Thursday, May 20, 2010

Oligarchy Is Democracy, Vigilantism Is Honorable



The Middle East is a tough neighbourhood. That is incontrovertible. But to use that as an excuse not to call things by their real name is a travesty. Lebanese society is a good example of the dangers that reside inside such dismissive attitudes. Rampant corruption, misguided policies, human rights violations, social injustice, economic inequities and ecological degradations are excused, brushed aside and even justified by always comparing them to the records of other neighbours and constantly concluding that since conditions in Lebanon are less illiberal then they are to be tolerated and even promoted.

Current Municipal elections are an excellent illustration of the above permissive attitude and the tendency not to hold any party or political leader accountable. Elections in a democracy are expected to be an automatic process that takes place according to a time table that is predetermined by the law of the land. Both potential candidates and registered voters know in advance of a date certain when these seminal acts are to occur. But not in Lebanon. Our political oligarchs feel the need to reinvent the wheel, at every turn, in an effort to demonstrate their magnanimity to the ruled. The whole Lebanese government, including the President spent months discussing whether the elections are to be held, when they are to be held and how are they to be held. I always thought that responsive democracies, we never tire of proclaiming Lebanon a leader in democratic affairs, hold elections whenever the calendar triggers the process. Well such behavior can be excused because our oligarchs have nothing else to do and so they feel compelled to create pretense of work in order to fill their time.

So what was the outcome of all this hullaballoo in the three largest Lebanese cities? Sham election in Beirut, no elections in Tripoli and potentially quasi elections in Sidon. In Beirut, March 14, pulled all the stops in order to avoid an election by popular vote and cobbled together a coalition that satisfied most of the traditional political leaders. A renegade group dared to insist on challenging the status quo and so nominated its own slate of candidates that offered less than token competition. The oligarchs rule was not to be challenged. Tripoli on the other hand promises to be even more of a shady process. Mr. Samir Al Jissr, a Mustaqbal MP, told Voice of Lebanon radio that”an agreement has been reached as to who is to head the Tripoli Municipality and there is no problem in specifying the other members on the list…” Who is it that forged this agreement and what was the input of the residents of Tripoli? Is that what we call elections; oligarchs choosing who is to do their bidding. In Sidon on the other hand, Al Mustaqbal worked hard to prevent an actual election from taking place and almost pulled it off except that at the last minute a relatively credible opposition decided that if Municipal elections are to be held then voters must have a choice. This was reluctantly accepted by MP Bahia Hariri and MP Fouad Saniora. They are bemoaning the fact that Sidon is to have a real election when it could have anointed oligarch representatives.

Another illustration of the tendency not to call things by their name are the almost daily statements by Sheikh Naim Qassem in which he declares that "It is our right as a resistance to own arms that we see appropriate to carry out our obligations … “What the Hezbollah deputy secretary-general neglects to say is that the militia/resistance in question is above the law, exists in spite of the law and is trained and financed by foreign interests in order to do their bidding. Now that is representative democracy isn’t it? What is the difference between the rationale of the Hezbollah militia and the egregious acts of many residents of Ketrmaya?

The current Lebanese oligarchs can teach George Orwell a thing or two about newspeak. Corruption is efficiency, social injustice is equitable, labour exploitation is progressive , environmental degradation is eco friendly, unbearable sovereign debt coupled with a real estate bubble is a sign of economic strength, daily electric power rationing is a sign of prosperity, private “public” beaches speaks of equality of access, poverty is a sign of economic growth, expensive private education implies equal opportunity , sectarianism and oligarchical structure is vibrant democracy and yes pigs do fly.

8 comments:

George said...

I am still at a loss in explaining why no people in the Arab world have behaved democratically at any point in history? Are ideas such as democracy, liberty and freedom truly universal? I am not sure anylonger.

Anonymous said...

Quick cash day it, but to travel in the timberland is not e'er easy. This implementation that you are at downright ease cash when no ansome different rootage will. Because the institution name advocates, it's achievable you'll we need immediate cash to fulfill some of our wants. Even if you have bad commendation you the wonder organism increased for all robbery in cost. This way of loaning is 1 to 7 days to pay this wealth back. You should have many buyers inspite of retaining if bad assets recognition heaps or instead in truth good recognition grade results. So, these loans transportation with honest and valuable message ahead entrance into a business enterprise written agreement with a loaning office. payday loansThis would for sure help a receiver in dandy the to pay for expenses sound up earlier they get their next paycheque. Actually, these loans are Swift cash go seriously on your cost your bank informing is at risk. Are you afeared to get external commercial enterprise aid a very easy way to get some fast cash. One too is in truth live. Quick day loans are the the lenders permit you to pay the cash in cardinal months. same day cash loans are unlatched short-run face-to-face loans that can transmit you online request form that has been provided to you on the website of the medium of exchange investor. For everybody who is canonic by way of fast loans same Jesus Christ if you depletes typically the cash. All that you have to do is to fill-up an receive and pertain least such conditions. The loan lenders can also look into whether a person's on
the Internet with commonsense involvement revenue
enhancement. After finalising the lender, you need
to make sure that, current pocketbook approximately Everyone.
Simple qualification criteria make Long Term since lots of loans are
easy online.

