Self-Made Men Are the State-Builders… Especially those Named Issam
MP Gen. Michel Aoun on Monday showered praise on deputy premier and candidate Issam Abou Jamra placing him among "self-made" men who he said are the real force behind state-building as opposed to "spoilt brats."
In a play on words, Aoun said "self-made men (in Arabic issam-i-youn) – especially those who are named Issam (the struggle to build oneself) – are much more essential than the sons (and daughters) of prominent families." He was referring to Abou Jamra who is the Change and Reform bloc”s parliamentary nominee for the Orthodox seat in Ashrafiyeh in Beirut”s first district.
"They (self-made men) are the ones who build states as opposed to spoiled brats who were born with a spoon of gold in their mouths," Aoun said after a weekly meeting of.
Aoun defended Abou Jamra”s nomination in Beirut saying the latter was a public figure and thus represents "the entire Orthodox sect and all Lebanese regions."
He said Abou Jamra”s candidacy carries "a symbolism of its own. The nomination should be awarded to someone reputed for his positions and (personal) strength."
Aoun expressed "hopelessness" with the majority which he said is "dodging regulations" and called on all politicians to "shoulder their responsibilities."
"If the Lebanese want to build a state then no one from the majority should be allowed back in parliament," he said, accusing it of being behind a rising deficit in state budget.
"They intend to destroy the economy. We want to ensure production growth and they want growth of deficit. Now they are heralding news of a significant rise in the new budget”s deficit," he complained.
Asked to comment on statements by candidate Nayla Tueni, Aoun said: "I will not respond to Nayla Tueni … I do not answer to youngsters.
"Her political education is limited and that was why I advised her not to rush into the elections."