I read in Clarín that for the first time the UN has recognized the gastronomy of a country, namely Italy, saying that its cuisine promotes social integration, promotes well-being and strengthens the bonds of a culture. Nothing is truer.
From ancient Rome, they communicated to us their philosophical thoughts, their political and legal organization, the immense heritage of their art, and so many other things. And as if that wasn’t enough: the incomparable gastronomy. Our country, like many others, had the great fortune of the colossal Italian immigration at the beginning of the 20th century. Who brought with him his hard work and also the passion for his roots and his culture, which continues to this day. Can you even count the number of ice cream parlors named after a town or city in beautiful Italy? And the hundreds of pizzerias, many with decades of history, that we come to with an inordinate craving for that sauce and mozzarella fresh from the oven? The perfect sit-down dining companion during that quick lunch break, punctuated by the urgencies of modern life, or as a reward for a day ending with the friends we love.
We Argentinians love good food and family gatherings. And what could be nicer than Sunday pasta: cannelloni, spaghetti, ravioli, gnocchi… garnished with a good grated Reggiano.
As for the UN Prize for Italian Cuisine, I don’t understand why it is titled “Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. Immaterial? Yes yes, I know, it’s about culture. But it is a real pleasure for the senses to see the mozzarella melting on the edges of the crispy dough or the pasta with the bolognese that disturbs with its aroma. In short, a well-deserved award.
To conclude, there is nothing better than a saying that defines the cultural character of the Italian people and, in my opinion, serves us all: “Mangia bene, Ridi Spesso, Ama Molto” (Eat well, laugh often, love much). Thank you beautiful Italy
Matias Aníbal Rossi matiasrossi2014@gmail.com
While everyone seems to talk about the possible side effects of vaccinations – autism, for example – few discuss the diseases they prevent (polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus…). Measles is not a mild disease and can cause high-risk fatal pneumonia or encephalitis in the child. In 1971 there was an outbreak of measles and polio. I remember that we admitted 15 children to one ward due to insufficient vaccination, most of them from the emergency village 31 with severe complications and high mortality. And that same year there was an outbreak of polio with seriously ill patients, and together with doctors Enrique Schiaffino (pediatrician from San Andrés de Giles) and Pedro de Sarrasqueta we took care of the lungs, and when there was no electricity we used the pedal. Poliomyelitis was the ghost of the century. When I worked at ALPI, I saw the consequences of this disease. Let’s hope anti-vaxxers wake up from their anti-science hysteria and once again rely on evidence and important data when making public health decisions. Recently there have been anti-vaccination programs that border on the grotesque, containing misinformation about the vaccine and increasing confusion among parents.
Alejandro Awad R. GUTIÉRREZ HOSPITAL – FORMER HOSPITAL DIRECTOR dr.alejandroawad@gmail.com
The cultural change mentioned by Minister Federico Rumpfenegger is the most difficult of all after years of populist indoctrination and destruction of fundamental values that have led to brutalization. And this cannot be achieved overnight, but must be achieved at primary and secondary school levels. The restoration of values such as honesty, justice, freedom, commitment and solidarity is achieved as a child at home and at school. That is where the root of change lies and where we must act with caution and persistence.
Pablo Gay pabloagay@hotmail.com
Senator Mariano Recalde assured that Milei’s labor reform aims to facilitate layoffs in large companies. It ignores the impact of a work trial on large, medium and small companies as well as on individuals (or sole proprietors). Large companies have financial backing and enough lawyers to face a labor lawsuit. This does not apply to medium-sized companies (some of them) and small companies that have no more than 2 or 3 employees. A single lawsuit leads to them going bankrupt (there are plenty of examples). The most dramatic cases affect people (taxi drivers, doctors’ offices, hairdressers with only one assistant); almost all neighborhood or local stores. Reform, flexibility or adjustment of laws is the responsibility of scientists, accountants, lawyers and judges who realize that the first quarter of the 21st century is soon coming to an end. It cannot be in the hands of trade unionists who argue within the parameters of the industrial revolution. The factories no longer exist. Nor the number of jobs provided for in the laws. And there are no new jobs created every day as a result of the digital revolution. The updated laws will be passed and over the next two years the remaining laws we need will be published to create a country that is years behind the world.
Gabriel C. Varela gcvarela@gmail.com
I was watching the elections in the sister republic of Chile on television and Argentina embarrassed me: that same Sunday, Gabriel Boric, the outgoing president, called the elected president José Antonio Kast and invited him and his team of ministers to the government building to begin the transfer.
Rafael Madero rafamadero@hotmail.com.ar
About The Author