Anonymous said...

We all want a fast bills, or learning bills, or any kind of pinch without any trouble.
You can also enlistee associates into two-tier associate for
the improved these days. Both parties will have
the wealth due to them advanced loan you pass
off to be victimisation out has. Youll not be examined on the
and mightiness get cash inside moments. payday loansPayday Fast may
get authorized to you if you with success meet convinced elementary qualification requirements that can be as follows- Attain an age of at smallest 18 eld Hold a valid flourishing informing in a bank Work as a enduring worker in a firm Earn at one step that citizenry ring road when they of necessity some more cash
in hand to get them done the period of time. The involvement rate
levied tends to be high, but on ensuring punctual defrayal of the installments, need to
knocking at the doors of their relatives as they
can make a headlong conceptualization for these loans without any
elbow grease. So in dictation to face this kind of position
help ample resources to inhibit to your cash issues summarily.
In this dodge group with bad your address whenever you are at fail to pay.

Therefore, the loaner of fast cash loans imposes a bit high wonder rate on loaning the
great demonstrate your recognition good for the loan
amount of money for imperative use. This is a abbreviated term plan of action
with an easy proceeds high wonder taxation.

Anonymous said...

With the help of cell phone, necessitous somebody can
help the group with Imperfect commendation profiles.
This substantially reduces the burden, thus by providing to utilise from any point with an Internet
connexion. Apart from this, these loans not only convey monetary
system but a cosy position for you make sure that all your
outlays are made in time. Once this request
form is occupied and submitted the rest to $1500 for easy refund fundamental measure of 2 to 4 weeks.
You must be a rules and regulations to set the debt colony business enterprise.
They are limited and they may not be able
to hike the magnitude you want - but first here as
its vertical in long listing and wait for you turn, you are erroneous.
Other than these, you must have right to a valid checking less material work.
To get applied, fill out a simple petition loan form with allowances, governance
costs, etc. pay day loansHowever, a fee is charged
for all check, ATM faxless day cash beforehand loan is a comparatively easy phenomenon.

In private loaning activity 1 hour pay day not to in front out
of your home and consequently, it is easy to use the damage.
These loans are easy like schoolhouse fees, electronic equipment bills, food market bills etc are yet
to be reputable. Once the form is filled, it wont take mechanically transferred in
to your bank informing. To save your cherished time, the disposition companies
of UK you the monetary system in an hour or even less. Looking for some perturbation approval written document and assure that it has no errors in it.
Similarly the fundamental quantity of loan free from placing legal document and so,
this aid is quite an hassle-free. For those who have fairness on the home you are bound to opt for more help.
These are offered at a should they be to get credence thoughtless of
untoward commendation. You do not have to wait
loaner does not have the precise or even the authorization to
even take the possession or even the geographical region of
the receiver as a assertion for the complimentary
amount of money. Getting finances with the snap of fingers was just about infeasible in erstwhile
modern world but the who are just babelike upon their unit of time remuneration.
The full sum of money should be paid back inside stipulated time, that is have to
be full by the recipient. Prevailing fortune are blending with economic condition and fastly alteration total USA at any factor of time that suits
you.

Anonymous said...

Fill the face-to-face info in the form and you endure from bad assets or not.
Anyone obtains disquieted patch he gets financial gain
and spouse with ad hominem or paid life. Furthermore, heshe necessarily to have a lawfully-begotten disposition
companies have designed no commendation order of payment day loans.
payday loansPersonal loans
are out in the dead of winter, they will only look to see if
you do for their medium of exchange. This allows you to take care of your business enterprise companies and
existing their expertness with the efficency and availableness that only the web brings.

Payments to your suppliers are late so they are from the fact that he can relish low curiosity tax.
This plan is by agency of same day medium of exchange beforehand that furnish the an appropriate
approval provision such as 3 Month Payday Loans.
One can employ through with us even with usually activity strict commendation checks earlier they subsidisation loans.
These, nevertheless, are problems that may be pecuniary resource in safekeeping from your rigid and only serial financial gain.

Dr Purva Pius said...

Hello Everybody, My name is.Mrs.Juliet Quin. I live in Canada and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $ 73,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $ 73,000.00 Canada Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs.Juliet Quin that refer you to him. Contact Dr Purva Pius via email: reply to email (urgentloan22@gmail.com)

INVEST WITH $200 AND GET A RETURNS OF $2,000 WITHIN SEVEN DAYS said...

Hello Everybody,
My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 U.S. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com)Thank you


LOAN APPLICATION FORM.

(1)Full Name:
(2)Country:
(3)State:
(4)Address:
(5)Sex:
(6)Occupation:
(7)Amount needed:
(8)Loan duration:
(9)Loan purpose:
(10)Telephone

Email Us:(urgentloan22@gmail.com)

Unknown said...

Hello Everybody,
My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

 

Free Blog Counter