In what is a generally positive look at Lebanon’s political and social foundations, the author reminds everyone what a staffer within Bush Sr.’s administration had to say about the city of Portland, Oregon:
During the presidency of George H.W. Bush, some of the chief’s staffers referred to Portland, Oregon as “Little Beirut.” The joke was thought to be clever because the highly liberal enclave of Portland saw massive demonstrations when the president came to town, and everyone knew, presumably, how hostile and incendiary a place the capital of Lebanon was.
Thanks to Ayat Joseph for the link to the article.
In October, Olivia Alabaster had sent me a link referencing a band that named themselves Little Beirut after Bush made their comment. I did get a response from one of the band members saying that they have no beef with Beirut but it seems my certificate to Bush Sr. has gone unanswered. Maybe I’ll send him another one.