A small analogy between Beirut, Lebanon and Sackville, NB, Canada:

In Beirut, behind this wall (“of shame”, as called by the citizens), politicians are “hiding” from the protestors in the Parliament of Lebanon.

In the town hall of Sackville (NB), the clerk working with our municipal politicians is hiding behind a “$7,800 glass partition” as the “the aluminum and tempered glass barrier is needed for greater security” (https://warktimes.com/2016/11/10/sackville-councillors-set-to-tighten-security-at-town-hall/).

Politicians may sometimes share similar characteristics across countries or jurisdictions. Populations may differ. For example, perhaps the people of Lebanon also began by being apathetic. However, the surrealistic level of corruption over the last decades provoked an unprecedented economic crisis. The people woke up from their “coma”, to use words they use themselves. They revolted in the streets.

Lebanese politicians may be afraid of them because they are like a mirror reflecting their own vices.

Instead of cement walls, they need “concrete” bridges of communication to truly reassure the population and find solutions to problems.

This being said, will the Lebanese financial rescue plan expected tomorrow from the new government succeed in reforming the country, as aspired by its population?  

Bambi would like to comment on the following article in NB Media Coop by Ms. “Hannah Moore”: Universities funding planetary destruction.

If readers from the Middle East or from another “hot” part of our planet see this title, they would imagine that Canadian universities fund nuclear wars, armed conflicts, or deliberate physical destruction of nature or property ?. Hopefully, this would not be a turn off for them, if they are dreaming of immigrating to our beautiful country or to come to study here.

OK luckily, this is not what this article is about. It is “just” about St. Thomas University’s endowment fund of about $1 million in fossil fuel industry stocks.

First, Ms. Moore’s article starts by pointing out to the hypocrisy of higher education institutions. Indeed, she wrote that “higher education teach the science of climate change and the social and economic aspects of environmental degradation and yet they continue to invest in fossil fuels and profit from these industries”.

The author seems to have a valid point here. However, perhaps this apparent hypocrisy would have been mitigated had (1) our schools produced more critical (and creative) thinkers, and fewer trendy activists, to address critical issues in a broader way, that is without falling into the trap of dogmatic thinking and (2) our funding agencies supported more research on important matters such as environmental problems. Yes, more science based on rigour, ethics, and diligence, without risk of radicalization and roboticization of the producers or consumers of that science.

Indeed, scientists are researchers, not politicians. They are supposed to translate scientific knowledge to decision makers (and other audiences). Students are critical learners first and foremost, that is before resorting to or beginning a career of activism. Their critical thinking is essential as it is their natural antidote to the eventual risk of becoming bullies of political correctness.

Second, despite the funny title of this article, it is generally well-written. Perhaps, the paper would have been stronger had it included references, especially in lines 5-7 (to show us the scientific evidence).

It would have also been informative to stop to think about the cited UN statement about global heating that must be kept to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Why 1.5? Why not more? Why not less?

Bambi is not an expert in neither climate change science nor politics. She just uses her rationality to question scientific (or so-called scientific) claims in order to understand matters.

This being said, let’s assume that 1.5 degrees Celsius is the magical number indeed. How would we ensure concrete solutions to the problem of global warming? Even if we divest tomorrow morning, how will this translate into actual solutions?

Third, the article states that “the student-led campaign at STU has gathered unanimous support from the Students’ Union and the Faculty Association. Both groups agree that STU should discontinue funding, and profiting from, the fossil fuel industry.” Great but is the word “unanimous” the most accurate term here? Precisely, what was the voter turnout and what was the precise result”? It would be informative to have this information.

Fourth, Ms. Moore talks about how our oil companies are so powerful and influential. There is for sure some truth in her claim (although there are usually small, medium, and large companies in any sector). Despite this, should we kill our whole economy in our aspiration for a cleaner, greener planet? Can’t we aim to diversify our economy instead whilst working on our research and renewable energy commercialization?

Finally, Bambi could be wrong, but her understanding is that the Irving Oil Refinery is not a publicly traded company. Ms. Moore talks about the significant economic and social power that makes many New Brunswickers afraid of speaking against it. Maybe for some, who knows? But how about all those who do not wish to speak against it (even if it is far from being a “business angel”, so to speak)? Those who earn a living from it or because of it? Or those who care for both our environment and economy, even without any ties to this company?  

The latter may include some people who, like Bambi, may have mixed feelings at times: On one hand, they are fond of the success of such a Canadian giant. On the other hand, they may sometimes question some of its practices or influences. Regardless, Bambi has always hoped to see us diversifying our economy to make room for more competition. Healthy competition would foster the success of new entrepreneurs in our province, ideally even in a sustainable renewable energy sector.

