READERS WRITE

GOOD NEWS

Good news about good news! The threats against various prominent news commentators, which were issued by diverse Kirchnerite figures over the past weeks, produced as a consequence an outpouring of solidarity from many dozens of press persons in a way which never occured in the days of the Peronist dictatorship of 1946-1955, nor during the military dictatorship of 1976-1983, nor with the defamations which took place during the presidencies of Cristina. This energetic defence of the right to have a free press is a very good omen in these difficult times. For let us not forget that freedom of thought and expression are vital to keeping dictatorial viruses at bay and to consolidate a democratic Republic, darn it!

Harry Ingham, City

WHO’S TO BLAME?

After testing positive for coronavirus, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, “The Great Pretender,” nonchalantly said: “I’m well, normal. I even want to take a walk around here, but I can’t due to medical recommendations.” He has underestimated the pandemic from the very start, calling it “a little flu”, setting the worst possible example for his country, where 68.000 people have already died. Same as US President Donald Trump, who also called it “a minor flu” and has systematically refused to wear a face mask, while mocking reporters who do. There have been over 3,000,000 coronavirus cases in the United States and over 135,000 deaths. To think that these two morons have become such important world leaders and, to make matters worse, might even be re-elected, makes my hair stand on end. Who’s to blame, in the long run: politicians or voters? We have a saying in Spanish which sums it up: “La culpa no es del chancho, sino del que le da de comer.”

Irene Bianchi, Ringuelet, La Plata

BATTLE OF THE BULGE: PART 102

Dear Sirs,

Former president Mauricio Macri returned to the political arena this week, advising his plastic and voluble successor in a video-message to mind his manners and our fragile liberties. Substantial public demos countrywide last Thursday,on Independence Day, seemed to back up the timely message. Meanwhile, the local economy continues to buckle under the tender ministrations of the eternal lockdown, whilst grim numbers concerning infected folk and fatalities continue to rise, particularly in Buenos Aires Province. Foreign debt negotiations? They also appear to be eternal and inconclusive, despite much support from leading economists and the IMF. Apparently, the ‘heavies’ are being heavy. ‘Veremos.’

Indenture wishes, David Parsons, Via email

MERCURIAL TALENT

As a regular reader of your Saturday print edition, I must ask you to abstain from advising changes in the style of Pola Oloixarac. I’m a great fan of her pen and the reference in today’s column to the advice of her gentle editor worried me for two reasons: 1) the best thing about youth is its daring and 2) Pola until now has managed her career with remarkable skill.

Having studied literature in UBA (University of Buenos Aires), she could have ended up as a sad assistant lecturer repeating the insipid contents of dinosaur professors (an academic career), correcting the mediocre texts of local journalists in a mass circulation daily (a newsroom career), translating or blogging (virtual careers) or teaching Spanish to foreigners (a Bohemian career). But NO... she chose to work with you. Cherish her because true talent is mercurial!

Last week’s column about the grey areas of a grey mayor (during a technicolour celebration) expresses the opinion of many of us who opt not to make waves due to the sadness of the quarantine. When Pola spoke of the bacchanalian hordes of runners or of “cover up your mouth and stay home, “she was making a profound exercise of semiotics and critical thinking.

The fact that you publish her alongside Neilson and Soltys is the reason why I walk to the newsvendor every Saturday and pay up my 120 pesos. The newspaper is very good and the information excellent but the difference will always be the pens.

Silvana Rossotto, Via email

The Buenos Aires Times is a publication produced by Diario Perfil SA.

Editor-in-chief: James Grainger. Executive Director: Agustino Fontevecchia. CEO: Gustavo Gonzalez. Founder: Jorge Fontevecchia. Honorary editors: Robert Cox, James Neilson, Michael Soltys. Postal address: California 2715, CABA, CSA C1289, Argentina. Telephone: (+54-11) 5985-4921. Website: www.batimes.com.ar Email: buenosairestimes@perfil.com