Author: Bambi

As you can see in the video shared at the end of this post, so-called anti-racist demonstrators walked in the streets of Montreal, asking to defund the police. At one point, they destroyed the statue of Sir John Alexander Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada (1867–1873, 1878–1891).

Apparently, Mayor Valérie Plante acted VERY well, although AFTER the vandalism. Bravo to her for having tweeted, stating that vandalism is unacceptable and that the police will be investigating.

The question that begs itself though is the following: Why didn’t the police (or herself if she is the one giving the orders to the police) stop those radical freaks before they destroyed this historical monument? Bambi is saying so, regardless of whom the latter represents. In that case, it is Canada’s first PM, which is not any symbol to say the least.

Today it is about Sir MacDonald. Tomorrow, it will be about someone or something else. Usually radicals keep acting more violently if there is no push back.

In Bambi’s non-expert citizen opinion, there are two possible answers to her own question above: (1) Mayor Plante/the police are afraid of radicals OR (2) Mayor Plante/the police endorse this act. Which one is it?

Can someone explain to Bambi how can an incredibly violent (and silly) act of vandalism of a historical monument advance civil rights or justice in our world?

To conclude this post, Bambi cannot help not to notice the contradiction in the news from around the world these days: The people of Lebanon are struggling to preserve their country, and with it their own lives and culture. In contrast, the people of Canada are increasingly diving into civilizational weariness and self-destruction.

Of course, radical thugs are likely serving the interests of larger players in our world, whether they know it or not. The big losers here are: (1) Democracy in our beloved country and (2) critical sense, once again.

This story makes Bambi think of the Taliban and ISIS who are experts in the destruction of historical monuments too.

Instead of destroying a historical monument, why don’t we add next to it a plaque explaining controversies? We could thus distinguish between the good or bad political decisions of this or that historical figure.

In 100 or 200 years from now, we will surely have a new reading about our current events. Will we again destroy any more recent historical monument then because of newer societal trends/values?

If we keep destroying parts of our history over and over, we will lose our memory.

No memory… No life.

Is suicide what we are aspiring for in the end?

The title of this post comes from two sources.

The first source is journalist Roula Douglas who cleverly called Lebanon “an embryo of 100 years” (in reference to the country’s 100 anniversary in its modern form).

Lebanon is indeed an embryo because it sadly seems so far away from being a mature and sustainable country. Worse. It is unclear yet if it would be compatible with life…Thus, it is 100-year-old yet unborn.

It is also an embryo because the promise of life is too fragile. Indeed, even a fully desired hope of life (i.e. a desired pregnancy) can spontaneously end during gestation, usually in the first trimester. Nothing can stop nature when it knows what it’s doing, deciding whether it would be compatible with life or not. Yet, an embryo, although VERY far from being a grown-up human being, it is definitely the most precious life project (your/our/someone’s child-to-be).

You can imagine then how much the “Lebanese embryo” is precious to a nation aspiring for security, peace, love, democracy, and prosperity. It is also precious to Lebanon’s friends in the world. Thanks for all their support!

This being said, the second source of this post’s title comes from one of the masterpieces of Mr. Gibran Khalil Gibran. It is also the title of ‘All I Longed To See’ – For The Beirut Emergency Appeal. Thank you Mary for sharing this beautiful song (in English) with Bambi this morning. What a moving talent!

In their own words… you can read:

“On August 20, the London-based team behind BROKEN WINGS, a musical based on iconic Lebanese writer Khalil Gibran’s novel of the same name, joined forces with members of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in Beirut. We filmed a performance of ‘All I Longed To See’. The song is a love letter to Beirut and Lebanon, and the show’s opening number”.

To conclude this post, please let Bambi share with you the mindset of the people of Lebanon right now, you can watch this short video (from an anonymous source). On the music of the Lebanese national anthem, we can read the following in Arabic: “Lebanon is 100 years now. It is sick, tired, and agonizing… but we can revive it again. We can heal it from its health problems. We can heal all its wounds. Yes, we can treat it with our voices. Its salvation comes from our revolt. This Tuesday on September the 1st, 2020 at 4 PM, let’s all meet at the Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut. A new Lebanon will be born again, #Anger of Great Lebanon, # I am a red line.”

