Security Minister Sergio Berni was attacked by angry protesters, after a fellow bus driver, Daniel Barrientos (65) was murdered by criminals. We all know that violence breeds violence. A phrase said by Martin Luther King comes handy: “Hate begets hate; violence begets violence”. We shouldn’t allow the law of the jungle to take over. True. But, isn’t it also violent that criminals in Argentina seem to have more rights than decent people? Isn’t it violent that we are all at the mercy of thieves and gunmen, and never know for sure if we’ll be able to get back home sound and safe every evening? Isn´t this insane inflation also violent? And poverty? And the absence of State? We are all (metaphorically?) punched in the face every single day by this failed administration. We are all fed up, as fed up as the guys who hit Berni. And once again, good old Shakespeare comes to mind. “Henry VI, Part III, Clifford: «Who scapes the lurking serpent’s mortal sting? Not he who sets foot upon her back. The smallest worm will turn, being trodden on, and doves will peck in safeguard of their brood.» That is to say: even the most humble creature eventually will turn to fight an oppressor. Both Alberto and Cristina Fernández should bear this in mind.
Buenos Aires Times, April 8, 2023