We need a debate on values

Here’s another one from Helmut Schmidt: “ We need to give more importance to the politics of the family. Within the framework of social politics, it is the first link in the chain of socio-political norms that should be applied.” There can be no social politics without the politics of the family, as Helmut Schmidt said. And by his side, Schroeder talks about the family “success factor for the economy”, because for economic success you need the kind of values that the family helps you obtain. These quotes are from Social Democrat politicians. But it is fair to say that such ideas have previously served as a doctrine in other parts, above all, as the underlying philosophy of Christian society. Nowadays the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Kohler, who is Christian Democrat, insists time and time again on the same ideas: a sense of responsibility, family, resolve and community. He also wants to focus on the elements that promote self-esteem and avoid fear. Today, these ideas are already widely accepted, except among radical progressives and those overcome by the fear of appearing conservative. That is, when being a conservative is to be a prisoner of modes of behaviour that are already overcome.

It could be pointed out that these are only the words of German politicians. And one of the reasons they are saying such things is because in Germany the crisis of confidence is especially bad. But one could put together a similar number of quotes containing similar messages from politicians from France, Italy, and numerous other countries. It is in Europe as a whole, and obviously in Catalonia too – that we need to give some thought to adopting positive values and constructive attitudes. It is these values and attitudes that help in the making of a country. And although, at the moment, they are not a dominant force in society, it doesn’t alter the fact we urgently need to give them our full consideration, and in many cases change our ways.