Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Lebanon says Coastal Area Now Safe to Swim & Fish

A year ago this July, Israel bombed Lebanon's crucial infrastructure. A pernicious oil slick spread over some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Mediterranean. The strategic attack against the power plant created a double assault, on both Lebanon's environment and its ability to retain a tourism base. A year later, a conference convened to assess progress in rebuilding.

Oil spills are a crime against nature repeated around the world and always years in the cleanup. Today, Lebanon's Environment Ministry director announced flatly, fish are safe to eat and the water is fine for swimmers. Skeptics abound. February $200,000,000 was pledged for clean up coffers. Only a meager percentage has made it to Lebanon's clean up coffers. Lebanon has huge environmental and political issues to solve. A spirit of resolve and generosity of spirit is required.

Lebanon does boast one of the most stunning authors and sculptors of the Middle East, the incomparable and insightful Khalil Gibran:
"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children."

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." KG 1883-1931

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