Manifesto
The events of recent months have revived painful memories from the past that we had hoped would never return to haunt us. Once again our country is being torn by a bloody clash for power; once again our country is being manipulated by foreign agendas; and once again we are caught in the middle, as if we do not even exist. But we cannot stay silent any longer. We cannot just sit here and watch this national tragedy unfold before our eyes.
Our passion for this country compels us to stand up, shout out and just try. And even if we fail, we would have at least succeeded in sending out a message that there are other voices in this country that are not being heard or represented. We believe these voices represent the "silent majority" of Lebanese. A people who are not weakened by political and sectarian divisions but rather draw their strength from a strong national identity and the dream of building a united Lebanon. Now, this silent majority, through various organizations, is speaking out loud and is slowly becoming the voice of reason in Lebanon.
Loubnani W Bass is a grassroots civil movement that was established with the main aim of giving an extra channel to the silent majority of Lebanon. It also aspires at boosting the cry of the many other organizations which are calling for the end of this political stalemate. Our voice will resonate as far as possible to say that we are:
- tired of hearing politicians irresponsibly exchange accusations;
- tired of seeing our people give up hope and lose their jobs;
- tired of seeing our hopeless young flee this country;
- and tired of watching the only homeland we have, turn into a bargaining chip in the hand of external powers.
We have absolutely no political affiliation or political aspirations; we simply want our voices to be heard by the politicians for them to realize that they are not the sole repository of opinions and decisions.
It is vital for the clashing parties to end this crisis once and for all and seriously think about the consequences of this instability. If any politician believes he will emerge victorious over the other, then please think again because we all lose in this fatal power game which only divides our nation.
It is time for all parties to sit down and identify the many points that tie them together and bridge the issues that separate them. We want a solid and durable accord that will ensure that, never again, will Lebanon be confronted with such tragedy and not, as in the past, shaky half measures that augur of explosive futures.
It is the politicians' duty to be responsible and accountable to the people. How can they claim command if they, themselves, foster an unlivable atmosphere of complete instability for their citizens?
We refuse to keep on wondering what tomorrow will be made of. We will pursue our movement to weigh on all those who disregard the interests of our nation and the rights of its citizens.
We will not permit for despair to be sawn in the hearts of our people and we will take hold of our most basic rights: to hope and express our opinion.
It is time to look at reality.
We are all Muslims and Christians
We are all with the government and in the opposition
But, most importantly, we are all just Lebanese.
Loubnani W Bass
