We CAN change

Obama nos ha vuelto ha sorprender. Recuerdan desde Irán que de momento son sólo palabras, y las palabras han de ser refrendadas con hechos. Y es cierto. Pero es un comienzo, un nuevo comienzo como el que representa el propio Obama, que ha supuesto un soplo de aire fresco sin precedentes para Estados Unidos y para el mundo entero, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta los derroteros que estaba tomando últimamente la política exterior estadounidense y, a su estela, la de muchos otros paises de la escena internacional. Parece que vivimos nuevos tiempos, tiempos en los que el gobierno español (junto con muchos paises europeos) se atreve a desafiar a la Iglesia Católica cuando esta, por enésima vez, se equivoca de pleno. Tiempos para la esperanza y para el cambio. Y el auténtico símbolo de estos nuevos tiempos no es otro que Barack Obama. Veremos que pasa con Irán, veremos que pasa con Israel. Veremos que pasa con Guantánamo, con Cuba, con Corea, con Afghanistan. Veremos, volviendo a casa, que pasa con ETA y el problema vasco (que son dos cosas distintas), con el estatus de la Iglesia Católica (que, no me malinterpretéis, ha hecho y hace muchas cosas buenas, también mucho daño) en un estado que se dice aconfesional, con Catalunya y el estado de las Autonomías. Con el Ulster, con el 0.7, con Kyoto, con la deuda externa, con la pena de muerte, con millones de personas condenadas a muerte por desnutrición o por enfermedades que son crónicas o letales dependiendo de donde vivas.

Hay mucho que cambiar, y los cambios, los verdaderos, los perdurables, llevan tiempo. Veremos... Pero de momento hoy Obama me ha hecho sonreir y me ha hecho tener esparanza en un futuro mejor, o al menos, menos malo. Como me decía hoy K., este hombre parece "como salido de un cuento o algo así". Y los cuentos, casi siempre, tienen final feliz.

Yes
We
Can.

AUDIO: Para poner un poco de contraste, Handlebars by Flobots (...I can lead a nation with a microphone, with a microphone...)



Transcripción del discurso

“Today I want to extend my very best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz around the world.

“This holiday is both an ancient ritual and a moment of renewal, and I hope that you enjoy this special time of year with friends and family.

“In particular, I would like to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nowruz is just one part of your great and celebrated culture. Over many centuries your art, your music, literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place.

“Here in the United States our own communities have been enhanced by the contributions of Iranian Americans. We know that you are a great civilisation, and your accomplishments have earned the respect of the United States and the world.

“For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained. But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together. Indeed, you will be celebrating your New Year in much the same way that we Americans mark our holidays - by gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and stories, and looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope.

“Within these celebrations lies the promise of a new day, the promise of opportunity for our children, security for our families, progress for our communities, and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes, those are common dreams.

“So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's leaders. We have serious differences that have grown over time. My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community. This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect.

“You, too, have a choice. The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilisation. And the measure of that greatness is not the capacity to destroy, it is your demonstrated ability to build and create.

“So on the occasion of your New Year, I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek. It's a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce. It's a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbours and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace.

“I know that this won't be reached easily. There are those who insist that we be defined by our differences. But let us remember the words that were written by the poet Saadi, so many years ago: “The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence.”

“With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning.

“Thank you, and Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak.”