Mariella Gattini

I’ve just added two new pieces to my blog. The first is titled Techno-Heaven, and it has to do with the dark side of technology, but it also explores what we can add to it to expand its virtues. The second refers to Texas and some stereotypes that need to be addressed, especially when it comes to Texan universities, this essay is titled What Linklater Got Wrong.

This is a crucial year for everybody around the world because democracy hangs on the balance. Democracy is like water, you will definitely miss it when it’s gone. While you have it, you take it for granted. Please pay attention to what is happening, and focus on the things you can do to preserve it, because everybody’s future depends on it, including the future of those who go through life unaware and unwilling to see what they have been given since birth with no effort from their part.

I know by experience what the curtailing of civil liberties means in the lifespan of a human being, and I can assure you that someone like me is still suffering the consequences of an authoritarian regime. Although I wasn’t affected directly, it affected my family of origin and therefore my future. So, yes, those things you see on TV for a fraction of a second, about wars in other countries, have true and deep repercussions on people, especially on children, and those repercussions can be felt for decades. It’s easy to say, “Get over it!” when you have been the perpetrators in that world, or you are someone who is unaware of how long it takes to recover from a war.

Children deserve real adults in government who protect them and help them grow in a healthy environment, anything else politicians want to sell is just noise. Please, tune in on what is important, our collective humanity, because war is not a game and should not be used as a bargaining chip.

I have great hopes for a great future for all of us, because the majority of people in this country means well and want to do the right thing to the best of their abilities. All I’m saying is do not give up, because what you do in favor of the preservation of our species in all its diversity makes sense and it is tremendously valuable. One person can only do so much, that’s true, but many times it takes only one person to make the difference.

Let’s think of ourselves as a big hug that embraces this country and every country around the world, because all people want is to live in peace and have opportunities to grow. Governments, on the other hand, can be the tool of the few who want to play the game of war to satisfy their personal hubris. Let’s help in the effort of protecting our government from falling into that category. All you have to do is to pay attention and make informed decisions, like the adult you are. And remember the children, they understand much more than you think.