Even if “the economic crisis in Lebanon has turned the country into a failed state“, is it true that “there is light at the end of the tunnel“, to use the words of the Lebanese current Economy and Trade Minister?
It is hard to see that light of hope when we hear sad stories from Beirut each day. The latest is about the American University of Beirut- Medical Centre (AUBMC; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_University_of_Beirut) laying off over 500 staff (some local Lebanese media reported a total of 850 employees).
Is Lebanon (already) a “failed” state, at least economically speaking?
If so, how do so-called “failed states” recover eventually?
It seems logical to think that the political elite of a “failed state” must start by taking responsibility for their state’s failures, instead of blaming external forces or challenges.
Only such mindset can lead to a national reform plan. The latter (or anything that seriously looks like it) is what is expected by the IMF or any other foreign investor.
Of course, Lebanon’s road to recovery will be a very long process that will require a genuine commitment to that reform plan, along with citizen’s patience (if at all possible, despite what has been done to them!).
Without this commitment, there is NO “light at the end of the tunnel”…
Yesterday, Bambi was amused to read Mr. Richard Martineau’s funny article in the Journal de Montréal. The latter is one of the rare media where we can still read columnists with diverse opinions, along the political spectrum (e.g., federalists, sovereignists , “Trudeauist” even, ecological, etc.) Some may be more on a so-called right or conservative side (i.e., at least economically). This being said, one must keep in mind that Québeckers have historically been on the socialist (or left) side of politics like in France… so their right side is not that “right”, even if we hear otherwise in the media. This is either a misconception due to ignorance of Québec… or a pure lie ?.
Anyhow, it is the diversity of opinions that makes Bambi enjoy reading this newspaper. It reminds her of one from her childhood in Beirut, called An Nahar. The latter has been notoriously known for this diversity of opinion (she hopes this is still the case after 30 years away). We learn from each article, especially from those with different perspectives. We get a sense of the truth by reading all sides. During a civil war, such intellectual diversity is refreshing!
Bearing this in mind, before presenting a quick translation of Mr. Martineau’s article, here are some of the latest news about the We Charity saga:
“WE Charity listed
real estate holdings worth$43.7M in2018”.
“Trudeau government was willing to pay WE Charity up to $43.5M to run student volunteer grant program”. Wow. Bambi doesn’t know many charities who can afford all this, even if this organization may have argued that this helps them in saving money on space location.
Just for fun, Bambi did a quick search of our federal government’s website. She read all the letters of mandate of our federal ministers, including the “Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth”, cited above:
All the letters of mandate include a reminder to our Ministers about the Conflict of Interest Act. This is a standardized format. It means that Mr. Morneau must have received this reminder as well ?.
“As Minister, you must ensure that you are aware of
and fully compliant with the Conflict
of Interest Act and Treasury Board policies and guidelines. You will be provided with
a copy of Open
and Accountable Government to assist you as you undertake
your responsibilities. I ask that you carefully read it, including elements
that have been added to strengthen it, and ensure that your staff does so as
well. I
expect that in staffing your offices you will hire people who reflect the
diversity of Canada, and that you will uphold principles of gender equality,
disability equality, pay equity and inclusion.”
Since it is Mr. Trudeau’s second mandate (the letter is signed by him) and given his history of three ethical deviations thus far, he should have been more familiar with this Conflict of Interest Act ?.
Anyhow, here is another opinion piece about the We Charity:
As Mr. Chris Selley wrote: “similar ethics scandals might require resignations elsewhere but this is Canada“…. Mind you, it happens in Lebanon too ? or ☹ (not a good analogy for us these days!):
One may wonder why Minister Bardish Chagger has provided the information above. Is the idea of her party to eventually terminate he mandate, pay a $500 fine, and keep the head (our PM) et al.? It remains a possibility. Let’s wait and see…
Yesterday, the Deputy Minister told us the following:
“Clearly our government made a mistake… the entire cabinet bears responsibility for the WE Charity controversy…” :
Mr. Trudeau is lucky to have an articulate DP to help him look better in the middle of ethical scandals. Nevertheless, despite her good words, we want answers and clarifications. We want answers to the Ethics committee, not to friendly journalists (perhaps her former colleagues?).
This being said, here is a quick translation of Mr.
Martineau’s piece ?:
“What is
happening in Ottawa right now is extremely important.
We will
finally know if Justin Trudeau is a human being like you and me or a superhero.
