The art of moderation

In a historic speech to the nation to announce his retirement from the American presidency in 1976, George Washington made a profound reflection on the unity of the State, political coexistence, the patriotic spirit, the defense of freedoms and values, tolerance and general well-being, which, taken together, was a call for moderation as the vehicle to achieve great goals.

As long as each part of our territory sees its immediate and particular interest in the union, all of them, combined with each other, will find in the gathered mass of their means and efforts a greater volume of resources and greater security against external dangers, said the key leader in the war for the independence of the colonies by emphasizing that moderation underlies the possibility of integrating and avoiding conflicts and confrontations.

I bring up this reference in relation to the current political and economic situation in Colombia and because it is imperative to put moderation before shocks and prevent the country from getting lost in uncertainty due to the effects of international and national situations that put pressure on deceleration and They raise forecasts of a greater contraction for the coming months.

Business confidence suffers many ups and downs due to this uncertainty. According to Fedesarrollo, today sociopolitical conditions weigh up to 48% in decision-making, while economic conditions influence 24%.

If we want Colombia to navigate safely through the dangerous waters of the international slowdown and move through national life without major setbacks, it is essential that there be moderation, promoting a coordinated course between the different levels of democracy, with actions that contribute to sustained development and sustainable that the nation needs.

Moderation has been a fundamental value in Colombia’s macroeconomic stability, in its resilience and in the strength of the business network, and at the same time excess has left us with wars, poverty, destabilization and enmities.

Moderation must include the economic and political spheres and even such everyday matters as trills and criticism. Instead, we require actions and proposals to reactivate the country, as well as more coordination and better execution of public-private work plans, for example.

The lack of political and ideological tolerance has negative impacts, such as the fact that we do not have continuous and constructive relations both nationally and abroad. The problems cannot be solved by looking for culprits or those responsible in other countries or in natural phenomena or in the private sector. It is important to assume that each thing is part of the problem and what proceeds is to look for solutions.

With good political calculation and moderation we can turn difficulties into opportunities, there is no reason that justifies nations distancing themselves due to the whims of their rulers, much less that hatred, distrust, intolerance and uncertainty persist within their territories. .

Moderation must be for everyone, we all have to contribute to our environment with actions that promote joint work, with well-founded ideals and the conviction that the purpose that unites us is Colombia.