E-Lebanon’s Voice: The Citizen’s Key Role

Farid Chehab

2011 was a political Black Swan in Arab history. Nobody could have predicted the cascade of revolutions that overwhelmed the region. Social media has certainly played a tremendous role in the organization and communication of the revolt, yet the real reason is far more profound. The uprising was a human reaction to injustice that used mobile phones, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to advance their just case.

Our citizens are not immune to these contagions that spread throughout our organism like a silent yet lethal virus infecting everything in its path and using our communication networks as a catalyst to trigger conflicting emotions within the peoples of this country.

Last winter, Beirut was witness to a group of youth calling for ‘a secular State now or never’. Others were asking for ‘the end of corruption’ and ‘women empowerment’, not to mention ‘a ban on party weapons’. Compared with other countries, young Lebanese citizens have always been open, not to say reactive to Ideas. They continually show a willingness to change themselves and their environment. They are the perfect instigators for change.

The only question is how to mobilize the masses. CAGI’s main concern is to talk a genuine, constructive and above all unifying language that makes economic sense to every citizen. People need to be comforted in the belief that creativity and resourcefulness can lead to change. And it is that kind of language that the Civic and Apolitical Group of Influence is proposing.

It has become clear that the solution for change has to be a participative one. When we talk of participation, we mean motivation, commitment and common interest. How can we shift people’s thoughts and priorities from sectarianism to civism and the economy?

Each citizen needs to understand his or her vested interest in the important economic projects we have talked about in this book. Such knowledge will get rid of the current demagogy of our political system that transforms any sizable economic project into the private property of politicians and tycoons.

In short, why shouldn’t we turn the economy into a real ‘people business’? Why should it only benefit the elite, private companies and politicians? Or worse still, religious groups?

Enhancing people’s self-confidence and revealing the powerful potential each one holds is the next step in

a lengthy process aimed at rehabilitating the people from the crushing effects of a devastating war that left them with nothing other than fear and partisanship. The time has come for ordinary citizens to take over the reins of their destiny. Confident in their stance, they can open the dialogue necessary to rebuild the Nation.

Citizens need to be aware of their civic responsibilities. CAGI, the State, NGOs, universities, and most importantly, families will have to unleash associative energies. Political parties must also step up to the occasion and gather momentum.

I am certain, that all will materialize in due time. Till then and in aid of familiarizing the people with the vision proposed, I launched CAGI’s participative process by uploading this book online. I have already received many comments, opinions, corrections and suggestions, which will be taken into consideration before going to press. But for now, there is much to be done as you can read the available material in three languages and contribute in the process of its evolution. The e-book will be constantly updated and is a prime example of an unprecedented associative initiative that places the citizens themselves, at the center.

If you harbor the will to make a change, then CAGI will be here to help. Spread the word, share your comments, start a conversation, engage the skeptical and convince the obstinate. Get both parties to discuss and elaborate the proposition, invite introspection. Only by doing so will you become ambassadors to the Idea so central to the making of the Nation.

In taking a step back, it becomes clear how unobtrusive, civilized, participative, somewhat lengthy, though efficient, and irreversible the entire process is. My unfaltering belief in tactics is only strengthened when they support a strategy and this book, in all its forms, demonstrates the value and investment CAGI places in the Nation’s citizens: its absolute forte to achieve National Conscience.