Will pass

The world stopped. It had to stop to confront the new coronavirus pandemic that has already infected millions of people, taking many lives. The world stopped with social isolation because it is the most effective way to defeat the virus at this time.

In Brazil, lacking the necessary leadership from the Ministry of Health, the federal government is unconcerned about the growing number of deaths; on the contrary, it seems to celebrate. It couldn't care less about the lives of those who barely survive on meager monthly wages.

But lights of hope are shining around the world. We are witnessing massive demonstrations in major US cities against racism and police violence.

Vietnam, a small country in southwest Asia, overcame the coronavirus with an exemplary approach to combating the pandemic, including strict quarantine measures, mandatory mask use, and mass testing.

China made a gigantic effort and overcame the worst of the health crisis in recent years. South Korea is also managing to contain the spread of the virus, and European countries are gradually resuming life outside their homes.

We also have the example of selflessness and dedication to medicine shown by Cuban doctors who are spread throughout the world to help overcome the health crisis. They were even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, contamination is only increasing due to a lack of effective action to contain Covid-19. Social inequality and disrespect for human life accelerate contagion, and therefore quarantine measures should not be relaxed because more lives could still be lost to a virus that can be controlled with intelligence, political will, transparent information, and hygiene precautions.

The lights of hope arrive in Brazil in movements and in the broad front that is emerging against fascism. The Somos 70% movement is growing to unite all democratic forces in the country and the March for Life, which takes place virtually on Tuesday (9) shows the willingness of the majority of the population to remove Jair Bolsonaro from the Presidency to save Brazil.

Congress is beginning to show signs of understanding the drama unfolding in the country, which is adrift due to the lack of a government committed to the Constitution, freedom, work, public education and healthcare, and life itself. Various demonstrations by popular and democratic movements for a more equal and just country are emerging on social media, and some are taking to the streets to confront the increasingly smaller forces of regression and hatred.

Thus grows the certainty that everything will pass, as in the song by Chico Buarque and Francis Hime: "A popular samba will pass through this avenue and every cobblestone of the old city will shiver," imagine then the joy of those who have always been in the fight for social justice.

The unity of all social movements and political parties against obscurantism, in defense of life, the value of work, sustainable development, and the fight against inequalities.

It will pass because together we are stronger and nothing can stop the power of unity around the common good, nature, and life.