously look over our shoulder.
I am pretty sure that with the likes of your efforts, we will achieve success; it might take a couple of generations, but at least the seed is now firmly in the soil.
Good luck my friend, and thanks for the time you have taken to blog so far.
April 28th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Ok I understand wat u said and I totally respect it
though I cant hide the bitterness
u hve the right to fear and hate all wat’s happening
but monkey WTF r u doing!…. blogging aint about being a hero of an icon, u were mostly ranting , telling ur point of veiw which I may hate or love but I like to read, u were also a gr8 source of news for both pple who r living inside or outside Egypt
+ it’s not that bad to be an icon for some pple and to encourage them to feel free and write too,
I wont accuse u of being quitter coz u r not
I wont tell u to keep a low profile while blogging
I’ll miss ur links and videos and black sense of humour
I dunno wat to tell u, it will be selfish from me to tell u not to stop blogging
just remember the reason u started blogging at the first place
u TC and Be Safe Sweety, C U
April 28th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
My respect for you increases everyday…
It is a noble sacrifice that you just did. Not only did you recognize what most of the Egyptian blog-sphere is turning into, you decided not to be a part of it anymore. You always make a statement. And one of your strongest statements is currently being made - by quitting. I hope people realize and actually comprehend what your trying to say and do by quitting. I do believe there’s always something to do and I know that you are not giving up on your beliefs - you’re just evolving…maturing…reevaluating yourself and the channels in which you can actually do something… I know you’re not giving up - we wouldn’t let you.
The Monkey never dies…
April 28th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I will miss you! Please don’t be a stranger! I hope you decide to come back!
Much love,
Red Tulips
April 28th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
this is the saddest thing I’ve heard all week
April 28th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
its been great reading you…..from israel….good luck
April 28th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
I am one of the last people to say I am ashamed to be an American, but the idea that we give so much money to such a crappy government does shame me. I am so sorry that we don’t put strings on this money, like say “free speech”.
I have learned a lot from you, and about the truth of the “arab street” good and bad. I hope that some time in the near future you will be able to continue. I also hope that if the worst happens and they arrest you, that somehow the word will get out and that some folks here in power will do something about it.
April 28th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Retreat, if you must … fight another day.
This is a sorry day. I’ve read your blog for more than a year. I will miss it. But there is no sense/use in becoming a martyr. Be like gras in the wind … good luck.
Gerry
April 28th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
I am so sorry to see you go, though of course I understand your decision. Thanks for the great blogging and I really hope to see you blogging again in the future. Maybe someday there will be peace and freedom of expression all over our part of the world. Sh’Hashem tishmor aleicha! (May G-d watch over you).
Daphna, Tel Aviv
April 28th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
G-d bless, Sandy.
April 28th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
I have been reading this site for news from Egypt for a long time and it sucks (not as bad as prison) to see it go. If you feel like you didn’t accomplish your objective take heart in small victories. If you had asked me what I thought about the M.E. before I read a few blogs I would have wanted to destroy everything. Now I can’t say that I wouldn’t feel bad if it happened.
Maybe you should leave and start an ex-pat egyptian blog. If you decide to go to the U.S. rember to take lots of water and travel at night. We will know it is you if someone named Javier shows up in Cali and starts a blog about Egypt.
Take it easy, drink plenty and don’t work to hard.
April 28th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I seldom comment, but have always enjoyed your information, perception, and rants. I have shared them, through links, with many people.
This is indeed a sad day, eventhough I understand how you came to make your decision.
Just keep fighting the bastids, even if you have to do it in another, and safer, way.
Freedom is the natural yearning of man, and the ’sheep’ in your country need to be reminded of that.
My sincerest best wishes to you.
April 28th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
[…] Nachrichten aus Aegypten Der Sandmonkey gibt auf. In seinem Abschlusspost Done nennt er seine Gruende. An erster Stelle steht, dass er befuerchtet, ins Visier der […]
April 28th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Sandmonkey, you left us better than when we came, and I will miss you.
If you truly fear for your wellbeing and a search is possible, it might be time to lose the old hard drive so that it can never be retrieved. I’m sure your security officials have someone who can retrieve stuff you don’t want them to retrieve. That’s called evidence, and in your country (or mine) you don’t want that presented in a trial. I speak as a security official. You wanted a new computer anyway, right?
Best of luck.
April 28th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Wait…you mean people were listening to *those* phone calls? Nice.
I’ll miss your posts, but not as much as I would miss you if you were put in prison.
Love to the Monkey…
April 28th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Standing by Sandmonkey!
Till you return. Stay safe from the thugs!
April 28th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Sad!
Now go find another outlet for your creative spirit!
I´ve been reading you since the cartoon days - and it´s been a blast….
April 28th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I’ve been reading your blog daily for almost a year now, I even read all the posts in your other blog as well. I must say it was great while it lasted.
All the best… may we one day exist in a society where man is free to share his ideas without the need for anonymity or the concern that he will end up in jail. The blogger revolution has started, and it will go on. Till then, hang in there.
April 28th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Never say never, maybe just, until a later date. As so many posters here have stated, you’ve opened my eye’s to so much. To so many differing and valid opinions. If the Egyptian government knew the good you’ve done for Egypt’s reputation they would give you a medal not surveillance. You blog was a well enjoyed routine in my daily journey. A way to wind down from a hectic day in the evening or a way to get ready for another day in the morning and converse with people from all over with experiences and opinions from all over. Such a pity to throw it all away after all the effort but I nor anyone else can question the decision about your safety. Take care, keep your ideals high and return someday when things have improved as they surely must. We will miss you Sandmonkey
April 28th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
[…] of the finest ranters known. Friend of the world, and valuable info source for all things Egyptian, Rantings of a Sandmonkey has called it quits. In his last post, he explains why. Today is going to be the day that […]
April 28th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Peace. Be safe.
April 28th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
I will truly miss your