L’Haine by Cassovitz made famous a saying that fits right in where we are: a guy jumps from a skyscraper and repeats to himself: “Fine so far” until he smashes on the pavement. Not the flying but the landing matters.
Volcano ash cloud is blocking European air traffic again. “Weeks ago we had to cancel our conference in Kiev and tomorrow event in Madrid is at risk as well. The Greek crisis and the ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico give us a general sense of weakness. We are all interconnected and more fragile. There is not safe heaven. It even rains.
Politicians keep reassuring us saying that everything is under control. They will fix everything. Do you believe them?
I don’t. I don’t think everything is under control, at all. My friend bankers are even more afraid now because the Greek crisis is stuck and there are no more reserves in Europe. Not only the Euro but all banks are vulnerable. All Western countries are in debt: in the first place Portugal, Spain, Ireland and the UK. The only rescue would come from China and Saudi Arabia but at a high price.
Politicians don’t say the truth because they are afraid of loosing control. The situation is very difficult and we can go through it only joining our efforts and working hard together. Citizens must take the leadership, taking new responsibilities and rediscovering solidarity.
Work more with less. Retire later with less. No safe jobs but more flexibility. No laid back but innovative and open to diversity. The good old times are over.
I’m excited: we are facing a new world; we must embrace it with hope and determination.
I will start with the tomorrow conference. I don’t know how many people will manage to reach Madrid. Let’s see. It will be fun!
Cosa fa VITA?
Da 30 anni VITA è la testata di riferimento dell’innovazione sociale, dell’attivismo civico e del Terzo settore. Siamo un’impresa sociale senza scopo di lucro: raccontiamo storie, promuoviamo campagne, interpelliamo le imprese, la politica e le istituzioni per promuovere i valori dell’interesse generale e del bene comune. Se riusciamo a farlo è grazie a chi decide di sostenerci.