As one of the nine million retired or nearing retirement in Spain, I vividly remember living under the dictatorship and the immense joy and hope that came with the dictator’s death. Despite the risks, including detention, torture, and the suppression of rights, we continued to fight for freedom. It is important not to trivialize the dictatorship, which eliminated civil and democratic rights and undermined equality between men and women for 40 years. To prevent such oppression from happening again, it is crucial that we remember and educate younger generations about this dark period in our history.
The editorial from December 4th in EL PAÍS highlighted the extraordinary employment figures in Spain. While it is positive that employment is growing, particularly with the inclusion of women in the workforce, there must also be significant advancements in housing, education, and healthcare to prevent the undermining of democracy. The lack of attachment to democracy among young people is concerning, and only by addressing these issues can we generate greater support and understanding for democratic values.
As a student, inflation affects my daily life beyond just being a number reported in the news. The rising costs of goods and services have forced me to adjust my spending habits and consider cheaper alternatives. The uncertainty of the future, including university costs and other plans, is a direct result of increasing inflation. Inflation is not just a distant concept; it shapes our daily decisions and impacts our ability to afford basic necessities.
The recent announcement by President Biden regarding the sale of $8 billion worth of weaponry to Israel has sparked outrage and condemnation. This support for Israel, despite the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children, in Gaza, raises questions about the ethical implications of such arms sales. As the new administration takes over, there are concerns about the continuation of this support and the consequences for innocent civilians caught in conflict.
In conclusion, reflecting on the past and educating future generations about the struggles for freedom and democracy is essential to prevent history from repeating itself. While positive economic indicators are encouraging, they must be accompanied by social progress in areas such as housing, education, and healthcare to strengthen democracy. Addressing issues such as inflation and unethical arms sales is crucial to creating a more just and equitable society for all. By acknowledging our past and advocating for positive change, we can strive towards a future built on justice, equality, and human rights.
