Solidarity

I do not join those who, through social media, are casting votes against the health of former President Lula da Silva. Nor, obviously, do I join those who intend to take political advantage of such a sad event.

I hope this personal storm passes so he can move on with his personal and family life. We cannot repeat the petty act of the PT militants who assaulted Mario Covas at the entrance of the São Paulo Education Secretariat. They assaulted both the governor and a man suffering from cancer, who was in his final moments.

The scene won't leave my head. The cowardice of many and the bravery of one. I was always proud of Covas's stance, always consistent with the leader of the MDB who, in 1968, led the Chamber to confront the ultimatum of the military dictatorship, which demanded the removal of Congressman Marcio Moreira Alves. He was removed by Institutional Act number 5 precisely for that reason. Here is a man who died as he lived: with his head held high, without making fundamental concessions, without becoming debased.

I stand in solidarity with Lula at this time. With him and his family.

I don't need to retract any of the criticisms I've made of him to act this way. He sponsored corruption and corrupt individuals. He endorsed bloodthirsty dictators. He proved to be an enemy of freedom of the press. He preferred easy popularity to pursuing structural reforms that would have prepared Brazil for the great leap forward. In power, he demonstrated a resentful and petty character.

I am your adversary, and I see no reason to stop being so. But the one who is ill is not the adversary. It is the human being, the father, the husband, the grandfather. And it is with him that I stand in solidarity.

We must have limits. The feeling of generosity cannot be extinguished from our hearts. The flame of humanity must always shine within each of us.

Hate harms the one who hates. I spare myself such a destructive feeling.

*Diplomat, was leader of the PSDB in the Senate.