EGYPT: Why is big business both there and here so opposed to the new constitution going before the people?

Morsi Aide: Businessmen and For-Profit Media Firms Behind Opposition

Posted on December 10, 2012 by willyloman

by Scott Creighton

Muhammad Rifaa al-Tahtawi, Morsi’s chief of staff, told CNN that it’s a small group of well placed businessmen and media moguls who are behind the political disruption taking place in Egypt right now. It’s these wealthy elites who are against the ratification of the new Egyptian constitution. This statement, according to CNN (and I have written about this as well) comes just days after the so-called “opposition” rejected Morsi’s agreement to meet with them and their further calls for violence to stop the constitutional referendum.

Considering the populist nature of the new constitution, this is not unexpected. For those out there still trying to “pass” as alternative while claiming Morsi is the “new pharaoh” in Egypt… suck on it. You were wrong.

“You have the majority of the poor people, the simple, definitely for the president and for the constitution,” Muhammad Rifaa al-Tahtawi, Morsy’s chief of staff, told CNN on Sunday.
“You have a majority among the elite who are not for this constitution. Businessmen, media people. They are definitely a small minority, but powerful minority.” CNN

“Protesters rallying in Cairo against Islamist President Mohamed Morsi say they are still using peaceful tactics for now — but that their opposition movement could soon tip into violence.

“We will use any means necessary to bring down the regime,” warned Ahmed Dewedar, 25, a protester camping out in the capital’s Tahrir square. “There will be no stability until our demands are met.” AFP

Why is big business both there and here so opposed to the new constitution going before the people? Why are the poor, which were horribly exploited in the neoliberal U.S. friendly system of Mubarak, so supportive of the new constitution?

All you have to do is READ IT to find out… but here’s a little teaser:

Chapter Three: Economic Principles

Article 14
National economy shall be organized in accordance with a comprehensive, constant development plan, ensuring the increase of national income, enhancement of standard of living, elimination of poverty and unemployment, increase of work opportunities, and increase of production.

The development plan shall establish social justice and solidarity, ensure equitable distribution, protect consumer rights, and safeguard the rights of workers, dividing development costs between capital and labor and sharing the revenues justly.

Wages shall be linked to production, bridging income gaps and establishing a minimum wage that would guarantee decent living standards for all citizens, and a maximum wage in civil service positions with exemptions regulated by law.

Article 17
Industry is an essential asset of the national economy. The State shall protect strategic industries, support industrial development, and import new technologies and their applications.
The State shall foster small handicraft industries.

Article 18 The natural resources of the State belong to the people, who have a right to their revenues. The State is committed to preserving such resources for future generations and putting them to good use.

State property is not to be disposed of. The franchise to use, or the commitment to a public utility, can only be granted according to legal regulations.
 All money with no owner belongs to the State. English Translation New Egyptian Constitution

The two “S” words that strike the most fear in neoliberals across the globe are both used in one sentence… “social justice” and “solidarity”

The right to employment; more equal distribution of profits; protecting national industry; blocking privatizations by decree of constitutional law; minimum wage laws; guaranteeing a decent standard of living to the people; wages increase as production increases as a rule of law; protecting consumer rights; protecting the rights of workers.

Are you starting to understand the drive to negate this constitution yet?