There is a famous French song named Paroles paroles, sung in 1973 by the late Dalida and Alain Delon. This song has become a refrain people joke about every time they hear high-flown words from a politician, only to see their actions contradict their words.
People hear promises from a politician about fighting corruption, but they are surprised when they see him as one of the first defenders of those involved in dubious deals when "the corrupt are cornered." They hear him speak about sovereignty and defending the nation, yet they see him tied more closely to those beyond the borders than to Lebanon's interests, or they notice his alignment with bold views of foreign ambassadors on purely Lebanese matters that exceed acceptable limits, or that their presence in Lebanon is not "natural."
Politicians often boast of many things in their words that they do not adhere to, and their supporters rarely desire to notice these contradictions. They reject considering them unacceptable and deserving of condemnation. But in public affairs, a politician's behavior is the indicator, not his words. Behavior determines the truth of the words, not the other way around. Unfortunately, behavior is inherently separate from words. Events are sequential, not consecutive. Events happen one after another but are not necessarily linked. They are only connected through behavior.
Undoubtedly, one thing that protects those who depart before governing is their lack of behavior. If a position does not give its holder a chance to act, it protects him. John F. Kennedy had a compelling charisma. Americans loved him greatly. Many Lebanese loved him without knowing him. But is it possible that one of the reasons for his enduring memory is his short time in office? Kennedy governed America for two years and ten months before he was assassinated. He did not govern long enough for people to know his success from his failure. Was part of Bachir Gemayel's enduring strength in people's minds the fact that he did not govern? Bachir was not given a chance to prove his success in governing. He left before undertaking the governance experience. In a poem by the poet and jurist Ibn Al-Wardi, there is a verse: "Half of the people are enemies of the one who governs...even if he is just." Impressions change after behavior.
On the family front, if you tell your wife "I love you" ten times, it doesn't mean much to her. What matters to her is to remember her with a rose that surprises her without a special occasion.
Take Christianity, for example. In Christianity, faith without works has no real value. Words are not important, action is. Behavior speaks louder than words.
And since we in Lebanon are ingrained in politics, I return to the politician to say that our judgment of him should be after observing his actions and noting his behaviors. Words often thrill the ear, and many times behavior dismays the heart.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Annahar.
