Egypt - 2012

So, I read a NYT story today saying that 19 Americans were being charged with meddling in Egypt's politics. The actual charges are not known to me as the news stories are interbred and refer to other reports so I cannot comment directly on the charges.

My first reaction was to advocate cutting 100% of aid to Egypt and to call for a State Department restriction on travel to Egypt by US citizens. Then, I stepped back and took a look at our most southern neighbor, Mexico. Mexico has very strict rules against foreigners engaging in their political process and I am okay with that. How would we feel if Iran (say) was directing funds to any US presidential candidate? I feel that we need to step back on this. Now, if the Americans charged are being selected because of their perceived connections to the Obama administration, like the son of Ray LaHood (who is an idiot, IMO), we should put pressure on them (even though Ray LaHood is an idiot) ;cutting off foreign aid and restricting travel would be a good start. If they are guilty ...