THE TEFLON MAN
Indeed, if our Prime Minister goes through this scandal which is growing day by day, it proves beyond a doubt that he is a superhero with extraordinary powers.
The Teflon Man.
A creature from space that nothing sticks to.
He is blamed by the Ethics Commissioner for using public funds to pay for a little relaxation trip on the private island of his buddy, his Highness the Aga Khan?
He comes out intact!
He is blamed by the Ethics Commissioner a second time for pressuring the Minister of Justice to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal trial?
He got away without a scratch!
If he comes out of this third scandal, I swear to you, I will buy a white outfit, I will shave my head and I will enter the Order of St. Justin.
I will spend the rest of my life praising the glory of our Prime Minister.
A CHUM IS A CHUM!
For those who were too busy with the witch hunt that is currently rampant on social networks to follow what was happening in Ottawa (Who soaked his willie in a drink? Who bit whom? Who will lose his job just because his name appeared on an anonymous list?), let’s remember the facts.
[Mr. Martineau is referring to all the sexual harassment
accusations on social media, especially in the artistic community; Disclaimer: English
is neither the first nor the second language of Bambi. She just learned the
word “willie”, yes at her adult middle-age ?.
It seems to be the most accurate translation of the term “didine” in French].
Justin – who is never short of ideas when it comes to healing his image as a saint, especially if it involves public money – has a flash: he is going to create a program to encourage young people to do volunteering … by paying them!
And to manage this 900 million program, he chooses … the charity WE!
Organization that will be paid … 19.5 million for its services!
Organization whose main ambassador is … his wife!
Organization that paid handsomely … for his mother, brother and wife to give talks!
Organization that received … 1.18 million from the federal government to organize a Canada Day event in 2017!
Event that featured … the mother of PM!
Mother of PM who received … $ 312,000 from WE in the past four years!
WE who never ceases to praise the greatness and the generosity of … Justin Trudeau in its ads!
As Raoul Duguay said: “Everything is in everything! “
“MY APOLOGIES!”
Every day we learn new crisp details about this scandal.
And what did Justin Trudeau do to calm the media?
He apologized!
Our PM knew WE paid family members … but he didn’t know HOW much he paid them!
Wow.
That’s an excuse, my friends.
It’s as if a singer took the pants down and said, “I didn’t know I was putting my willie [now Bambi has learned this term] in a glass of gin, I thought I was putting it in a glass of scotch! “
I’m telling you: if Justin gets out, I walk barefoot behind him.”
First, further below, you can see the CNN worrisome story
about Lebanon.
Interestingly in it, they mention the Ponzi scheme, a regulated fraud (Lebanese government/banking sector) that has operated for decades and which is likely responsible for Lebanon’s economic collapse.
According to the Office of Investor Education (https://www.investor.gov/protect-your-investments/fraud/types-fraud/ponzi-scheme), “a Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. Ponzi scheme organizers often promise to invest your money and generate high returns with little or no risk. But in many Ponzi schemes, the fraudsters do not invest the money. Instead, they use it to pay those who invested earlier and may keep some for themselves”.
Here is a short video explaining this type of investment fraud:
Here is the CNN news piece by Mr. Ben Wedeman. Thanks to him:
Yes, there is hunger now. Plus, how can a country survive without electricity?! How can people keep their scarce food refrigerated? How can industries (or what is left of them…) and hospitals keep running? One protester talked about 4 hours of power per day ONLY. Can you imagine? It is like the effect of an ice storm that has never ended since the end of their civil war:
When Bambi visited her family in Beirut last December, a power accident happened (both the government’s electricity and the private power came together, doubling the voltage to 440!). Her dad was smart and fast enough to act to minimize the consequences. Yet, there was damage to several appliances. The scene was scary, especially that it happened in the middle of the night (like fireworks or bombs)!
What is the solution? Which entity or country will trust Lebanon enough to dare to help it again, without seeing any single promise of serious reform? Will Lebanon reform its system in the end? Is it capable of doing so, despite all the barriers? And, if so, from where to start to end the systemic and endemic corruption?
Anyhow, in the middle of Lebanon’s financial fiasco, there is the covid-19 pandemic like in the rest of the world, with increased strain on the economy. It is in this context that the Lebanese Red Cross operates to help people. Its members are volunteers who work hard to transport patients to hospitals, coordinate, and provide care in pandemics, war situations, or after car accidents, etc. They have been doing this devoted work for 75 years now (https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1225535/-nous-sommes-a-vos-cotes-peu-importe-votre-race-et-votre-religion-.html). Bless them! Mind you, the Lebanese Red Cross volunteers there are genuine ones (No, they do not get paid by a WE Charity ?. OK, that was a sarcastic comment meant for Mr. Trudeau :(!).
