Born to be happy [Archives:2006/951/Viewpoint]

Editor
A number of local newspapers reported that citizens of a rural Yemeni governorate forced the mayor to return to his office while on his way to lay cornerstones for some projects for the 16th anniversary of Yemeni Unity. Apparently, citizens opened fire at the mayor's car(s), forcing back him, his companions and guards while shouting angry protests against everything the mayor represents.

Many Yemenis don't appreciate the laying of project foundations or cornerstones, especially if it's done as a facade or a matter of showing off. Most projects remain mere cornerstones for generations and do not pacify hungry and angry citizens.

A European Commission MP from Malta recently visiting Yemen said, “I walked the streets of rural areas in your country and I found poverty, hunger and illness all around. What are you going to do about it?”

He addressed his question to several development activists and NGO representatives, most of whom were baffled by the question and looked at each other with weary eyes. One female activist hesitantly admitted, “I am ashamed that you foreigners see it too.”

The reality is that people are poor, hungry and sick and not much is being done about it. This is precisely why citizens mocked the mayor's initiative and forced him to return to his prestigious office. “You're just a liar!” they shouted, “We don't want any cornerstones!”

When my two-month-old daughter squeals with delight, I'm forced to think, “From where does so much happiness come? What can make a human being actually shriek with joy and why does it almost sound absurd when it happens?” So much sadness and misery is around and yet this child of mine is so content.

Perhaps she is right and there is justice in being so happy. Perhaps humans originally are born to be happy until tough times and miserable living wear down this happiness. Yet the question remains: What are we going to do about it?
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