Blog Directions: No More Politics

This blog has grown because of the reviews and fun stuff I write about. There hasn’t been a doubt in my mind that most of you don’t like to read politics and probably skip the posts I write on that matter. I hate them too, I also hate writing them. Sometimes though, I feel the urgent need to share my opinion on something major when I feel it merits more of your attention and perhaps didn’t get the exposure it warranted. Matters that have to do with personal freedoms, human rights and controversial issues in this tiny, troubled nation seemed a necessity.

However, I have grown weary of them. I have grown weary of writing depressing descriptions of reality and defending farfetched proposed solutions. I find the reality that ideologies and philosophies many readers subscribe to can never overlap or intersect discouraging. I find the lack of initiative and follow-up, the threats of legal persecution and physical harm as well as the overall pointlessness of writing on matters we have no influence or power over a waste of my time and yours.

That is why, from hereon forth, I will not comment on the political situation in Lebanon. I will only seek to clarify technicalities, such as with the wage hike fiasco late last year. I will also focus on social issues that will not and should not be tarnished by the political immaturity many of us suffer in this tiny country.

I will also take this chance to clarify where I stand in politics and philosophy, so that you may understand where I’m coming from and where my convictions are rooted. I do not belong to any political party in Lebanon, in the past, I was active in both 8M and 14M. I was in Martyrs’ Square on March 14, 2005 but I was also there during the sit-in a year or so later. I sought to run for elections in AUB supported by 8M once and 14M another. I do not deny my political past, but must also clarify that since then I have completely broken off from any Lebanese side and chosen the side I like most: my side.

I identify myself as a right-leaning Libertarian. What this means to me is that I believe the government should not have too much power, it should not be able to force upon people legislation beyond the absolutely necessary to maintain peace and order.

I believe in vast personal freedom. I am convinced that consenting adults have the right to choose to do and be whatever they want, so long as there is no harm inflicted on others.

I am vehemently opposed to any form of censorship, especially ones influenced by religion. I believe in complete segregation of state and church (or mosque) and old men in robes should never interfere with people’s lives (unless the people want to do so willingly, which I completely respect, but reserve the right to ridicule and mock).

My convictions are based on reality and the scientific method, I do not believe in any religion or any supernatural phenomenon. In fact, as a former avid believer, I work actively to encourage people to think critically, de-learn decades of indoctrination and form their own opinions after looking at all possible evidence and opinions. I hate elitists and believe everyone must have all the information and choice.

As for gay rights and abortion, two of the most divisive moral issues of our time, I am for both. As a biologist, the argument against homosexuality is invalid to me, it’s as natural as heterosexuality. As a man, I have no right to have a say on abortion as I will never be pregnant (at least naturally), but as a human being, I acknowledge the unalienable right of a woman to choose what she does with her own body without the interference of old men in black robes.

As for advocating for non-belief, I think it’s as justified as a believer preaching his or her faith. I believe that when one becomes knowledgeable on a certain issue, one has an obligation to do something about it. That is why despite the fact I respect people having faith, I will always reserve my right to criticize and chastise that faith based on what I see as wrong, immoral and hindering progress, freedom and choice other people have.

In conclusion, I like to think of myself as pragmatic. I don’t subscribe blindly to ideologies, but prefer to pick and mix between those I find convincing. I believe political correctness and self-censorship is overrated and that saying things as they are is a necessity most of the time.

Finally, I love you all and would love to have discussions with any of you on any of the issues I mentioned or others I might’ve overlooked. I will focus more on reviews and fun things and comment on social issues as rarely as possible.

And please, always, question everything…