Words, words, words
Words that express annoyance: "We speak about a responsible, united
and plural Alliance, but where is the reference to democracy?" exclaimed
a participant. Responsible? "But who is responsible and in relation
to whom?" added another. Terrorism? "We are here to talk about
peace"
Words that express astonishment: "Is not the Charter's goal the happiness
of man?" Happiness? Exclamations burst forth. "Let's say then
that the goal is simply man." A majority? "We always forget
to say that the majority of humankind is made up of women!"
Words that are controversial: "... secularity, representativeness
...", words that unite: "diversity, culture, roots
"
etc.
Nevertheless, this second day devoted to workshops is not an exercise
in semantics. After the exchange of views among the participants and the
making of proposals, we are now in a discussion stage, in which a Charter
that will take into account the whole set of elements discussed by the
participants will be taken into consideration.
The work pattern is constraining. Each item is followed by discussions,
objections and questions: What is the use of it? Is it a Charter for states
or for citizens? "We are not preparing a final declaration,"
pointed out a facilitator. "We are in a process that began five years
ago and that will continue
".
Everything seems to be stirring. Speeches, principles, specific proposals:
the wish to change the economic order of things becomes palpable and contagious.
And already the frustration of not going faster, of not being even more
practical, of not seeing things even more clearly. The World Assembly
goes its own sweet way and the interpreters are tired. Profuse and inspired,
this new day forebodes a week-end that should deploy a whole array of
proposals.
We now have to apply the general principles of this first stage of discussions
to the thematic workshops. Seventeen topics have been set. All the participants
at the Assembly will gather around a specific topic depending on their
personal interests. Perhaps new communities sharing the same views and
new identities will appear, beyond words, diversities and differences.
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