SeeThruLebanon.org
Posted 5th April 2008 at 01:52 AM by SeekNirvana
About
SeeThruLebanon.org is a blog dedicated to creating awareness on issues relating to transparency and reforms while highlighting ideas that improve governance in Lebanon.
Background
In modern history, Lebanon has seen very few reforms in its governance system, the most recent reform campaign noted being in the 1960s with President Fouad Shehab. 1975 to 1990 marked a period of subsequent wars. In the period that followed, Lebanon’s governance system did not evolve: Corruption has been a common discussion topic between Lebanese through these years, and Lebanese politicians have no shame in admitting the existence of corruption.
Why does fighting corruption matter in the Lebanese context?
Corruption hurts everyone, and its impact can be seen from both macro and micro levels. On a micro level, corruption can negatively affect the day-to-day lives of many hard-working citizens by unfairly satisfying a few. Bribery for example, has become part of the culture at some governmental agencies and citizens have to pay for services they ought to get for free.
At a larger level, many Lebanese families are trapped in poverty because of a corrupt leadership that has abused the nation’s riches. As an example, the minimum wage in Lebanon is not enough for one person to support a family of two.
Fighting corruption is not strictly a local matter. This cause transcends to many other [local and] global problems we are facing. Corruption has long been a reason for poverty and at the same time an obstacle in the remedy process. The repercussions of poverty are evident not only on the economical level, but also at the social and political ones as well.
Corruption in sectors like the judicial can undermine the charter of Human Rights, democracy and rule of law. In electoral laws and during elections, corruption can lead to misrepresentation of the people and hence undermining the primitive right of nations of self-determination.
In short, corruption’s negative impact on society as a whole is devastating, and hence the need for a change both at the systemic and cultural levels.
SeeThruLebanon.org is a blog dedicated to creating awareness on issues relating to transparency and reforms while highlighting ideas that improve governance in Lebanon.
Background
In modern history, Lebanon has seen very few reforms in its governance system, the most recent reform campaign noted being in the 1960s with President Fouad Shehab. 1975 to 1990 marked a period of subsequent wars. In the period that followed, Lebanon’s governance system did not evolve: Corruption has been a common discussion topic between Lebanese through these years, and Lebanese politicians have no shame in admitting the existence of corruption.
Why does fighting corruption matter in the Lebanese context?
Corruption hurts everyone, and its impact can be seen from both macro and micro levels. On a micro level, corruption can negatively affect the day-to-day lives of many hard-working citizens by unfairly satisfying a few. Bribery for example, has become part of the culture at some governmental agencies and citizens have to pay for services they ought to get for free.
At a larger level, many Lebanese families are trapped in poverty because of a corrupt leadership that has abused the nation’s riches. As an example, the minimum wage in Lebanon is not enough for one person to support a family of two.
Fighting corruption is not strictly a local matter. This cause transcends to many other [local and] global problems we are facing. Corruption has long been a reason for poverty and at the same time an obstacle in the remedy process. The repercussions of poverty are evident not only on the economical level, but also at the social and political ones as well.
Corruption in sectors like the judicial can undermine the charter of Human Rights, democracy and rule of law. In electoral laws and during elections, corruption can lead to misrepresentation of the people and hence undermining the primitive right of nations of self-determination.
In short, corruption’s negative impact on society as a whole is devastating, and hence the need for a change both at the systemic and cultural levels.
Total Comments 3
Comments
 |  great website. thanks. |
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| |  Good Luck Seek |
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| |  Thanks nodnod, DI! |
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Recent Blog Entries by SeekNirvana
- SeeThruLebanon.org (5th April 2008)
