Convince me to vote for you (Possible future Q&A page) {PLEASE READ THE FIRST POST}

[taifoon]

Originally Posted by Greg Davis

My motto is " Always stand for what you believe in, even if it means losing".

Politics is the art of marketing in a thousand and one way what you always stand for and believe in.
The skillful artist will find among them at least ONE way to not lose.

[taifoon]

Originally Posted by X

Here is my question:

[b]- In 2005 I gave my vote to FPM because FPM promised me to change and to reform, 3 years has passed and i see no change and corruption in the country is almost the same if not more.


So why did FPM fail in changing and reforming?

Maybe because in 2005 you believed in three things:

- One, that the Syrians were THE ONLY malady Lebanon suffered from. Once they're out, Lebanon will recover quickly.
- Two, that your partners in this country are smart enough to have learned how not to repeat their mistakes.
- Three, that by voting FPM, you will have a say inside the executive power resulting in a leverage for your expectations and hopes for the wishful change.

None of the above came to be true.

Why will FPM succeed in 2009 when it failed in 2005? (In Change and reform)

Mostly because of your current insight about the above, and because you don't want to lose hope. With no guarantees whatsoever about the performance of a party that lacks an effective organization on many levels, you will simply have to lay your hopes into the the hands of hardworking and dedicated individuals among the MPs of that party.

Going strictly by statistics, you have better odds for your wishes and hopes to come true through a big and strong FPM parliament block, than through a minor one, or through other blocks. That simple.

[Muwatin Libnani]

Originally Posted by X

Why should i vote for FPM? Why should i vote for C&R? Why should i vote for the Opposition?

X asked a specific question and many answered with valid points, yet too lengthy. How do we know that X, who is an independent, cares about all the answers we provided him with.

We tackled similar topics during one of my sociology classes. In marketing a political candidate, one must know what matters most to the voter and address his or her SPECIFIC concerns. Lengthy responses get the voter bored and confused. We ought to capture his or her attention in regards to issues that are relevant not just for us, but more importantly, for him or her.

So X, what issues matter to you the most when deciding who to vote for?

[Souss]

Originally Posted by X

Good start, but Q&As are usually short and straight to the point questions and answers, so i will start asking very simple questions and the answers should be to that questions only, and they should also be simple and easy to understand.

Here is my question:

- In 2005 I gave my vote to FPM because FPM promised me to change and to reform, 3 years has passed and i see no change and corruption in the country is almost the same if not more.

So why did FPM fail in changing and reforming? Why will FPM succeed in 2009 when it failed in 2005? (In Change and reform)

More precisely:

- Reform at the State level may not have been within FPM's control, but reform within FPM is. Why should I elect a party that, by many of its members' account, requires reform only 3 years after inception, and that shows no sign or desire of doing so?

- Why should I elect a party that is undemocratic, has no accountability processes, and is poor at communication, when I believe these three things are essentially needed at the State level?

Thanks,

[Souss]

Originally Posted by Greg Davis

"X" This is a very compelling thread and an ideal location for me to launch my election campaigne.

I will be running as an independant, considering the cesspool lebanon's political scene has become.

My motto is " Always stand for what you believe in, even if it means losing".

The first topic on my agenda will be supporting a referendum, that would be put forward to the lebanese people, as to what governing system they wish to adopt ( Current, Federal, Secular, Socialistist, Baathist, monarchy etc). Lebanon's governing systems have always been created and forced onto us by others, and have all failed. I think its time for us to make that choice.

Second, we need to create an independant commission against corruption. This commission cannot be politicized, and should have the powers to investigate and prosecute anyone within the Lebanese borders. Including "espescially" politicians.

I will propose a land tax levy on foreign ownership, thus increasing government revenues, and preventing our country from being taken over by foreigners.

I will propose a peace treaty with Israel, on the proviso that israel accept to allow the return of all palestinians on lebanese soil to return to their homes.

I will propose the immidiate incorporation of the hizbullah army into the National army corp, to which, all command, soldiers and munitions fall under the control of the national army. This will be accompanied by a law banning all forms of weapons amonst civillians.

I will propose an economic revival strategy, that encourages Lebanese abroad to invest and assist in boosting Lebanon's economy.

I will propose tax cuts to companies that employ 100% of their staff of Lebanese backgrounds.

I will propose ammending media ownership laws, to prevent politicans from owning or investing in media outlets.

I will propose banning foreign political donations to political parties. Any foreign donations can only be made to the government, that disperses these funds, as the government finds suit, undiscriminantly.

I will propose an environmental policy that includes the upgrade and creation of a sewer network for all Lebanon. Lebanon has been blessed with its water sources, lets not keep polluting it. Same goes to domestic waste management, and a strategy to deal with the air pollution, particular in the major cities.

These are just a few of the strategies I have put forth.

If you agree with most of the strategies put forth, click on the thankyou button below, and where you disagree, just comment

Will you be playing "Guess the Sect!"?

Also, will you be campaigning for the votes of those sectarian-voting Shiites and Sunnis, or only with the independent-thinking Christians? (http://forum.tayyar.org/865682-post25.html)

Finally, what is your position on zaatar vs jebneh?

[Shah Massoud]

Originally Posted by X

Good start, but Q&As are usually short and straight to the point questions and answers, so i will start asking very simple questions and the answers should be to that questions only, and they should also be simple and easy to understand.

Here is my question:

- In 2005 I gave my vote to FPM because FPM promised me to change and to reform, 3 years has passed and i see no change and corruption in the country is almost the same if not more.