Nothing more to add… just this heart from Bambi to each one of you. Be safe please!

Bambi does not know if she should laugh or cry to an article published in the National Post, signed by Ms. Ayesha Ghaffar and entitled “‘Is it in my head?’ International students recall covert racism and gaslighting in Canada”? 

And we can read under the title: “Analysis: Young adults from around the world come to Canada to pursue their dreams. Once here, their self-esteem is often shattered”.

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/is-it-in-my-head-international-students-recall-experiences-of-covert-racism-and-gaslighting-in-canada

This article wants us to believe the following:

“Canadians are perhaps uncomfortable acknowledging the racism that is deeply embedded in their society. But if a nation is unwilling to accept it has an issue with explicit racism, the question arises: when, if ever, will it recognize covert forms of racism?”

Bambi does not know from where Ms. Ghaffar’s parents (or herself) came from. Is it from a Muslim or Arab country? Well, if so, Bambi can perhaps offer her a a little paid vacation there to de-stress from all the racism of Canada ?, both “explicit” and “covert”, to use her own words. Upon her return home, during her mandatory 14-day quarantine, perhaps she can think more critically and honestly about the issue of racism. She can also compare Canada to the rest of the world… Mmm, unless she would consider that Canada is racist for asking her to self-isolate ?.

To give you an example from the article above, the author reports an international student saying that Canadians are racist because they tell her that she has a “funny” accent. WOW, how mean. How dare them be that racist? Someone once told Bambi that people are racist (i.e., micro-aggressive) in her town in NB because they ask her where she comes from?. Can you imagine how sad and narrow-minded our society has become? Just because someone is interested in your story or your journey, we call them racist. Actually, Bambi finds it so cute when local people from her town asks her spouse (when they hear his accent, see his look, or perhaps guess well that they do not know his grand-father): “Are you from far away”? They immediately look at Bambi and ask her: “Are you from very far away”? Well, they are so clever because indeed he is from far and she is from much further away.

Please give us a break and stop imposing radical views on our society through organizations obsessed with de-funding our police services and funded by God knows whom to invade our brains and destroy our civilization (e.g., BLM and the like, etc.). Despite our issues, Canadians are among the kindest people in the world. Yes, there may be racist folks here and there (you or Bambi may be one of them, so what?) but the VAST majority are not only respectful but also adorable.

When will our mainstream media return to publishing clever and constructive articles? She does not know about you but Bambi misses reading those.

She battled for her life at a hospital in Zahle (in Lebanon) for 24 days since the Beirut explosion. Five of Beirut major hospitals have been totally destroyed. The others were overwhelmed. She had to be rushed miles away. A medical team did the utmost to save her.

Sadly, she died yesterday morning at age 58.

Bambi’s heart goes to her brother and to the rest of their family. She hopes he will get the help needed to fix his destroyed place.

If she may, Bambi would like to dedicate this Amazing Grace interpreted by Mr. Andrea Bocelli (at his virtual “Music for hope concert”) to the memory of Annette. Through her, to all those who lost their lives in the surrealistic explosion.

Who knows? Ms. Khachigian may have enjoyed watching Mr. Bocelli’s international virtual concert a few months ago during the covid-19 lockdown (like Bambi’s family).

May you rest in peace Annette… May your memory be eternal.

Well, there are happy news coming out of Beirut in the middle of its darkness.

For instance, today, Nicolas (Bambi’s nephew) gives us hope about a promising future!

He gives us joy whilst reminding us of all the talents of Lebanon’s youth.

Indeed, those who regularly read this blog may recall an earlier post entitled “Bambi is a proud “deer” aunt of a “dear” nephew!” (please see the very end of this post).

