The Tasks of the State

When looking to know the priorities of the families, any mandatary -really caring for us- knows that it is sufficient to ask about four aspects to recognize the basics of our well-being:

1) Have you eaten? Why?

2) How's your health? Why?

3) How's the job? Why?

4) How are your children doing at school? Why?

Every other aspect: Security, economy, public services, etc. are transversal to these four. It is not necessary to be a paternalistic government to make these questions. Let's just imagine a world where the answers for all families were:

1) We have eaten. Abundantly and satisfyingly. Cause we have access to quality and nutritious meals. Cause we can afford to buy them. And cause we have been taught how to feed ourselves to be healthy and to feel good. Neither we or our beloved feel hunger.

2) We are healthy. Cause neither we or our children live constantly exposed to dangers. Cause we eat healthy, we know how to prevent diseases and -when sick- we have access to physicians and medicaments. Cause we have been given health education, especially sexual and reproductive, that we exercise with freedom and responsibility. Cause our house is clean and has water, sanitation, light, and gas. And cause we have the opportunity to do exercise.

3) Things are going well at the job. Cause there are honest employments, job opportunities and salaries that cover our necessities. Cause we have social protection and employment benefits. Cause our boys and girls do not need to work. Cause there are not excessive working hours. Cause our rights are respected and domestic work is valued and recognized. And cause we expect a proper retirement.

4) Things are going well at school. Cause our children are learning, and learning how to do. Cause they have access to the materials they need for learning. Cause the school is endowing them with the knowledge and the know how for a better present and future. Cause diversity is respected. And cause it is a safe environment, free from violence and addictions.

In that context, why would a good government want to intervene? It is not about being paternalistic. It is about leaving aside the superfluous and going to the substance. It is about knowing where efforts should be focused, and not looking aside what most of us are interested in, while looking at things only a few are interested about. It's emphasizing that we do know where we must go, what incentives are needed, and evidentiate that playing the fool with us only makes a fool out of you. That we reckon when things are working and when things are not. And the role each State plays.

This is not a slight comment. It's a call not to look aside; to turn the eyes on the walked path, and the path still ahead, and to get things straight, for the sake of us all. We know very well what we must do. Let's work to get it done.