Reasons for a commitment to the good of all

All of us are called to attention by the local elections that will take place in Italy on June 11, not only those who are already involved in the various levels of the political realm or those who are running for office.
Society, both at the individual and organizational level, seems to be dominated by a pessimism fed by continued uncertainty. We see so many problems: growing poverty rates; the absence of reliable structures within civil society and of proposals capable of making a difference in the realities people are facing, from supporting their family to finding a job; the apparently unstoppable influx of migrants, which contributes to the rising sense of insecurity; the marginalization of the elderly and lack of housing for the less advantaged and for young married couples; the educational crisis and school facilities in disrepair; the lack of sufficient parks and athletic facilities; pollution and lack of public green space; transportation issues…These are just a few of the questions we have to face every day, whether we want to or not. They are part of the fabric of our daily life. On top of all of this, there is the uncertainty resulting from the lack of trust and of confidence in our institutions.
In such a landscape, we risk being overcome by indifference or by an instinctive reaction – a “non-judgment” or the idea of “taking down” those in power, holding them responsible for everything that’s wrong. A growing culture of distrust and uncertainty impedes any proposal for change and tears down anything that has flowered from one’s belonging to an ideal, to a history or tradition, of any color or creed. What’s needed most urgently today are actors who can – in small things and great – come together, dialogue with each other and offer credible proposals.
How can we begin again?
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