It has been 39 days since thousands of Egyptians began rallying in the streets across Egypt against their government, and only 21 days since their president stepped down after a 30-year rule.

And as the world has been watching these events unfold, so have Josh and George Saied, seniors.The parents of the Saied brothers moved to the United States from Egypt in the eighties. The family has been paying close attention to the crisis in Egypt.

“The American side of me wants to keep Mubarak,” Josh said. “But the Egyptian side wants democracy.”Josh said he and his family usually go to Egypt every other year, and are supposed to go next summer, but most likely won’t be going because of the current unrest.“The bad thing is Egypt could end up being a theocracy,” Josh said. “Or this could mean a new Egypt that’s better off in the long run.”

The Saieds still have family in Egypt. Josh said their family has just been trying to stay out of the way of the protests for their safety. So far, at least 365 people have died as a result of the unrest, according to the Egyptian Health Ministry. “Our family disagrees with Mubarak,” George said. “I just hope it doesn’t become like another Iran.”

Eva Johnston, AP Government teacher, expressed concern about the transition of power in Egypt, and their ability to meet certain preconditions linked to successful democracy. “They do have a pretty literate public and an educated elite,” Johnston said. “The thing is, there’s lots of poverty in Egypt.”

According to the CIA Factbook, 71.4 percent of Egypt’s population is literate. However, Egypt’s annual per capita income is only $6,200, ranking 136th worldwide. Johnston said she doesn’t think the Egyptians know what they are getting into.

“The desire for freedom is one thing, but knowing what to do with it is another,” Johnston said. “Democracy is difficult.”

President Mubarak, who stepped down officially on Friday, Feb. 11, first came to power in 1981, implementing a martial law that never seemed to cease.

“He basically said ‘as soon as things settle down, I’ll lift this’,” Johnston said. “In 2005 there were some constitutional reforms, but Egypt is still just an illiberal democracy.”

But despite these concerns, Johnston is faithful the revolution in Egypt will end peacefully.

“I’m just an optimistic person,” Johnston said. “I think it’ll turn out okay.”

At this point, the citizens of Egypt face decisions on how to restructure their government