I am desperately trying to write something positive about the present Lebanon. So far the good topics are over ranked by million sad and desperate stories. Like the one of a young Lebanese who came to Beirut to spend some long awaited holidays with his parents, and thought of walking a Sunday afternoon in his neighborhood, not really aware of the tense atmosphere that is slowly infiltrating the streets of Beirut. That peaceful day became Black Sunday for his family and for many others. He got killed during the riots subsequent to the demonstrations against electricity cuts. Why was he there at that specific moment? Only God can answer this and many other meaningless questions.
Shootings in the streets are becoming normal in Beirut. Shootings precede political speeches on TV, and go crescendo as the politician delves into his ideas and finally climax following the program. Depending on who is talking, the areas in Beirut are on fire. Generally the shootings are heard all over the city, but are concentrated according to political parties and their geographic home.
The problem with these demonstration of joy is that we do not know when they turn into bloodshed and when a lost bullet will hit you in the head.. even if you are home watching TV..
The other problem is that they are a symbol of strength.
Today we are shooting and listen to us, we are strong. Tomorrow the opposition shoots and wow, they have more rifles and klashinkofs and they seem louder.. The third day, everybody shoots, and we don’t really know whom or why..
It is a circus where adults are playing cowboys.
Pathetic. Sad. Dangerous.
