Lesson in politics

What is the purpose of politics?

In the current context of Brazilian social life, due to the growth of right-wing extremist hordes, we have lost sight of how and why political action is constituted. Since the Bolsonaro government and now with its followers, it has transformed into manifestations of aggression and hatred that leave us leagues away from what the Greeks, with their vision of democracy, intended to communicate as the reason for human coexistence. A visit to the debates in the National Congress conveys a sadness that only grows, session after session. However, it should not be forgotten that political participation is a good thing, indispensable for the advancement of any country, if we consider that the world aims to improve and refine itself. 

In the Human Rights Commission of the Federal Senate, with the presence of Minister Silvio Almeida and prominent parliamentarians of various political persuasions, we witnessed a clash that separated what is worthwhile, what is good, from what should not be done in the discussions taking place. This is if we consider that there are good and bad ways to 'do politics'. At one point, Senator Eduardo Girão, seemingly forgetting the true definitions of his position, stood up, in a small conspiracy with Senator Damares Alves (already well-known for her bizarre conduct), to bring "a little gift" to the authority speaking at the table. It was a replica of a baby, a 12-week-old fetus. Silvio Almeida put a stop to the representation. He said he would not accept the spurious staging of something that represented so much for both women and men in Brazilian society. To joke about the subject would undoubtedly infringe the dictates of politics. And he added: “In the name of my daughter, who is about to be born, I refuse to accept this.” Girão did a 180-degree turn, surprised by the authority's reaction, tucked his tail between his legs, and retreated. He returned to his seat next to his accomplice, Damares Alves. It was a lesson! It's possible he will never again display the poor quality of his actions in such a vile manner. The audience gave him a standing ovation. Flávio Dino greeted his ministerial colleague. Janja, from where she was, couldn't help but cheer. 

It's important to emphasize that politics and hatred, contrary to what has become fashionable, don't mix. A good politician is one who loves their contemporaries, who fights to improve their living conditions. Displaying punches, kicks, and slaps, except in sports where the activity is organized within specific rules, has no place in the assemblies of people elected as representatives of the population. Unfortunately, what we witness with heartbreaking frequency has more to do with resentment than with the spirit of humanity. Ionesco, if he were to witness the scenes in our Congress, with Girão, Damares, and company, would be perplexed. With them, reality surpasses parody. There, they reenact, to the point of exhaustion, situations from the play "The Lesson," in which he comments on and amuses himself with our communication inabilities. On the other hand, seeing Silvio Almeida... – what comfort we experience in our souls! We are left with the feeling that we have arrived.