I admit I have never participated in a demonstration prior to the October 17th uprising. I didn’t think any of the political movements represent me in 2005, and I didn’t believe the civil society was capable of bringing real change with the 2015-16 protests.
This however all changed two weeks ago when I decided to join the masses in Riad El Solh and The Martyrs’ Square to protest against the whole ruling class in Lebanon after watching people from all social levels and religions united against the politicians. For once, it felt like people were liberated from their politicians especially in some areas that were always thought to be fully controlled by ruling parties. For instance, people in the north rioted against Tripoli’s wealthy politicians, while some villages in the south dared for the first time in 30 years to revolt against the Hezbollah-Amal duo and go as far as cursing Nabih Berri who has always been regarded as second to god in the region.
Yet, and in this unique moment in our recent history, some sheep-like people from all communities have still chosen to keep acting submissive to their political leaders and conform to their will no matter what, and at this time I seriously don’t understand it.
Where and how do these people live? Aren’t they suffering in this country the same way as everyone else?
Are they getting 24/7 electricity at their homes and don’t pay extra for a generator subscriptions like everyone of us?
Do they get immediate admission to any hospital without paying a hefty deposit or calling their za3im?
Aren’t they paying the same taxes like us? Or are they getting anything in return if they do?
Don’t they feel forced to bribe government employees to get their things done sometimes?
Were money changer providing them with dollars at the official rate or at 1,600 and 1,700 like the rest of us?
Do these people find easy to buy an apartment nowadays? Are housing loans open to them?
Do they have decent internet connections at home?
When it rains continuously for two hours, do they get flooded in their cars like everyone else on the roads or they usually get immediately teleported to their homes?
Do they feel like their salaries are worth less and less every year like everyone of us or are their savings magically increasing?
Do they get free schooling for their kids?
I can keep going but seriously, it is 2019 and w are all sharing this land called Lebanon, why do people still sheepily follow politicians instead of rallying behind qualified people…? Despite all this, it is ironic that the protesters’ demands are for the greater good of everyone, including those hardcore fans of the current political leaders.
With 14 days since the uprising, PM Saad Hariri resigned yesterday and everybody seem clueless about what comes next. Whatever the outcome is though, let’s hope for less poor people beating each other and more wins against this rotten ruling class.