That's It. I'm Moving To Spain...
Today I am adding a new category to The Rabbi Report. Named in memory of martyred former Chilean president Salvador Allende, the award will honor men and women of political and social vision the world over in the hopes that their courage as well as a sense of freedom and fair play might inspire even the few folks who read my scribblings. Inspired by the death of the man who led the coup that overthrew president Allende and plunged Chile into almost two decades of darkness, repression and murder, I hope to use this category to, in my own little way, spread the word about people doing good around the world.
So the first Allende Award goes to Spain's Prime Minister, José Luis RodrÃguez Zapatero.
Oh, if only we could have a leader like Zapatero. He's a Socialist who has departed from the cautious, middle-of-the-road style of previous Socialist Spanish leaders by actually pushing social and political reforms through parliament and distancing the government from the Roman Catholic Church in a deeply religious country.
According to this article in Wednesday's New York Times, Zapatero has "eliminated all legal distinctions between same-sex and heterosexual unions," strengthened women's rights and expanded their access to power and even "presented a legislative package condemning Franco's dictatorship and honoring its opponents," according to the Times. In a country where many in the older generation still sing Franco's praises, this is a seriously ballsy guy. You might remember that 24 hours after he was sworn in on April 17th, 2004, he ordered the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq.
According to the article, when people suggest that he is taking risks by acting too quickly, Zapatero apparently replies "Go ask gay couples or other groups who have been denied their rights if I'm going too fast." The article also quotes an anonymous friend as referring to the Prime Minister not as a leftist but as a "radical democrat."
Some of you, I am sure, are wondering why I am making such a big deal about a world leader who is simply doing what's right. Well, the way I see it, in this world there is nothing simple about doing the right thing. The deck is so stacked against those who would practice simple kindnesses and fair play, that when someone stands up to be counted among the just, it deserves recognition.
Let's hope Zapatero continues to push the bubble and succeeds in Spain. Next on the agenda? Combating the institutionalized racism that permeates sections of Spanish society.
Please feel free to send me nominations for future Allende awards to Allende (at) rabbireport (dot) com. There are many people out there who are fighting the good fight and I want to hear about all of them!
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Thank you for this! It's a good idea: issue an award. I might have to copy you at some point.
I think another obvious candidate is Hugo Chavez. His audacity is infectious. Can you imagine the idea of using oil profits to build hospitals and schools? Audacious, I tell you!