So why did FPM fail in changing and reforming? Why will FPM succeed in 2009 when it failed in 2005? (In Change and reform)

dans le royaume des aveugles , le borgne est roi....in other terms : what did the other side offer?....
both were lousy in these past 4 years but 14march had their chance as majority and did nothing....the FPM with the minor govermental powers it had , did raise issue , did raise it's voice , did try to do something at least....

u want a repeat of 2005-2009 era in the government ? or will u try to give FPM a chance in the majority for 4 years ?

[MKCLTJ]

Originally Posted by X

Why should i vote for FPM? Why should i vote for C&R? Why should i vote for the Opposition?

I could not discuss in details specific issues, since at the end of the day,an electoral program shall be first presented to you,and from there on,you will be the sole judge of whether that electoral program suits your needs and demands or not.But before you read that program and judge its content,it might be of a certain interest to introduce FPM to you,in a few guidelines.

1-FPM is probably the only party in Lebanon, that has a serious vision and concept,of the society that the silent majority of the Lebanese, would willingly accept to unite in harmony, in order to live in.FPM's brief history and experience over that model of society,proved so far,its compatibility with all the constituencies of the Lebanese society.FPM's vision,is of a modern society that will naturally be adopted by all the diversities of the Lebanese society.

2-FPM is a post-war, party that has its ideals rooted in the original deep refusal of the Lebanese society, of everything that led to the civil war,and everything that happened during it.You might be young and might not have lived the civil war,but those who lived it and had nothing to do with it,said one day "Enough!",and the ideals of FPM emerged from there.

-FPM is a free Party:It never accepted and will never accept that anyone or any entity,other than its members and supporters, imposes its will on it.Consequently,FPM has never and will never accept that anyone or any entity,other than the Lebanese people,imposes its will on Lebanon.Just let history be your judge.FPM is the only Party that you can never give the benefit of the doubt,because there were never ever any doubt to start with.

-FPM is a patriotic Party:It has always and will always act for the interests of Lebanon.No Taboo and no dogma will alienate its actions.FPM does what is right,when it's right to do it,and the right way it should be done.

-FPM is a transparent Party that says clearly and loudly what it thinks,declares openly what it plans to do,and puts all its energy to accomplish what it declares want to do.

-FPM might get you vote but will never abuse it.And it will still work for your good,even if you vote against it,because FPM does not make any distinction between a Lebanese and another one.

-FPM will be by your side should you need it and will fight your battles without fear or hesitation.No matter if you are with it or against it,FPM will still stand tall to defend your rights,and will not neglect or sell your cause,whatever the price.

-FPM is a young Party that promises a lot,and deserves a chance.You've tried others for years,and you've seen their disastrous results.FPM is a clear better alternative.

-If you really want your vote to count,if you really want things to change for the better, it's up to you to decide.

Do not make others decide for you.Decide for yourself and act.If you vote for FPM, you will become an active partner in the change and reform movement.

The idea is simple:FPM believes in you as an individual and as a citizen and believes that you are the greatest asset that Lebanon owns.Consequently, FPM believes that the real alternative is you.You are the change that will lead to the reforms.

[X]

After the 2005 elections, FPM signed the MOU with Hezbollah, GMA visited Iran and Syria, what is your explanation to those moves?

[Abou Sandal]

Originally Posted by X

After the 2005 elections, FPM signed the MOU with Hezbollah, GMA visited Iran and Syria, what is your explanation to those moves?

The point is that GMA is defusing once and for all every and any mine that was previously planted in Lebanon,and that could lead or could be used some day,by foreign powers to re-ignite wars and destruction inside Lebanon,just to serve foreign agendas,with all the consequences that they could lead to,on the Lebanese demography,and frankly,on Lebanon's existence.

[hannaalsayssa]

this is something we tried to do with the syrians years back
us and the alwayyes against the sunni hegemony
but for many reasons it did not work, mainly that both parties were either not ready nor had the proper vision, or too greedy and dominaring. ( both are to blame).

fast forward 05, two charismatic leaders trusted by their people , who have come to the conclusion that no matter how strong u r individually, the enemy is bigger, stronger and can wait u out.
both saw that their people future depends on a strategic minimal agreement between their interests.
so both made some concessions and hence the MOU was born which will lead to a new thinking and approach for both sects and especially for us.
naturally, it was a matter of time before our interests in the region crosses with that of the shia iran and alaweyye syria..
coupled that these two countries are the only one in the middle east who actively are protecting their religious diversity or at least not hounding their minorities.
that is why we see the vehement attacks against GENERAL from all sides , from usa , europe to the smallest sa3louk in 14feb.
not because he won the 05 christian election, but because he decided to take his people towards a new frontier and a new horizon, where these powers could not use them again as a TROJIAN HORSE.
this is the crux of the matter,a grand alliance is forming to stand as much as it can to the wahhab whirlwind and destructive force.
so far the strategy is working, but we are the weakest link in the equation, since this is a new road for many of us.hence expect more attacks on the strategy.
in GENERAL thinking, the issues are pure survival in the long turn.whether the strategy works as intended or we are doomed no matter what, is yet to be seen and time will tell.
just let us imagine for a second that if 14feb gets the 2/3 majority in the parliament, what will happen to us and lebanon.
the MOU acted like a pressure valve and is still acting it so far.
BTW, if anyone can take us on that detour from past behaviors is GENERAL and no one else.