On June 23, 2020, Nicolas Doghlass “graduated from the American University of Beirut (AUB) with the most prestigious distinction in his field of studies, architecture“.

As written in this earlier post: ” Of note, Mr. Doghlass and his peers graduated after a year spent in a revolution (due to Lebanon’s financial crisis) and the covid-19 pandemic.”

Well today, Bambi learned through her proud sister (Nicolas’ mom!) the following:

The Charette Architecture competition is all about the following:

“The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.”

– Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“This competition exists in an Alternate Reality. You make the rules in this realm. Does gravity exist? Do humans live on Earth? How far has technology advanced? You decide!

The aim of this competition is to explore wild design ideas – what architecture truly means and what it can achieve without any constraints. Let your imagination run wild and create spectacular designs that grab the world’s attention. The intention is to spark a conversation regarding issues plaguing the world, through design dialogue.“

“The Charette is a platform for architects to explore contemporary fronts of the architectural discourse through architecture competitions & publications.“

The above citations are taken from:

Home

To conclude this post, may all your dreams come true Nicolas! Thank you for dreaming, planning, and continuing the journey of of building a better Lebanon (and with it, a better world)! Your talent is the true face of Lebanon, which will hopefully ultimately find the courage to make a conscious choice of building rather than destroying itself. Both the beautiful tiny country where Bambi was born and you studied (Lebanon) and the magnificent large country where you were born and Bambi lives (Canada) need their talented people. However, more than ever, Beirut needs young talented people like you.

Much love and all the best Nicolas in your career and personal life!

Bambi is a proud “deer” aunt of a “dear” nephew!

As you can see in this Global News‘ short documentary (taken from an article by Mr. Mike Blanchfield for the Canadian Press), Mr. Champagne asked Lebanon’s President to move forward with real reforms.

To echo his clever words (from other national and Lebanese local media), “listen to the street” and “seize the moment“. Well said Mr. Champagne!

Many thanks Canada for your generosity and for having listened to Canadians of Lebanese roots by sending donations to NGOs helping people on the ground, that is not to the government.

Thank you also for offering Canada’s help with the investigation (through our clever RCMP experts). Lebanese people want an international investigation into the Beirut port explosion (contrary to their President/Caretaker government!).

As Mr. Champagne explained in his press conference, the RCMP did help in the past (i.e., in the investigation of the Beirut explosion that killed Mr. Hariri and many citizens in 2005). In Bambi’s last post, there was a link to a CBC article on this topic (published in 2010). If you are curious and have the time to read, here it is again:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cbc-investigation-who-killed-lebanon-s-rafik-hariri-1.874820

Merci bien/Thank you Mr. Champagne again. Safe travels back to Europe (for your next meetings related to Beirut) and then back to us :).

This romantic yet down to earth Beiruti young man is called Rayan.

He is in love with Lutchiana.

Whilst reading the 961, Bambi learned the following (https://www.the961.com/marriage-proposal-amidst-beirut-devastation/):

“On the doomsday of August 4th, Rayan Aouad was with his friends in Beirut planning for the proposal that would take place the next day in Ryan’s new bistro-bar in Gemayzeh, Luva.”

“The sad truth is that I was going to propose on Aug 5th in Luva privately with a romantic dinner. Then, we would celebrate our engagement in a rooftop in downtown with our friends,” Rayan told the961

But, the mighty explosion disrupted his perfect wedding proposal… and destroyed his Luva Bistro Bar, his Va et Vient mini-market in Karantina, his parents’ house, and his home-to-be with his girlfriend”.

Well, Rayan ended up proposing to Lutchiana three weeks after the blast.

As you can see in the picture above, they both refused to give up.  Same for all the Lebanese youth who just want to live, love, and earn a living. Some are volunteering to help their fellow citizens who lost everything (see below an earlier post on Lebanese NGOs coming together as the “true” government”). Others are rushing in front of embassies to get a visa to leave their country.