All this being said, the Canadian Red Cross is now helping the Lebanese Red Cross, thanks to Mr. Fouad Farès. The latter is a Montreal (Québec) citizen who came up with this idea. Bambi heard him the other day on the LA internet radio she listens to whilst working. A moving interview, to say the least. Here is his message (in his own words), as featured on the Canadian Red Cross donation portal:
“A walk for a life!
It
has been 100 days since my mum’s passing. Since her illness, 10 years ago, the
Lebanese Red Cross took care of her every time she needed to go to the
hospital. They took care of transportation and cared for her 20 times, 10 of
which during her last 6 months.
Lately,
I learned from the Lebanese Red Cross committee in Canada, that every
transportation mission costs $800. As Lebanon is going through tough economical
times, driving a dramatic grants’ reduction to the organization, I decided to
help those in need in Lebanon while ensuring them a free transportation mission
in dignity by the Lebanese Red Cross.
My
mum had 20 life chances, it is my turn to give back to those in need and raise
funds to offer 200 life chances by walking & cycling for 40 consecutive
days to cover 1500km so please:
Help me save 200 lives by helping the Lebanese Red
Cross!
Fouad Farès”
End of his message.
Below, you can find the web portal of the Canadian Red Cross, specifically designed to support the Lebanese Red Cross. Thank you!
It is unclear if he was suspended or resigned first but the bottom line is the following question: Why can’t any citizen, including a police officer (who even used another name), express an opinion on social media?
Quickly, Bambi was curious to know what was this so-called “racially offensive content”.
Did he insult any citizen who was of Asian origins? Or was that citizen Arab? Muslim? Jewish? Black? Native? Or someone from his own group, whichever the latter?
No, not at all. So, really nothing done whilst on the
job.
All what he did was to express an opinion or circulate
a video on his Facebook page.
A video showing a black citizen (perhaps even an American?) “criticizing the Black Live Matters movement” (BLM), “police conduct” considered “too soft,” and “some of the government’s COVID-19 safety guidelines”.
Without watching the video, Bambi would not be surprised if it was perhaps one stating the following: some demonstrations are not considered to be at risk of transmitting the covid-19 virus (i.e. the socially acceptable ones, of course) whereas others are more heavily portrayed in the media as a public danger (i.e., the socially non-acceptable ones).
Anyhow, guess what? Just for this, this police officer
got suspended from his position.
Does that make any sense?
Are we in an African dictatorship? In Iran, Saudi Arabia,
or China?
Or are we still in North America?
Why can’t he say “All lives matter” anymore (ALL
includes black, no?)?
He is a police officer, for God’s sake, isn’t he supposed to treat all citizens equally? Plus, isn’t it normal not to want to endorse a radical movement that is calling for the abolishment of his own employer ??
Second, related to the above movement, here is another
person (this time a business owner) in a different province (Saskatchewan)
who was boycotted for a post on Facebook against BLM, according to Global
News. Again, is this reasonable? Is this democratic?
Third, we learned that Montreal’s Saint Catherine’s street
is now painted with BLM’ slogan in both languages, “joining a global
movement”. Is this a good thing necessarily? What about those “black” citizens
who do not endorse this radical movement, like in the first CBC article above? If
so, their perspective does not matter? In other terms, does their opinion matter
only when it fits the current trendy, so-called “globalist” ideology, endorsed
by Mayor Valérie Plante?
To come back to the suspended RCMP officer, the so-called
offended woman behind this saga pretends to be too “afraid” (to the point of not
wanting to disclose her identity). Who knows? She may not even be “black” herself.
Perhaps just “too illuminated” to the point of forgetting that her own opinion
is not necessarily shared by all.
Why is the RCMP throwing its own employees under the
bus like that?
As a society, why are we allowing ourselves to boycott private businesses who are not necessarily fond of the BLM movement?
Last but not least, since when having a different opinion
implies racism?
“Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet “unequivocally denies”
allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in the late 1990s.”
“Blanchet released a statement early Wednesday, hours after the claims
surfaced in a Facebook post. The post alleges Blanchet brought a woman into the
bathroom of a nightclub, offered her cocaine and groped and kissed her, despite
her repeatedly asking him to stop.
