Embarrassment to the people of Rio Grande do Sul

Mr. Eduardo Ribas
Mr. Renato Poy da Costa
Good morning, leaders of VELEIROS DO SUL!

First, let me introduce myself.

I am 54 years old, Brazilian, from São Paulo and Campinas; lawyer (www.macielneto.adv.br), husband, father, son, brother, uncle, etc...

I am the vice-president of the board of directors of my beloved club, Ponte Preta, and I am a member of a middle and upper-middle-class club in Campinas, the Sociedade Hípica de Campinas.

I was a teacher for almost twenty years and a modest political activist with stints in the PT, PSB, PPS and PCdoB parties. In addition, I have some experience in public administration in my city and in the RMC - Metropolitan Region of Campinas.

Now I will explain what motivated me to send this email.

I coexist with and respect the plurality of worldviews.

Respect as a value and good manners as a virtue were learned from my parents. And the importance of these values ​​and virtues has been reinforced by good organizations, institutions, and people throughout my life.

From the student movement of the 1980s to the present day, I have seen and interacted with some people whose lack of civility, with prejudiced, grumpy, and ill-mannered individuals, but when I encounter them I always offer a lot of patience seasoned with the hope that stupidity will give way to respect for differences.

However, an event involving the traditional club from Porto Alegre deserves to be noted.

The sailing club reportedly rejected the entry of Duca Leindecker, husband of vice-presidential candidate Manuela D'Ávila.

The reason: they were communists.

Some members of Veleiros do Sul reportedly mobilized to have Manu's family's membership application rejected.

Clearly, if true, this fact caused enormous suffering to Duca and Manuela's family and deserves to be condemned by civilized people, as it was an act of incivility and embarrassment to the people of the south, especially the capital of Rio Grande do Sul.

I don't know Duca, Manuella, or their children, but I put myself in their shoes, imagined my own children going through that embarrassment, and believe me, it's not a positive feeling.

Let it be noted that I am expressing my repudiation.

I can't help but offer some advice: more respect, empathy, and tolerance will lead the members of VELEIROS DO SUL to a very positive place, a place called CIVILIZATION; in that place the world presents itself with almost limitless possibilities, opportunities, and interactions, humanity resides there, outside of it there is only barbarism, think about that.

Thank you in advance for your attention.

Pedro Maciel