By: Farid Salameh*

November 22, 2003

On a recent trip to Lebanon, I have to admit that I was "shocked and awed**," actually, humbly sorrowed at what I have seen in this small, yet vibrant country we learned to call Lebanon.

As a background, Lebanon, is an Arab country with a population of over six (6) million people. During the Ottoman empire, Lebanon was a part of larger Syria; due to a geographical division by the French and British occupiers after War World II, Lebanon was carved and within that boundary a Lebanese Resistance was formed and fought to free the land from the French occupier. Eventually, on November 22, 1943, Lebanon gained independence. Some observers believe the independence was a preconditioned, as of no democracy can ever prevail unless there is a regime change; as later days proved fatal with the civil war. Take for an example: The majority of Lebanese are Muslims, some 71%, the major sect in the Muslim population are the Shia. The minority religion are the Christians, with an equal division between Catholics and Maronites, plus others. The Maronites Christians to this day, still holds the Chair of the Presidency, in so doing, the legal system has deprived most Lebanese, especially, the majority Shia of being elected to the position of President. To maintain peaceful coexistence with the Christians, the Muslims had and have to accept this political formula, even though it is unfair, and regretfully undemocratic. Think & Figure!

Anyhow, the observations in the above mentioned trip leads to the title of this word-article, If I were a Lebanese _________________, President. The trip was on November 15, 2003, in anticipation to take part of the official Independence Day, which is held every November to celebrate the Independence of Lebanon. I visited Beirut, Tripoli, and other parts of the beautiful Lebanon.

Here are some of the observations:

• The hospitality of the Lebanese people, from the average Hassan, to the savvy-politician with a Cuban Cigar in his un-kissable mouth. This hospitality is remarkable, the food is delicious, the scenery is next to none. The Lebanese (Muslims & Christians) are witty, warm, have nice sense of humors, proud, clever, and generous.

• The majority of the Lebanese view the liberation of a southern part of the country from the Israelis as a major achievement; a morale boost, and an inspirational sparks that helped the Palestinians launch their latest Uprising (Intifada); which paralyzed Israel, and put the issue of Palestine's independence seriously on the table again.

• Most of the Lebanese wish the Arabic language in Lebanon (for real) be the official language of the country. They wish the educational systems and programs are taught in Arabic, and such endeavor must be sponsored by the State where updates of new discoveries in the world translated earlier so students can keep-up with the time in their own language. To Lebanese this is the real independence! - To Lebanese the use of the French / English languages in the educational systems are hindrance in the progress of most students, although most are forced to follow the systems (such force causes resentment and hatred), most students do pass in the foreign language because they have the determination to better themselves. To the Lebanese, this determination and achievement can have a national pride if the systems they have embraced and conquered were in Arabic. The use of the Arabic language in the educational systems can enhance the status of the language itself as well as promoting the pride of its speakers.

• Most Lebanese want to see Arabic language on every advertisement sign on a business or government building or facility. One tragic situation is the name of the newly built Beirut Government Hospital. The main entrance of the Hospital has a large letters, the name of the Hospital is in English. A disgrace to a Government that does not appreciate its mother-tongue, the Arabic language. The adoption of a foreign language to advertise your business to inhabitants that all speak Arabic is slavery to the adopted language. Most Lebanese feel betrayed by the government for encouraging such alienation of the Arabic language.

• In the minds of the officials whose authorizing such disgrace is that for example the French and/or English language are the mostly spoken languages, and we have to keep up with the time. Most Lebanese know such thinking is skewed, and is being promoted by people who are on the payroll of the foreign government whose language is promoted. This lack of respect by the government of its citizens and language identity is of concern to all Lebanese, at home, and abroad.

So, what could be done to reflect the aspirations of the proud Lebanese people? And what can be done to make them part and not alien in the newly constructed Beirut? As they say in Lebanon, the Government built the Hajr (Buildings) and forgot the Bashar (People.)

An Invitation to the Lebanese Law Makers:

If I were a Lebanese legislator, I will draft, and introduce legislations in the Lebanese Parliament that make it against the law to have any foreign sign in Lebanon if not accompanied by an equally Arabic sign. And if the space doesn't allow for two signs, then the Arabic sign must prevail. Lebanon is a small country, and the continuation of such business practices shall alienate the people further. The priority of the government is to address the issue of educational systems in the foreign languages, and the image it is attempting to portray to the outside world.

This word is not against the foreign language, as we will not have been able to communicate otherwise. It is meant to make sure the Lebanese pride still stays within, and the foreign is out. Otherwise, you will regret you actions by a revolution from within that seeks to change everything that is foreign. Establish your surveys and find out for yourselves.

It is wrong to adopt a foreign language and marginalize your own!

In this Independence Day, for Lebanon to be truly independent and rid itself from such foreign influence, a draft resolution must be introduced and adopted in Lebanon to highlight these concerns. And did we mention that such resolution is also a good way of generating revenue to the almost bankrupt treasury? Tickets can be issued for any establishment that violates or does not meet the new signage rules, let us say within six-months. The Lebanese pride demands your action, and the Arabic language must be placed on your signs.

Finally, for Lebanon to be truly free and liberated, you have to adopt resolution that strengthen the same people that is your power base.

If I were a Lebanese _______________, legislator, I will draft such resolution.

Happy Independence Day!

------------------------------------------------

* The Author is an American-Lebanese wrote this word to MiddleEastNews.com

** Terms borrowed from the U.S. DOD.

Previously Written "Word of The Day"

If I were a Lebanese ---------------------, President! We have seen the awakening of the giant! A Passive Prayer! The Last Opportunity, A Wishful Thinking! Defeating the Native-Indians. Sorry, the Palestinians! The Great Satan vs. the Axis of Evil Declare it Arafat, just declare it! Jenin's Wedding: A Palestinian Tragedy & an Israeli Crime The Pharoah & The Wise Man - Part II The Pharoah & The Wise Man - Part I May I have a word with you? Watch out Barbie! Sara is coming out! It Is Time For Gaddafii To Come Clean How Sharon Stole Christmas! It Is the Occupation Stupid! The Joy of Cooking Israel is not America, So, get over it. Giving Thanks Where Thanks Are Due! Welcome back Mr. President The Liberation of Kabul - A Heavenly Gift The way America was!

Note: Opinions expressed in this section do not necessarily express the official opinion of Middle East News & World Report management and staff.