January 28, 2011Dear Sir,Earlier this year, after returning to Bermuda from Belarus where I was caught in the political violence in Minsk, I wrote a brief “Dealing with Political and Mass Demonstrations”.In that report I warned Western and Eastern leaders that one of the most recent divisive issues we see in Spiritual Diplomacy was the issue of “freedom of assembly for political purposes”. I stated in my report that Western Democratic leaders approve as a matter of right the use of mass protests and political rallies as a legitimate means to change or influence public policy. Eastern and non Western governments see mass demonstrations as disrespectful to the government and an insult to their leaders with public policy being made in the street and not in the local Assembly or Parliament.Spiritual Diplomacy regards government authority as legitimate to keep peace and order under the rule of law. We are disturbed to see mass demonstrations turn into mob rule using the right of assembly for destructive purposes. The right of assembly includes the right of a free press and mass media to responsibly address political grievance, and that freedom extends to the internet and social networks. However when those institutions or networks use their power irresponsibly the established governments democratic or otherwise will react violently to ensure their survival.Egypt has an elected presidential six-year term government of 454-seat parliament with about 20% of the seats belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood Party. The country has compulsive voting along with an elected “Shura Council”. The voter turnout is under 50% but still is democratically representative.If we in the West support the overthrow of an elected democracy by a mob it will send a message all around the globe that the rule of law in a democratic society can be successfully challenged.We in Bermuda must also be vigilant to have a responsible free press and find ways to resolve answers to our conflicts within the rule of law so the risk of violent and emotional destruction of protest do not get out of control.MICHAEL A MARKHAMSmith's Parish