In his statement, Blanchet said the woman should file a police complaint
if her allegations are serious and said he believes in justice for the “real
victims” of sexual assault.
The woman who wrote the post is remaining anonymous for fear of online
harassment. She told the Montreal Gazette it’s a memory that has haunted her
for years and that she “put it in a box” until recently…”
For those who do not know yet, Québec has been “hit” by a second (or third?) wave of “Me too” allegations. Some famous artists have been dumped by their managers, following accusations made on social media platforms (e.g., the talented Kevin Parent whom Bambi enjoys listening to and many others, including a woman, etc.). We do not know what is true or not about these stories. We just know that those artists ended up apologizing in public and the so-called victims did not use the justice system channels in their allegations, just social media.
One cannot help not to wonder, why are they using social
media without resorting to the justice system?
Anyhow, sadly, one story seems to strike us as true,
and of course, TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. It is the story of Mary-Mai, a famous
singer in Canada and in the world. Her horrible story happened when she was 17
(drug in a drink and assault). She seems to have “forgiven”, with the years,
but she felt the need to publicly share her story. Bambi’s heart goes to her.
To come back to Mr. Blanchet, he did so well by having
a thought for the “real victims”. Thank you for that. This is what upsets Bambi
actually: When we use SUCH serious CRIMINAL allegations as a political (or
professional) career weapon, by an anonymous accuser! We attempt (and
often succeed) to publicly “kill” the receiver (i.e., reputation, credibility, lifetime
career, etc.). Plus, one must say that the timing of all this is just so
convenient to those who would benefit, isn’t it?
What happened to the so-called “innocent until proven
guilty”? Now, it is guilty by default, especially if you are a man of a certain
group.
The “BlackNorth Initiative”: The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism is inviting senior leaders from the top 250 TSX companies, over 100 of the biggest private businesses in Canada, major banks, insurance companies, international companies who have a significant presence in Canada, and the largest asset managers and institutional investors in the nation, to take part in the inaugural BlackNorth Initiative Summit to be held virtually on July 20, 2020”.
“At the summit, leaders will be asked to
sign a CEO Pledge and deliver a statement regarding what their organization
will do to combat the issue and to make our society at large free from
anti-Black systemic racism.”
Look at the pledge below— Bambi will reply to each point
(see the bold lines).
The BlackNorth Initiative CEO Pledge, available online, asks CEOs to commit to seven goals:
1. We will increase our efforts to make our workplaces trusting places to have complex, and sometimes difficult conversations about anti-Black systemic racism and ensure that no barriers exist to prevent Black employees from advancing within the company.
What is this BS? Who invented it and where does it come from? Companies are supposed to be about excellence and productivity, not about ideologies. If a company’s values are based on respect and a commitment to merit, there is no need for this.
Plus, this point seems condescending to the so-called “black employees” (or BIPOC, as they say on their website. As a reminder, BIPOC is a category where Bambi is supposed to fit and, as a deer, she is too free to limit herself to any trendy acronym!).
2. We will implement or expand unconscious bias and anti-racism education.
Again, “unconscious bias”… the same trendy language that Mr. Trudeau, Prince Harry, spouse Megan Markle, and her Hollywood peers use ?. Another word “anti-racism”, wow a new invention of our times. Bambi is writing this and she has in front of her eyes her older guitar, brought from Lebanon whilst escaping… on it there is a large pin “stop racism”. She has it since age 17 (either from Beirut or Montreal, she cannot recall). What does anti-racism education really mean in the workplace? Why are we spending money and time for all this BS in the private sector?! So odd! Had Bambi been running a private company, she would never ever participate in such collective insanity.
3. We will share best—and unsuccessful—practices to ensure all companies have access to the programs and strategies needed to achieve true diversity and inclusion.
? or ☹. “True diversity and inclusion”. Too funny!! Hilarious! Sometimes Bambi feels like sending all these people for training to the Middle East or to former communist countries in order to learn what not do in life with all these trendy causes.
Respect of all human beings should be our value # 1 in any relationship, including working relations. A commitment to respect and merit, period!
4. We will create and share strategic inclusion and diversity plans with our board of directors. We will establish at least one diversity leadership council and make efforts to ensure these groups include diverse representation, including senior Black leaders, within our organization.
Why? It does not make any common sense. Again, commitment must be to excellence, period. Our skin colour or body form or whatever other feature is secondary.
5. We will ensure that Black communities across Canada are aware of opportunities of employment within our organization and that employment opportunities are set aside for Black people, including committing to specific hiring goals of at least 5% within our student workforce from the Black community.
