The garbage crisis is getting worse every day and is affecting all of us, yet when activists call for a demonstration against our corrupt politicians, barely anyone shows up. Even though most Lebanese are frustrated by the current situation and by the incompetence of our government, very few people are turning up to the protest. Yesterday during Kalamennas episode, Minister Mohammad Machnouk seemed very relaxed even though he still didn’t come up with any solution and hasn’t been supportive of recycling initiatives at all! His arguments made no sense at all and the worst part was when he suggested reopening the Naameh landfill but he couldn’t care less because he is not feeling threatened and probably won’t be by all these protests, even though #YouStink activists placed garbage in front of his house asking him to resign.
We need to hold our officials accountable for their actions and since elections are out of the question for now, we need to either take small actions or/and take the street. Unfortunately, the young generations, especially university students, don’t seem too concerned with what’s happening. They’d rather be attending a beach party and a color festival than going to a protest. I can understand people who don’t like to protest when the objectives are not clear, or because they don’t have time due to their family and work obligations, but that doesn’t apply to school and university students who should be more engaged than that. If their parents won’t let them demonstrate, they can start by recycling at home and forcing their municipalities and their neighbors to do the same. They can organize activities in their tows, raise awareness and volunteer to help recycle.
We will never be able to change anything in this country if we don’t start making small changes and taking drastic measures against our government and corruption. Trending a hashtag and sharing a post or a picture do help but they are not enough especially in Lebanon. If anything, officials here often brag on how corrupt and incompetent they are which is quite sad.
All in all, I think #YouStink activists are doing a great job and their movement is still going strong but it won’t be for long if politicians agree on a “solution” soon and if they get people confused. I heard yesterday that they are calling now for early elections which is not a smart move if you ask me. The only thing that might trigger a change is a large demonstration and a series of synchronized protests all around Lebanon. We need drastic measures and we need young and enthusiastic Lebanese to take the initiative and get things done. Moreover, we need the media and our celebrities to serve as role models for the younger generations and join the protests.
So should we attend the protest on Saturday? Of course we should and we need to encourage everyone to do the same. See you all there!
Lebanon needs 6.5 BILLION “Man Years” To Pay-Off His Public Debt Of $71 BILLION “A Mathematical Impossibility” the debt is growing faster than the economy at a rate exceeding 500%.
One doesn’t need to be well-versed in economics to see that the country is heading for bankruptcy.
Please check the one and only solution to save Lebanon from those corrupt politicians…
1-Cancelling impossible to repay debts.
-The people of Lebanon must take to the street and must not go back home until all banks get nationalized.
-All government officials must be forced to resign.
-The old government must get liquidated and government of the people must be established.
-The people of Lebanon must vote to deny payment debt created by the bankers.
-All who were responsible for degrading our livelihood must get arrested or face criminal charges.
-The people of Lebanon must settle in a new constitutional assembly to rewrite the nation’s constitution aiming
on avoiding entrapment by debt-based currency foreign loans.
2-Transparency in people’s government spending.
-This makes it accountable for their actions and inaction becomes easier to pinpoint and address.
It also discourages corruption in the system which will be beneficial to its citizen’s.
3-Taxing the rich more and the poor less.
-Redistribution of wealth will be an imperative step in eradicating poverty and inequality.
4-Prioritizing programs that target fundamental human rights.
-Every individual should have access to free education, affordable healthcare, housing, electricity
and clean water.
-Guaranteeing a living wage based on the amount an individual needs to earn to cover the basic
expenses comprising the cost of accommodation, food and public transportation.
– Ensuring a comfortable standard of living during retirement.
5-Building self-sufficient economies.
-Investing in Lebanon resource based economy of common heritage.
-Investing in Lebanon environmental engineering system.
-Transformation to technology innovations in renewable energy.
-Investing in agriculture and farming developed systems.
“The farmers are the backbone of our beloved country Lebanon”
6-Involvement of the media and schools.
-With effective media coverage of any issue may endanger both our citizens and our environment.
-Education also has the power to bring about social changes such as fights against racism and sexism.
7-Adopting The Venus Project Life System.
-This will maximize the quality of life rather than profit.
لبناني
i think ,for some, these demonstrations mean alot more than just removing the trash, its a statement that this political system has failed in everything. These people in power are only there because they are self-sustained only through sectarianism. A country where a president or a politician is assigned first most because of his religion or sect rather what accomplishment he has put through is insane. A secular state is the only way forward its 2015 !
we don’t need to make statements anymore. the country in literally bankrupt on all levels. what statement do we need further? we need actions; and we need it now. its a opportunity to overthrow this corrupt malicious system, we are the people of this country we are Lebanon, they are garbage! we shout this slogan tomorrow and tell them high and strong WE ARE THE PEOPLE! its an opportunity for us , young generation to make a change, to live in this place , to call it home again. I lived 15 years outside because of the same problems, and everytime I hear on the news what this country has come up to I cry. I want to stat here with my family and friends . I want to marry here and have kids proud of their country . I want to wave my flag with real dignity not brainwashed or in reaction for dramatic event, I want to stay here. We the young people of Lebanon, need to unit, we are Lebanon and they are te trash ! we are the future , lets get our hand dirty this time in a good way. our fathers were stupid enough to count on external powers to save them or protect them; they ended up in infernal wars for what ? for whom ? what did the average Lebanese gain from all these wars? nothing .. its time for change . we the young people of Lebanon , demande change now, and nothing less. everything from top to bottom need to be worked on. I know that we are not sectarian, we are not corrupt, we are didn’t kill or sell arms to kill anyone, but we need to unite, stop being lazy and act , Now !
1000% true gass. Thanks for writing this. Hope many will read ur comment and act Accordingly.