Bambi would like to quickly comment on the following article by Mr. Rex Murphy in the National Post and the video by Mr. Ezra Levant:

Rex Murphy: Ezra Levant wrote a book critical of the Liberals. Now he’s being investigated

It is shocking for Bambi to read this story and watch the video below. Why? Because it is absolutely against the essence of her blog, which is all about freedom of thoughts.

We seem to be living in a soft dictatorship, if we stop and think about it. Today the Liberals are in power. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Indeed, governments come and go. However, countries stay. To do so, national institutions must remain independent and at equal distance from all citizens (e.g., Commissioner of Canada Elections, etc.). Bambi is saying this, regardless of the colour of the actual government. This is secondary to the main issue here: FREEDOM.

Mr. Levant has the right to write any book he wants. We are free to purchase it or not, to agree with him or not.

The last time Bambi checked the world’s map, Canada was in North America, not in the Middle East (thank Goodness). So, why is the current behaviour dangerously similar to other practices elsewhere? Why don’t we keep on setting a good example of tolerance and freedom to populations that so desperately look up to us?

There are times when collective life becomes too difficult. One of them is when we hopelessly see the economy of one’s country suddenly beginning to collapse (i.e., its supposedly strong banking sector). This what happened in Lebanon on October 17, 2019.

As a result, people panicked; a bank run occurred, which means that people tried to withdraw more money than the banks can provide them. The population took the streets, revolting against ALL their corrupt politicians; with the clever slogan of “Everyone means everyone”. Frustrated by capital control, some turned their anger on the banks.

Three months later, no serious measure seems to have been officially taken (yet?) by Lebanon to navigate its way out of the crisis.

Even with a new government in place, the situation remains ambiguous as Lebanon’s debt clock ticks (March, 2020).

How do the people of Lebanon keep hope alive? How do they keep faith in their country in such circumstances? Bambi wondered when reading the news. With this question in mind, she received two interesting links from her sisters living in Beirut.

In the first one, she enjoyed the lucid explanation about the Lebanese bank run by Mr. Pierre Jovanovic (French content), even if it is sad to hear:

The second link is a brief video, by Ms. Dana Hurani, more fun to watch called “Do not worry. This is Lebanon”.

To conclude this post, Ms. Hurani’s artistic production reminded Bambi that hope is a choice. Hope is process (re-choice over and over, even after moments of despair). Hope is a risk… yet it is a must.

Bambi has said it before. She sadly thinks that the Israeli-Palestinian peace may perhaps see the light when her grand-children will die (P.S: Bambi does not have kids).

After reading the latest developments, namely Trump’s so-called deal of the century (https://www.whitehouse.gov/peacetoprosperity/), Bambi decided to present a counterplan to it as follows:

1. Enough of hatred, blood, and stupidity. Both parties must commit to peace and justice immediately, despite the tragic history/actual reality.
2. Two separate states: Israel AND Palestine.
3. Israel should stop the colonization NOW, period (not just freeze it for the next five years).
4.  Jerusalem will be the capital of neither Israel, nor of Palestine. This is necessary to extract the religious component from the conflict, to be fair to everyone, and to calm down all the religiously overzealous folks on all sides. If need be, Jerusalem may be put under UN administration (from neutral countries) for the next five years to calm everyone’s spirits. If both parties are mature enough, no need for such a measure.
5. All the Palestinians abroad (refugees) will have the personal choice of: (5a) Returning to Palestine, if at all realistically possible and if they wish so; (5b) Deciding to become citizens of their host countries (including Lebanon); or (5c) Immigrating to North America OR Europe, if they prefer.

End of Bambi’s peace counterplan ?.

Bambi would like to quickly comment on the beautiful article in the Sackville Tribune by Ms. Katie Tower entitled “Brother reunites with refugee family in Sackville after three years apart”:

https://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/news/local/brother-reunites-with-refugee-family-in-sackville-after-three-years-apart-403767/

“Mabrouk” [= Congratulations] to the Hussein family for this happy reunion! Bambi is happy for them! Once again, she says welcome to Nokar, wishing him all the best.  

Bravo to the “Sackville Refugee Response Coalition” and the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for making this story a happy one.

The generosity of Sackvillians (and by extension Canadians) is to be commended.

As for the Middle East that Nokar left behind, Bambi’s heart aches when she stops to think of the sad catch 22 reality of that region of the world, at least in several of its countries. What is the lesser evil: Dictators or Islamists? Is there a way of fixing the Middle East’s issues at the source to avoid human suffering?

 

The beautiful picture above was published in the following article:

https://www.saltwire.com/weather/cindys-snapshot/cindys-snapshot-a-deer-enjoys-the-truro-snow-402569/

This post is of personal interest to Bambi (it is always nice to see relatives featured in local newspapers :)). More seriously, Bambi is always fascinated by wildlife. We are well served across Canada, especially in our beautiful Atlantic provinces.

