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IS A FRIEND INDEED  (Translated freely: By Elias Bejjani) Sweet-talk, complimenting, and flattering, are acts that have been practiced by Man, all through history. Most of those rich, in power or influential, by any means, have been exposed to these behavioral ailments. Almost every body knows, there is a great deal of deceiving, lying and perjury in all these ailments. But, still the rich and those in power enjoy being complimented and coaxed for their stance, and for whatever they say or do. They feel important, and so happy, when people compliment them. Although, deep inside they are aware that these behavioral acts conceal and distort facts, and are sickening means of opportunism and deception, In general, the rich, and those in power fool themselves that people's admiration and coaxing is genuine. They believe people's love is authentic, and their trust is without boundaries. They even delude themselves that people's applauds for their acts are so natural. These sickening beliefs get to be fostered, because the rich and those in power surround themselves by puppet advisors and mercenary employees. They shield their masters from reality, and turf away from them, all those qualified, honest and efficient, in a bid to protect their own interests and to maintain their own status. These facts explain why always those rich and in power get so confused about who actually are their friends or their appeasers. They fail to recognize who is actually a genuine companion, a vicious enemy, an efficient employee, a servant or an opportunist mercenary. For all these reasons, those rich and in power, ignore the fact that the people are the actual source of power, and that without them no status, whatsoever, could be maintained. They too, intentionally forget that pompousness provokes anger and disgust, and that it can not be used as an effective means for persuasion and cutting agreements and deals. The behaviour that applies to people also applies to regimes and its officials. For example, the behaviour of an official, in general, reflects the image of the authority that appointed him. Accordingly, all atrocities committed by this official are the responsibility of the authority behind him and who shield his acts and given him the needed directions and powers. Also, pompousness in an official's speeches, statements and stances reflects the image of the regime, and personifies its performance. In the same token, all officials' involvement, protection or coverage for corruption committed by friends, relatives, agents and mediators, are frank incriminations for the whole regime. Distribution of positions arbitrarily and proportionally as gifts and bounces without any consideration for qualification, capability or conduct, also reflects the regime's real image. Similarly, the act of confiscating decision-making processes from puppets, collaborators and partners. This act of mistrust is seen as clear indication for their incompetence and failure. An effective mutual relationship between two countries has never been built on claims of brotherhood, family ties, neighborhood, or mutual interests. Productive relationships are erected on equality, acceptance, respect, support and backing when needed, based on the proverb, a friend in need is a friend indeed. The Syrian troops have been in Lebanon for the last twenty-five years. All through this time, there has been an ongoing loud bragging on the significant relationship and ties between the two people. We ask the Syrian leadership the following questions: a- Can they depend on their allies in Lebanon in particular, and on the Lebanese people in general, to back them in times of emergencies, rendering the relationship significant? b- Is the will for actual public representation, yearning for freedom, calling for an end for imposters and corruption, respect for human rights and abiding by laws threatening the Syrian regime? c- Is a strong, free, independent Lebanon, that safeguards the interest of its people, and works for their future and prosperity, a threat to Syria? d- Is a strong Lebanon that respects Arabic originality, dignity and heroism, a threat or a guarantee for Syrian regime? A collaborator can not guarantee any agreement; he constantly changes alliances in accordance with his interests, and camouflages his stances. The word of patriots is a guarantee in itself - those who courageously show nationalistic commitments, perseverance, sacrifices and refuse collaboration and challenge the current imposed status quo. We want the Lebanese-Syrian relationship to be right for our children and grandchildren. We want them to be proud when studying history, Proud with their choice for such a relationship that helped in developing and modernizing the whole region. We want them to be proud that their fathers and grandfathers, both Syrians and Lebanese, have established it. We want then, when passing accidentally by a statue for the Syrian president, to stop freely, show their gratitude willingly, and say God bless his soul, not the opposite. Long Live Free Lebanon France, January 22/1999 |