You see, when the issue is life or death, rescue becomes a priority, and everything else adjusts. When the issue is life or death, rescue is not debated, and convenience is no longer a consideration. When the issue is life or death, rescue becomes the only objective.*

Imagine another situation just as real. A child frantically calling 9-1-1,… he witnessed the brutal slaying of his parents. He is being abused and beaten. His home is taken over by strangers. He is slowly being brainwashed to forget who he is. Those who should protect are not doing their job. Those who claim to love him, even his own brothers, are divided. As time pass, he loses hope and what was abnormal becomes normal and acceptable. It does not take much imagination to realize that this child is Lebanon. He is calling for help, but there is no rescue in sight, not even by those who claim to love him.

When we realize that the issue of Lebanon is an issue of life and death, then it will be easy to set priorities and objectives. The occupation of Lebanon is three fold. Yes, we have an external occupation, but sadly and more dangerously is the internal occupation of traitors who have betrayed their land for self-interest. Also, and much overlooked, is our own self-occupation. Our mentality that has imprisoned us and has kept us captives.

What can one do? First and foremost there has to be a paradigm shift, this means a change in thinking and acting. Einstein said: "You cannot solve a problem with the same mentality that created the problem".

1- Support the Syrian accountability act. Have you done enough? Did you call, write and fax all your reps? Did you get others to do the same? Mobilize your circle of influence. This means anyone and everyone you come in contact with. If the act does not pass, it will be for one reason and one reason only, it will be because those who claim to love Lebanon did not do 1% of what they could have done.

2- Mobilize your religious leaders and communities. This means all faiths and all denominations. Don't accept the sad excuses they use to avoid their responsibilities and do nothing. A silent church/mosque is a useless church/mosque, because if they have nothing to contribute to aiding a hurting society, then they should be shut down. Their silence is damning and dangerous. How can they say they love people, and stand passively by while people are being wounded and exploited? If your church/mosque is not active in helping the suffering, fire the leaders or find a church/mosque that shows the mercy and love of God. Are the religious leaders and churches/mosques giving a 100 %? How about 5%? The answer is NO.

3- The same principles above apply to Lebanese political parties and politicians. Challenge them to make rescue a priority. How can they say they love Lebanon, when they are more willing to sacrifice Lebanon, rather than unite together and form a rescue team? Look deep into your heart for what’s important to you? Is it truly Lebanon, or is it someone else's agenda? A true patriot would put their personal agenda aside, and would lead a rescue team. Challenge those you follow to do that. Think about it, what have politicians and political parties accomplished so far: They made Lebanon the garbage dump of the Middle East, and made it a haven for every terrorist kicked out of other countries. They brought in the occupiers. They led young men to an early grave, and the list is too long. There is no honor. Everything is for sale, including the land and the people... while they make their millions.

Dear friends, I challenge you to show your love by making rescue a priority. Look deep into your heart and ask what’s important. Stop believing in what has not worked. Great tragedies call for great men and women. A great man is not someone who believes in other men, a great man is someone who believes in a great cause. We need great men. Be leaders not blind followers.