As of Truro, in the nearby Nova Scotia, Bambi loves this place: https://www.truro.ca/ .

It is hard for her to put a finger on the exact reason but she often finds herself literally “dreaming” of visiting this town with her spouse. A couple of times, she has convinced him to do so and they had a great time there. No, it was not only because of Truro’s delicious fish and chips (Murphy’s!). It is a charming place to discover. Plus, they have wonderful memories with Bambi’s parents there. They also enjoy the town even when they have to drive there to visit its hospital. Last but not least, it is the half-way point between Sackville, NB and Halifax, NS. What a nice stop to refresh, whether we are driving or commuting by bus or by train.

All this being said, deer do not really distinguish between provinces and territories. They are all over a natural habitat by definition. Sometimes sadly, they are dead bodies on highways, hit by cars or trucks. Other times, they are delicious meat on our plates.

To conclude this post, Bambi would like to thank all the deer of the world for their existence. Mind you, her (human) mom and dad also appreciate deer. After all, they chose her own name (the real one), based on an Arabic poem honouring a deer that a hunter (the poet) could not kill. Because he found it too cute, he preferred to set it free at the very last minute. This is how he ended up writing a famous poem about it.

In the interview below, Mr. Mhanna talked about citizen awakening. He also highlighted the crying need for strong anti-corruption signals in order to restore national and international trust. He also acknowledged that the “the new government does not represent the aspirations of the demonstrators”.

These are interesting insights by a journalist who is a natural defender of the freedom of the press and of free speech.

Indeed, without being familiar with Mr. Mhanna’s own work, Bambi has the utmost respect for his foundation, a legacy of Mr. Samir Kassir.

Mr. Kassir was a Lebanese-French professor of history at Saint-Joseph University and a journalist. He was cowardly assassinated in 2005.

From a Wikipedia page, we can read the following: “Kassir was assassinated using a car bomb in a Christian part of Beirut on 2 June 2005, just a few days after the general elections. The investigation into his assassination is still underway, but to date no one has been indicted. Since he had been constantly receiving threats from Lebanese and Syrian Intelligence Officers, there is widespread speculation in Lebanon that the perpetrators were the Lebanese-Syrian security apparatus or remnants of this force (as Syria has claimed that all its intelligence officers were out of Lebanon; in addition, the head of the Lebanese security forces had resigned). The Syrian government has denied these charges”.

This being said, best wishes to Lebanon in both the short- and longer-term. May fiscal accountability, democracy, justice, common sense, and… peace prevail.

Nadine Labaki on Her New Film “Capernaum”

Although Bambi’s family decided not to exchange Christmas gifts this year (due to the economic crisis in Lebanon), everyone kindly sent with her souvenirs to her spouse, all made in Lebanon. This is how Bambi got to watch “Capernaum” with him this evening, a Lebanese movie subtitled in English and/or French (thank you Roula :)!).

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and nominated for an Oscar in 2019 , Director Nadine Labaki’s most recent movie tells the story of Zain (“Zain al Rafeea”), a Lebanese street boy who sues his parents for “the crime of giving him life”.

As shared by Ms. Labaki in the interview above, Zain is a Syrian refugee boy in real life. What a talented boy! An what a beautiful smile in the very last scene (contrasting with his sad eyes throughout the movie).

All the actors and actresses, younger and older one, are remarkably skilled (yet mostly, if not all, non-professionals). The movie is captivating, to say the least, in addition of being brilliantly moving.

Bravo to Ms. Nadine Labaki!

Will Lebanon know how to get rid of its cancerous corruption at the top management level?

Will it show serious efforts of transparency, fiscal reforms, and better governance?

Will it provide evidence that it deserves an external helping hand to save it from economically falling apart?

When will the people of Lebanon finally get basic services (i.e., electricity 24 hours per day), like in any normal country?

When will the Lebanese political class accept to change a failed sectarian system they exploit, hide behind, or pretend to dislike but… cannot change?

Will Lebanon’s political leaders, now hiding behind this new government of apparently smart folks (of technocrats/academicians), be politically interfering behind the scenes? Or enough with their shenanigans?

Whether they are/will be interfering or not, will they all finally learn to put their country first, that is before any other loyalty?

Talking about loyalties, will the powerful players in the region remain powerful in the next few years? And if so or not, how will this affect tiny Lebanon?

Last but not least, what if this new government surprises us by succeeding in winning the confidence of the Parliament, the street, and of the entire world? Will Lebanon truly learn to maturely move forward once and for all? Or will it keep surviving from one crisis to the next?

Bambi’s brain is full of questions right now. Like everyone, she is holding her breath, hoping for the best for this beautiful country.