READERS WRITE
MELCONIAN
Among the many voices we hear which transmit confusion, pessimism and defeatism in these very difficult times for our country, economist Carlos Melconian shines brightly in the opposite as a person who is realistic whilst, at the same time, offering us hope on how to turn around Argentina’s many decades of long decadence. Seeing and hearing him last Monday on Joaquin Morales Sola’s TV programme was extremely illustrative about the road to be taken.
Melconian is the head of IERAL, the think-tank of Córdoba’s Fundación Mediterránea, which at this moment is at work on an integral plan for the recovery of our economy. A particularly interesting aspect of this endeavour is that it is not tied to any particular political party; on the contrary, it will be offered to the government which takes over after the next general election, whatever its colour. The basic concept which underlies this project is that populism in Argentina is on its final stretch, so much so that the present government, to be able to make it until December 2023, is being forced to take measures which are anything but populist.
The idea is to offer an all-inclusive economic plan, to be delivered in one shot. Obviously the presentation requires first-class communication, so that the populace can grasp what is going to take place and get the feeling that, even if it is at a distance, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Very fortunately Don Carlos is a brilliant expounder, who speaks a very understandable language for the common man which is never exempt of a nice dose of humour. Let us hope that his and his team’s efforts are eventually applied, because: “It’s the Republic, dammit”! Harry Ingham,
City
WHO GETS THE DOG?
For a couple without children, a dog can often be the centre of their universe. The attachment to their pet is deep and the furry friend always reciprocates love with its unwavering devotion. It is therefore no wonder that, if partners are no longer in love and decide to divorce, the pet will suffer enormously. When the bond between the masters has been broken, the dog will notice a disruption of its normal routine which will cause a lot of anxiety.
Last October 22, the Buenos Aires Times published a news story about a family court granting joint custody of two dogs to the owners who had divorced and who now have visitation rights for canines Kiara and Popeye. The court’s decision hit the news because it is the first case of its kind in Argentina. Because of the separation, there was no interaction between the divorcees but, after the court’s ruling, they had to get together to walk their dogs on the beach.
Seeing the four of them together having a good time is ironic because divorcees do not generally pair up to have fun and, though we do not know them, their story comes off as likeable because not only are both of them pet-lovers but, as one of them told the press, they believe dogs should be considered “non-human persons with feelings.“
Is this the end of the story or has it not reached its final outcome yet? May Kiara and Popeye help their owners patch up their differences as a couple for them to get back together in the not-too-distant future.
Adrian Insaubralde, Santa Fe
BATTLE OF THE BULGE: PART 218
Dear Sirs,
Hey, it looks as if the rats are deserting a sinking ship, and President Albert is looking increasingly lonely. Meanwhile, Super Minister Sergio Massa jokes that he is like ‘Joe, the plumber,’ on board the RMS Titanic, on April 14, 1912. It ain’t funny, for we third-class passengers, hanging on by our fingernails to paltry incomes shredded by rampant inflation.
It is also significant that Crown Prince Máximo recently announced that his Mighty Mom would not be running for President in next year’s general elections. Political pundits are already forecasting an ‘electoral tsunami’ for the nervous incumbents. Veremos!
Another forecast, this our own: next Sunday, in Brazil, Bolsonaro 52 percent, Lula 48 percent. More veremos! David Parsons,
via email