To come back to Rayan, instead of asking his Lutchiana “will you marry me?”, he asked her “will you rebuild the future with me?”

Yes, was her answer. “Mabrouk”… long live their love!

May ONLY love prevail in Beirut!!

Yes love… love, justice, and peace.

NOT corruption and political stupidity. NOT criminality. NO MORE impunity!

Sadly, how can Beirutis dream of an international justice for the victims of the Beirut blast when the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon just let the victims of Mr. Rafic Hariri tribunal down, as well written by Mr. Hussam Itani?

https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2456741/hussam-itani/hariri-tribunal-and-fate-probe-beirut-blast

The costs of that international tribunal were very high on Lebanon. All that public money paid since 2005 for what? Injured or killed innocent people (including Bambi’s relatives or friends) suffered for what? For whom? A country’s PM assassinated means a whole country assassinated… and this was followed by many other assassinations. For instance, Bambi can think of many great intellectuals, including Mr. Samir Kassir or Mr. Gibran Tueni to name a few, and a certain Lebanese police/detective hero called Mr. Wissam Eid (https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cbc-investigation-who-killed-lebanon-s-rafik-hariri-1.874820). They died for what precisely?

Anyhow, let’s end this post with what matters the most today, Rayan and Lutchiana’s love. Again, congrats/Mabrouk. Be safe please and thank you for still dreaming of building a new Lebanon!

“Basecamp: The Real Government”…”by the people for the people”

To begin with, it is reassuring to see how thorough our province has been during the covid-19 pandemic from day 1. All in all, well done. Thank you!

Well, this evening, Bambi got a personal proof of our seriousness, as a province, when it comes to public health. Why is she saying so? Because a competent and kind RCMP police officer knocked on their door to check if her spouse was in quarantine. As Bambi told him: “Merci Monsieur le policier”/”Thank you Sir” for taking care of our public health and safety“.

Well, of course, her spouse has been at home since his return from a long trip abroad. Not only him actually. She has been quarantining with him to avoid introducing the virus (if any) to anyone in our town, province, and Maritime bubble.

One must also add here that usually her spouse gets from the airport in a minute or so (whist she waits for him in the car). This time, it took a MUCH longer time because of a screening interview. So, again, well-done.

Those who read this blog regularly may recall that Bambi has criticized Canada big time at the beginning of the pandemic for their delayed response at our airports and with many other issues, namely some bad decisions like getting rid of our emergency personal protective equipment (PPE), etc. This being said, our federal government managed to catch up over time (as mentioned in another post).

Today, according to Bambi, our federal government is doing a great job! The latter is the case, even with Canada’s choice of not performing mandatory testing to all travellers like in other countries, including New Zealand or… even tiny bankrupt, corrupt, and stateless Lebanon. Another proof of Canada’s great job is an email sent by the federal government to her spouse (in NB) and cousin (in Québec) to remind them to stay at home. Thanks for this follow-up.

To conclude this post, once again, bravo NB and well-done Canada. Despite our serious national issues, we remain a beautiful country/province to live in. Bambi is saying so, even without any comparison to other less fortunate places. So, imagine with a comparison :)! This being said, let’s always aim for the best.

Until the end of this pandemic (with a vaccine), we have all the reasons to be proud of our NB and of our good public health strategies. Bambi loves our province in both normal and in pandemic times (OK, she is saying so whilst being eager for our whole planet to get rid of covid-19 :)).

Bambi would like to thank Ms. Roula Douglas for sharing this inspiring and reassuring video from Beirut. Bravo to Basecamp for their incredible initiative (“the Real Government” indeed)!

In their own words…

” Not all heroes wear capes. A group of NGO’s and volunteers joined forces to achieve what the Lebanese government failed to do! “By the people, For the people”.

