The US is going in the wrong direction

Poor American society. I should not say more than that this evening. But I believe there are enough citizens in the United States who understand that the current direction must be changed, by democratic means. To continue the same path can only bring added conflict, divisions, and violence. That is not the kind of ally we want to have. That is not the kind of superpower that can make the world safer

The drifting United States

The US is in crisis and I feel deeply sorry for the many friends I have in that great country. It continues to be deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic, more than 100,000 lives have been lost and millions of people are without a job. Now, there are demonstrations and anger in many cities in response to police brutality and racism. The African-Americans are the main target of the racist attitudes we can easily notice within the police forces and in some segments of society. But the key problem resides in the political leadership of the country. President Donald Trump is a man that stirs up conflict and social disharmony. His approach to power is based on antagonising part of the American society. It is the politics of the hatred and rejection, splitting the citizens in two clear-cut groups: the supporters and those that he sees as enemies. At a time the country needs solidarity and unity of purpose, President Trump brings in discord and resentment. Seen from this side of the ocean, that is the most direct route to a deeper national disaster. And we can only be extremely worried because the US are the most powerful nation on earth. It cannot be adrift, rudderless.

Combating the xenophobia

The crisis created by the pandemic and the way countries have responded to it, particularly by closing the borders and banning international travel, are fertile soil for the xenophobic sentiments to grow. One of our challenges is to fight that. We cannot allow the narrow-minded and xenophobic ideas to win the day. The world would be a terrible place if we let prejudice and chauvinism to take control.

Supporting the women fighting discrimination and racism

Today, it is imperative to share a word of support for the US Congresswomen, Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.

This is not about interfering with the internal politics of their country. It is about supporting women that fight for the right to represent their constituencies, for equality and the values that are the foundation of the free and just world that we believe in. It is also about their dignity and a serious expression of our appreciation for their courage.

At the same time, we say no to racism and ethnically based violence. 

They are under very serious pressure, coming from one of the most powerful men in the world. But, in the end, in America and many other countries, right will prevail over might.

Christchurch, New Zealand

The terrorist attacks against the people attending religious services in two Christchurch mosques must be condemned with the strongest words possible. There is no room for ambiguities. This type of violence is abhorrent to the most fundamental values the modern societies share. It should have no place in today’s world.

Racism of any kind, terrorism of any nature, blind killings of innocent people, these are some of the most heinous crimes one can commit. They must be punished with the appropriate severity. And the leaders must say and do the right things that can give comfort to the victims and their families and help to restore the confidence within the communities.

In New Zealand, the Prime Minister has been exemplary in the way she has responded to this very traumatic crisis. Congratulations to PM Jacinda Ardern. And also our deepest sympathies to all concerned, those directly affected and the people of New Zealand.

Prejudices

Copyright V.Angelo

Different approaches are welcome as long as they sustain a common project. 

We cannot fall into the trap that sees some Europeans as just part of the decoration and little less. Some people in Brussels and in some Northern capitals are again tempted to look at nations from that perspective. We all know that arrogance and contempt have filled the history of Europe with wars and pain.