Letter to May Chidiac

September 23, 2006
by Carla Faissal Sabbagh

Dearest May,
It is with a lot of disappointment and anger that I find my-self
writing to you this letter; but I guess things are getting beyond what is
humanly and ethically accepted.
I have been watching your program on LBC almost every week.
I had my concerns and personal opinion but still, I could understand your
biased position towards some political views (although I strongly
believe that professional talk shows should be unbiased by nature), and
chose not to watch it as I personally do not agree with such a direction.
But what really pushed me to write this letter is the last
interview you had with the French magazine Paris Match.
I truly understand your concern regarding the infrastructure in
Lebanon that resulted from the last war on Lebanon in July 2006.
I also understand your anger regarding all the destruction.
I can also admit that Hezbollah did a calculation mistake regarding
The operation done on July 12. However, what I cannot understand, what
I totally refuse and get ashamed of as a Lebanese citizen, is that you gave
comments that could fill 2 full pages in a magazine, criticizing a Lebanese
party from our country which was in fact initially enhanced and supported by
our own government.
You expressed your anger towards Hezbollah, which is understandable
in a democratic country.
But not ONE word concerning the atrocities committed by Israel
against our country?
Not one word on more than 1000 citizens dying in what can be easily
called a genocide?
Not one finger pointed against a country who massacred innocent
children in the South, or any word regarding illegal gas bombs used on our
people?
I haven't seen one concern regarding the pollution that the
Israeli boats deliberately caused to our Mediterranean Sea. Not one thought
regarding the villages that were encircled and blocked to make the Lebanese
people starve from scarcity of food and basic needs. Not one line to express
regret concerning babies who had to survive without milk, and mothers who
were feeding them with water and sugar or the old women who were
gathering leaves from the trees to make food out of them for their families.
What do you think of Human Rights? Did it occur to you that this is
More important to mention then criticizing people resisting?
I completely understand the fact that you could be against
Hezbollah's political views, but the idea of insulting a Lebanese party in
a
French magazine and disregarding all the crimes against humanity caused by
Israel is not only unacceptable, it is revolting!
On top of all that, you mention St Charbel and your devotion to
Christianity. Well I am a Christian too and I know what Christianity stands
for.
It is by all means Love, Loyalty, Compassion and Forgiveness.
Do you feel you are an example of any of those values in this
interview?
Do you think Lebanese Christians are proud to read this article?
How would you feel if you were in those people's shoes?
You had your share of violence and tragedy. Don't you think you
among all others could understand better?
Who is the enemy here? Hezbollah or Israel? Why don't we say it out
loud?
Why don't we tell the world what Israel did to us? All you mention
is that the country is destroyed and nag about a couple of bridges. Who
destroyed the country? Was it Hezbollah? Who conducted war on our soil? You
are asking what Hezbollah is trying to prove. Why not ask what is Israel
trying to prove? Why do we have to always behave like traitors? Why do we
always stand against each other instead of standing against the intruder?
And who defended our dignity and raison d'etre? Why should it be
Hezbollah?
Why can't it be the Christian media people like yourself? Why
should I be ashamed to be a Christian in a country where Christians became
nothing but followers? Why is it so hard to grasp that any foreign offence
against ANY particular party, is an offence against our Nation? Why did it
take
some of us 30 years to finally consider Syria an enemy?
Is History repeating itself?
I am sorry to say this, but we are fed up with media propaganda.
Your article is an insult to the Lebanese people, specially the
Christians. We are fed up with showing the world a
Lebanon that is never united. Where is our national dignity?
What is the real problem here: that Hezbollah initiated all this
(Like you said in PM), or that Israel is attacking our fellow citizens and
children?
Why showing to the outside world your personal unconcern with other
Lebanese people's resistance instead of shouting out loud that Israel has
Been attacking them for more than 35 years? Why don't you mention that
your own government did nothing to build a powerful and solid Army during
decades instead of raising taxes and fulfilling personal interests of men
in power at the expense of a poor immigrating population?
I hope that your TV Show "Bi Kil Jerka", can be really daring by
Exposing ALL points of view without taking any sides, and at least not the
FL side, which does NOT represent the Christians' point of view, at least
not the majority. You have to be sure of that.
Your article in Paris Match is a shame as it presents Hezbollah as
the main enemy of Lebanon, while the real enemy has destroyed the
infrastructure and children of the nation you say you adore.
I would like to finish this letter by reminding you, Mrs Chidiac
that when tragedy hit you, all these people that you are denying, stood by
you, supported you and prayed for you. It is terribly sad to realize
that when evil hit them, you disregarded them. You didn't even mentioned
them, as if they are not human beings; as if they are not Lebanese; because
believe it or not Hezbollah members are Lebanese; as if Lebanon should only
be
a place for Machiavelli corruption, personal interests, and where the law
of the jungle is the only one prevailing.
I don't think St Charbel is very happy with that.