The Archdiocesan Social Pastoral of Córdoba published an open letter to the political leadership regarding the current situation in the country.
Entitled “Save the Homeland: Agreements and Priorities”, from the entity they shared a reflection on “the reality” that the country is going through, “in the context of this electoral year and, also, for the 40 years of democracy without interruptions that we will celebrate in December”.
Given this, they highlighted some aspects that they consider “should be addressed with priority and urgency, establishing agreements and consensus for the long term”, such as poverty, education, problematic consumption, insecurity and violence, among others.
In the letter, they noted: “Hopefully this year we will continue cultivating democratic culture, so important and valuable.”
“In these electoral times in which words abound, it is imperative to have concrete gestures, and that all of us who have responsibilities and important roles in society discover that power is for the service of others and that politics is an instrument for the transformation of reality, for the benefit of all citizens, especially the most neglected”, they continued.
Lastly, they closed the communiqué by stating that “we cannot get out of this unfortunate situation without a national agreement, without leaving aside revengeful sentiments and hate speech, ambiguous, “tribuneros” and “couchados”.
Social Pastoral: open letter to the political leadership
Below is the letter:
To you, who have political responsibilities:
We are writing to share our reflection on the reality that all Argentines are going through in the context of this election year and, also, for the 40 years of democracy without interruptions that we will celebrate in December. It is true that sometimes we wonder if it is worth expressing what we all already know, what you know, and what is common sense. Also, sometimes, disappointment and hopelessness discourage us when we see the years go by and we sadly realize that we are getting worse and worse. Why is it that we can’t get ahead? Many wonder if there is no sincere will to achieve it; and sometimes it seems not. Proof of this is that recipes, speeches and solutions abound, but the situation in Argentina continues to worsen.
As citizens, we highlight the presence in so many corners of our land (cities, neighborhoods, communes) and in so many sociopolitical structures, of leaders who work responsibly and seriously, who see politics as a service and not as a “personal career” or as a space of power for their own benefit and enrichment.
They are the politicians that the Homeland needs! As we expressed it in the document “Democracy and the attitudes that we lack”: “attitudes such as perpetuation in a position, testimonial candidacies (…) wear down citizen credibility…”.
Pope Francis reminds us that politics is one of the highest forms of charity. A large part of society chooses, recognizes and esteems them because it values commitment, transparency and selfless work for others.
Along with this, it must also be said that a high percentage of citizens disbelieves in the institutions, in politics and in politicians. As various public opinion polls reveal, there are more and more people who believe that a large number of social and political leaders are not thinking regarding the common good of citizens, and that their agendas and objectives are not in line with the reality of people. It is noticeable when a politician or a policy is “in another”. “Knowing” regarding reality, having information and statistics is not the same as “being” in reality.
In election years, the political agenda intensifies and proselytizing campaigns “absorb everything”. But reality does not wait, the difficulties continue and many brothers continue to suffer. I hope this year is not just regarding electoral campaigns.
basic agreements
We Argentines need referents capable of dialogue, with human and political maturity. We know and we know that many meet these conditions. Society values this class of leaders, and you have an inescapable responsibility; for this they apply, for this they are elected and/or assume this commitment.
With other citizens we wonder if it is possible to establish some basic agreements. Stop thinking regarding personal interests and supporters to put Argentina at the center. Without agreements and without basic consensus there is no way out for the Homeland. The polarizing strategy may give some political “revenue” or get some angry vote; but it does not build the common good. Betting on the crack turns once morest it, and it is sad to see that part of the leadership, even claiming the opposite, encourages division.
Aspects that must be addressed with priority and urgency. Without intending to make an exhaustive or decisive list, and appreciating the achievements and efforts made during the democratic period, there are aspects that must be addressed with priority and urgency, establishing agreements and consensus for the long term, beyond the current situation.
Poverty and work. It is a scandal so much poverty in our country. It has been increasing for decades. We are getting poorer all the time! There are Argentines who do not eat every day. Poverty is urgently needed. Every day, inflation turns the poor into destitute. Millions of families do not have enough for daily sustenance, not even with the work of the mother and father. In addition to those who do not have a job or have an informal job, there are formal workers who receive wages that are below the poverty line!
Undoubtedly, one way out is the generation of genuine work, but also, so that everyone can live with dignity, progress and earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, the wages received by workers must cover the costs involved in maintaining your families.
Common house. Many climatic disasters are the consequence of not caring for our Common Home. The ambition of some and the neglect of others contribute to ecological deterioration.
Education. It is proven that many finish school without understanding what they read. This is very serious!
Schools have been receiving, for years, children and young people affected by all the social problems of the environment in which they live, and working to fulfill their fundamental role: that of educating. Education needs budgets in line with the social complexities of today’s educational task.
Problematic consumption. We are witnesses to the number of people who are victims of the scourge of drugs. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and other types of substances is becoming naturalized. This brings problems such as the rupture of the social fabric, lack of control and violence that put lives at risk. There are so many young people damaged and families destroyed by drugs. We are mortgaging our future.
Retirees, people with disabilities and people to be born. It is unfortunate and miserable what a retiree who has worked all his life earns. For many of them the stage of “jubilation”, of joy, turns into an ordeal. It cannot be that these brothers of ours have to suffer so much. They are often excluded. It is cruel and immoral to make budget cuts in healthcare, education, the retirement system, and policies that address the needs of the disabled. Public spending must be reduced, especially that which pays for “militancy” and not management, but never “cut the thinnest thread.” It is a shame and a scandal before God that public resources are allocated to the elimination of nascent human life. Even more so in a country with an immense territory and with a birth rate that continues to fall and that in some jurisdictions is already below the requirement for optimal generational turnover. We will not get tired of reiterating: All life is worth it!
Insecurity and violence. As a result of many factors, we observe that violence is increasing. It seems that for many life is worthless.
Insecurity and violence. As a result of many factors, we observe that violence is increasing. It seems that for many life is worthless.
Hopefully this year we will continue cultivating democratic culture, so important and valuable. In these electoral times in which words abound, it is imperative to have concrete gestures, and that all of us who have important responsibilities and roles in society discover that power is for the service of others and that politics is an instrument for transformation of reality, for the benefit of all citizens, especially the most neglected.
Let’s save the homeland!
There is no way out of this unfortunate situation without a national agreement, without leaving aside revengeful feelings and hate speech, ambiguous, “tribuneros” and “couchados”.
Finally, as believers that we are, we pray for our Homeland, for our leadership, for you. We ask God to grant the current authorities and those who will be elected this year wisdom to govern, closeness to the people and social sensitivity to manage the transformation of reality.
We also ask for the intercession of the Holy Cura Brochero, a pastor who assumed leadership capable of working with others for the common good. May he intercede for you and for all the social and political leadership.
May María de Luján, Patroness of Argentina, take care of us and guide us so that this year -and always- we can build, together, a Homeland of brothers.