NO and NO! Do not do Lebanon’s tragic sectarian quota mistakes! Again, a commitment to merit only, not even to gender in Bambi’s own company ?.
6. As a numeric goal provides real impetus for change, we have made a goal of, at a minimum, 3.5% of executive and board roles based in Canada being held by Black leaders by 2025.
Ha! Ha! Ha!!!!
7. We will set inclusive talent management goals and include them in senior executives’ annual performance scorecards.
? or ☹.
Companies
that sign the pledge will also be expected to track their progress and share
their results publicly.
If Canadian companies are as stupid as our
current PM, they may sign. Let’s hope they have higher ethical standards
though!
Yesterday evening, a friend from Montreal called Bambi.
They naturally spoke about Lebanon’s saga of political corruption that led to
the country’s financial fiasco. They also talked about Mr. Trudeau, as both
were long-term Liberal voters. “Why did you do that Mr. Trudeau?”, her
friend said.
Bambi’s friend then added: “In Lebanon, people have
been asking for the resignation of their political leaders since October, 2019.
There, even if they change them, they remain influential. At least, here if people
go to the street, Trudeau will step down immediately” ?.
Bambi smiled and said: “I am not that sure of that,
you know?”
Bambi predicted that Mr. Trudeau will say he is sorry and try to get out of this again with a little fine. He will remain in power, so will his financial minister, most likely… More than that, Canadians may even vote for him again ☹!
This is the difference between the Lebanese and Canadian populations. There, they are more lucid. They do not let themselves be deceived by the media and politicians. Sadly, this does not change the outcome.
In Canada, people prefer to keep their eyes closed. It
is more convenient or reassuring. It gives a sense of security, especially in
uncertain times like a pandemic. Sadly, the outcome is not surprising, at least
to Bambi.
If you are wondering about the title of this post, this award is the MOST prestigious one in Lebanon. Bambi feels sorry for insulting her birth country with this joke. The idea is just to show that Mr. Trudeau is not that different from those Lebanese politicians after all. He may just be more hypocritical. He may also think we are stupid… and who knows? He may be right: his apologies may work on many of us… They don’t/won’t on Bambi. He is no longer funny… He should resign. Period.
Oh, if he wishes, perhaps the “We Charity” can organize
a “We Day” for him in Beirut ?.
Whilst there, he can receive his National Order of the Cedar and get a
selfie with his colleagues!
Beirut has been destroyed and re-built seven times
throughout history.
It will surely survive again… but for now, Beirut is just tired… of being tired.
Here is a song for you Beirut by Mr. Enrico Macias (video # 1) with beautiful pictures, followed by a short movie Bambi just discovered by Mr. Elie Fahed & Ms. Carmen Bsaibes (video # 2).
Hang on Beirut! It is not for nothing that you have been called “Sit el Dounya” (the Lady of the world). Further below you can see a translation of this beautiful poem by Mr. Nizar Quabbani written during war, which later became a famous song by Majida (video # 3).
Some used to call Beirut the “Paris of the Orient” or “the
Switzerland of the Middle East”.
These days seem far away… and yet when we are a true lady,
deep inside, we remain one even in our misery. Indeed, Bambi recalls very well the
wise words that her grandmother Asma used to say: “The rich remains rich
despite poverty… and the poor remains poor despite all the richness”. She
meant the richness of the spirit, of course (not of the pocket).
Beirut you will surely rise again eventually, hoping your people will recover what has been stolen from their own pockets, along with their dreams!
Beirut Lady of the world (a poem by Mr. Nizar Quabbani)
“Ya Beirut
Ya Beirut…Lady of the World
We
confess to the one and only God:
That
we were envious of you
And
your beauty was harming us
We
confess now:
We maltreated
you and we were not merciful
We
did neither understand you nor excuse you
We handed
you a dagger (or knife) instead of a rose
We
confess to the just God:
We
injured you and made you tired
We
burnt you and made you weep
We
burdened you O Beirut with our sins
Ya
Beirut
The
world is not enough
We
now know your roots are deep within us
We
now know what our hands had committed
Rise…Rise…Rise
Rise
from beneath the rubble
Like
an almond’s flower in April
Rise
from your grief… Rise
For revolution
is born from the womb of misery
Rise
from beneath the rubble
Rise
in honour of the forests
Rise
for the love of rivers
Rise
in honour of the rivers, valleys, and mankind…