“Special thank you to the heroes: @minteshreen @muwatinlebnene @baytna_baytak @embrace_lebanon @toters_delivery (a leading Lebanese delivery app operating in the region) PS: The Real Government includes other NGO’s and groups who have done a fantastic job raising funds and helping after this disaster Location?Trainstation Mar Mkhael Honorable mentions @lebaneseredcross @shaabemasouleyati @offre.joie @sealforlebanon @impact.lebanon @caritas_lebanon @nationstation__ On Aug 4, a devastating explosion in Beirut killed more than 200 people, injured more than 7,000, and left 300,000 homeless. ❗Help us share and spread the words. #talkaboutlebanon ❗ #el3ama#beirut#prayforlebanon#prayforbeirut#basecamp#lebanon?? #lebanon @cnn @beckycnn @bbcnews @bbcarabic @aljazeeradocumentary @aljazeeraenglish @miakhalifa @cnnarabic”.

According to an article published in The 961, Lebanon’s tourism sector has been hit very hard, first by the economic collapse since October 17, 2019, the covid-19 pandemic since February 2020, and finally the nightmare of the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020. The latter only made the industry lose an estimated US$1 billion, according to Mr. Tony Ramy, the President of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Nightclubs, and Pastries (Carla, Bambi is thinking of you now… ). .

Mr. Ramy announced at a rally today that the tourism institutions decided to stop paying taxes to the government. They will not abide by the covid-19 current strict two-week lock down, as an act of civil disobedience.

As written in The 961 article above:

“One Lebanese company recently announced a similar act of defiance. Rather than paying taxes to the government, the Em Sherif restaurant, cafe, and sea café have been donating their tax money to NGOs helping Beirut.”

We also learn the following from this same article:

“The tourism sector is putting immense pressure on the county’s top civil servants to resign, echoing the demands of the October 17 Revolution.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CETvweOpXk2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

Upon Bambi’s return home from Beirut in early January, 2020, she watched an inspiring news documentary, featuring Mr. Tony Ramy speaking to the Lebanese Parliament. What a clever man. If those politicians had any conscience left then, he may have helped in awakening it, at least temporarily during his short speech. He shared with them the agony of this sector. Mr. Ramy was so clever. His words were straight to the point. They did not target anyone in particular yet they were directed at everyone. Bambi cannot recall his precise words but only the impact of his powerful message, especially that tourism is a key sector of the Lebanese economy.

Anyhow, if this man and his syndicate got to this point of civil disobedience in the spirit of the October 17’s revolution, in the middle of a pandemic and with his moderate attitude, it tells you something. Yes, It tells us how much the Lebanese people (including the creative and hard-working entrepreneurs) have been impacted by the surrealistic explosion, on top of all the other tragedies hitting their country.

As one of Bambi’s friends in Beirut put it today: “Make no mistake. I may sound alive to you and I am grateful…. but I am dead inside. We are all dead alive“…. Bambi can only imagine… her own heart literally exploded with Beirut’s explosion.

According to Naharnet, the Lebanese Caretaker Interior Minister warned against defying the lockdown due to increased coranavirus cases. However, from the picture and video above and according to AFP (as reported by Naharnet): some demonstrators held signs that read “Tourism is the pulse of Lebanon” and “For us, the state vanished with the blast.”

On this dramatic note, to conclude this post with more joyful news from Beirut, an injured lady woke up from her coma today, three weeks post-explosion. Thank Goodness… and thanks to journalist Roula Douglas for sharing.

When is the turn of Lebanon’s “top public servants” to wake up from their 30-long political coma? Perhaps it would be more accurate to call them “Lebanon’s top public corrupt torturers” instead. Sadly, they have literally killed both their constitution and their own people (with their criminal negligence)… after having stolen their savings. Of course, in the middle of all this, there is the covid-19 pandemic… There is also famine around the corner (hyperinflation and now costs of reparation, etc.). Is there also the ghost of a border conflict (tonight, worrisome incidents occurred)? Regardless, once again, whether in a conflict or in the Beirut port catastrophe, one must look in his/her own accountability mirror first before rushing to blame others, even enemies. Justice for the victims must be served and lessons learned to prevent similar catastrophes.