Jordan's lucky day of freedom of speech

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A few days ago a shot at freedom of speech missed its target due to the kind and very generous actions of our King, HRH Abdullah Bin Al Hussein Al Hashimi, the king of Jordan.

I heard a few days ago of a talk show where people would call in to complain about any injustice or incident that happened to them or the country, particularly when such incidents have a link with a highly connected member of parliament, government, tribe, family or company. As you might not know, Jordan still is a ‘who you know’ country where the rich or connected person always has the last stand. The talk show in turn, helps out these callers by further investigating the incidents, sometimes embarrassing or exposing those responsible, and getting justice in the end.

So, there they were, civilians calling and complaining, “a minister promised X but didn’t do it.”, “X did this and got away with it, etc…” Until one particular person calls in,

Gentleman “I have a complaint about someone very high in the ladder”

Talk Show “Alright. Is he a member of parliament?”

Gentleman “No, higher…”

Talk Show “Ok, is he the prime minister?”

Gentleman“No, higher…”

Talk Show “Well, the only person higher than the prime minister is the King…”

Gentleman “Exactly. My co…”

CLICK!!!

And there he was immediately disconnected, of course, as expected. This is where one would get upset. This is where one would appreciate the freedom one has in the western world; mind you, I’m only referring to the freedom of speech and expression, and not the freedom to vote or get justice… The west is as corrupt as any other country in this world.. They just hide what they hide, and lie out of everything else.

All is not lost. The best part is, moments later, the talk show’s phone rings again, and who is it this time?

Talk Show “Hello caller, who am I speaking with?”

Caller “This is your Royal Hines King Abdulla Bin Al Hussein Al Hashimi speaking”

Talk Show “ (shocked/confused/scared) “

King “I insist that you allow that caller to speak, and complain.”

Moments later, both the King and the Gentleman are on the talk show.

Gentleman “Oh, I’m very happy and honored to speak with you. I just want to complain about one incident that happened……………”

(note: so you can understand, when the king visits any town in Jordan, he goes in a “Mawkeb”. I forgot the word in English, but it basically means ~10 to 20 identical black large secure and well armored vehicles in front of his vehicle, a few beside it, and ~10 to 20 behind it. For security’s sake, these cars do not allow anyone or anything close to the HRH King’s vehicle.)

Gentleman “ ……… When you came to visit our town “Zarga”, we were all very happy and excited. However, when your Mawkeb came close to us, it hit our car with my wife and child in it, and totally damaged the car. The Mawkeb did not stop to check or anything, and continued driving off leaving them at that state. They are now in hospital because of it.

The King then apologized to the Gentleman, saying that no one told him about this, and that he is upset about it. The King insisted that the Gentleman go to any hospital he pleases, and put his wife and child in any suite he finds pleasing, all at the King’s expense. Additionally, the King also insisted that the Gentleman go to any dealer he wishes, and buy two cars also at the King’s expense.

I am very happy to hear this, and very grateful of the King’s actions. He has shown the country his generosity, and closeness to his people. I ask of the Mawkeb drivers to be a little bit more careful when driving, to reduce any accidents that may occur in the future.