Away from the political scene, but deeply influenced by it, there were recent incidents when people were injured and some lost their lives.
It may not have caught the headlines outside the country, but these individuals were fighting over flags, flyer's and posters. Over symbols.
Whenever I have a meeting or an interview I made a rule to pay attention to the flags in the office. There were very few occasions when I have seen only Lebanon's flag. Each party, movement, group has its own flag and logo. That in itself may not be a problem, however what does it say about the country? Does it express its diversity? One could say so, but then how to explain the fact that people lose their lives while defending a flag or a poster?
Politicians managed to politicise every single aspect of the public, civic life.
Through their inflammatory speeches they bring a segment of their followers to go the extra mile. Then I see them paying condolences and talking of martyrs. Putting or taking a flag away is not a war. Those individuals should not have become martyrs. They were supposed to have a normal, decent life. What happened? Lack of accountability from the political leadership.
What does it mean in 21th century to be a follower of Hizballah? What about March 14? What does it mean to be an Aounist and/or an FPM-er? Or what does it mean to be a follower of Suleiman Franjieh and others? The concept in itself is bothering. Why a follower? How are these individuals better than the average guy from the street? Because they were born into a certain family perhaps? Or is it because of their wealth? Or because of their actions in war times? Bottom line. We all have a mind of our own, so why not use it? One should follow a certain idea, political platform, programme, but not a person.
After a generous Iftar on the outskirts of dahyeh, the capital's southern suburbs, I asked my friend is she is a supporter of any of the groups or political parties. “I wait to be represented as a Lebanese, not as a Muslim and not as a Shia“, her answer was.
“Most likely that is going to be in a century time,” she went on saying, if Lebanon will not be burned to the ground or sold out by the arrogant Sayyeds, irresponsible Sheikhs, Beyk's and holier than though leaders.”
When I asked how she feels about May events, her usual calm was replaced by anger.
“The blame is on all. These so-called leaders pushed Lebanese to fight against Lebanese. What were they thinking?! I thought Beirut is going to be ashes only to see them at Doha kissing and hugging, as if nothing has happened. They create the chaos and they are the first to hide or run out of the country when the waters are too agitated for their taste. We are left behind to deal with the consequences. That is why, when I was invited to stand in cold and in heat for Hizballah, and before that, for AMAL, so that we can show our strength in numbers, I always said no. I refuse to be a clapping puppet for either. Let them treat us as humane beings and let them act as real leaders not the jokes they are now, and then I might be willing to join a group or a party.
What did they bring us except misery and sorrow?”
There is one question people should ask these leaders: What did you do for me? And simply return the favor when election time comes.
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