Lebanese roots in the United States are deep. The first immigrant wave was predominantly Christian and came in the late 1880s when the Muslim-ruled Ottoman Empire was in disarray. Many became peddlers, going from farm to farm in horse-drawn wagons laden with Persian rugs and other goods. Some Muslims and Druze also fled the Ottoman military draft and became farmers in South Dakota.

The second wave came after World War II. Many lost part of their identity within minutes of stepping off the ships at Ellis Island when immigration officials, impatient with foreign pronunciations and spellings, changed the new arrivals' names. While some have come to escape political turmoil or religious persecution, others came to seek their fortunes.

Despite positive changes within the community, Lebanese Americans still however, and until today, suffer from their relative isolationist perspective and their short-term oriented approach, whether to business or to politics in general. While there are a lot of talented Lebanese Americans such as the ones mentioned in The 300 Most Prominent Lebanese Americans Section, it is sad to note that the majority of Lebanese Americans have not yet been able to get their act together, after more than 100 years in the U.S, and form a unified front.

A close look at the composition of the Lebanese American organizations in America is indeed self-explanatory.

Given this reality and uncovering the hype, it is not surprising to see Lebanese Americans wanting to team up with their Arab American brethren to lobby Washington.

The big question remains: What can be done by Lebanese Americans to start making a real difference to both Lebanon and America, once and for all?

First and foremost, Lebanese Americans should educate themselves much more about the critical issues facing their peers back home and encourage a consensus on at least some key issues if they are to mobilize committed people in a time of crisis. If they are confused about their message, U.S lawmakers will never take them seriously. Sharing the Arabist agenda does not for example necessarily play in Lebanon's hand unless one considers Lebanon as part of Syria; which I believe most Lebanese along with Lebanese Americans still fiercely reject.

Second, it would be strongly recommended for Lebanese Americans to team up and start working much more closely with Corporate America in promoting the latter's interests in the Middle East. Being close to the Chief Executive Officers of major U.S corporations and investment groups such as Microsoft, General Electric and others surely makes a difference in the corridors of power of Washington DC.

Third, Lebanese Americans could substantially increase contributions to political candidates; not necessarily Lebanese American candidates who may be on the payroll of Arab lobbies but more to the ones pushing for a Free Lebanon. It is a fact that even modest contributions help ensure that members of Congress and their staffs take phone calls and are more responsive to requests. The contributor must make explicit an interest in Lebanese not Arab issues such as removing Syrian military and intelligence forces from Lebanon and use of economic pressures by the United States to stop the kidnapping and persecution in Lebanon by non-Lebanese elements.

Fourth, and in the marketplace of ideas, Lebanese Americans should seek people who will amplify their ideas and then pour in money. They should in fact spend much more on lobbying and public relations than they currently do. This should be much easier to perform than in the past given that there is today a much larger pool of activists capable of managing this influence.

Fifth, and with respect to the Lebanese government, Lebanese Americans should make it loud and clear to the governing authorities out there that their capital will not become hostage to the local political situation. Thus, if the Lebanese people at home really want their money, they'd better give them the power to vote along with a considerable degree of influence over political events that will deeply affect the fate of their investments.

Last, and in order to better foster goodwill, win the hearts and minds of America and gain access to America's top minds, Lebanese Americans should donate more to public television stations, museums, exchange programs, think tanks, universities, libraries and policy studies. This is the best way to have access to research they cannot get otherwise and to help Americans study more about their cause.

Lebanese Americans have been slow to realize the importance of philanthropy, partly because they do not receive big tax deductions for contributions at home. It is a fact that philanthropy provides a way to meet with America's movers and shakers. Through expanded US investment philanthropy, smart public relations, and sincere efforts to melt into American society, Lebanese Americans will undoubtedly win American support for their cause and literally change the Western world's attitude toward their pleas.

It is only through the furthering of democracy and promoting the "Free World's" interests in the region that Lebanon and its Lebanese American constituents will ever have a strong voice in Middle East politics and finance. Individualism and lack of community consciousness, refusal to work openly with other non-Arab communities are traits that Lebanese Americans will have to completely discard if they ever wish to start being heard. The new name of the game in today's world is nothing but access to the true movers and shakers; whether in business, politics, the arts, etc..., organized in a systematic and coordinated fashion, for the long term benefit of the Free World. It is hoped that Lebanese Americans realize what is at stake before it is too late.

© Copyright 1997-2004 United States Committee For A Free Lebanon. All rights reserved.

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