The Pass of Tragedy
On October 29, 2024, Horta Sud was plunged into a catastrophe that has left a trail of pain and destruction. A devastating flood has caused the loss of 224 lives and left three people missing, leaving the community in a state of shock and despair.
The Politicization of Misfortune
Beyond the natural disaster, political inaction has left the victims in a state of neglect for more than three months. This neglect has allowed the pain to intensify, with a sense of immunity among those who should have acted.
The Double Face of Solidarity
At the same time, there has been a proliferation of philanthropists who, with the best of intentions, seek to help victims. However, behind this help there is often a hidden interest that transforms donations into business opportunities, a phenomenon that has been called capitalist philanthropy.
The Organized Community
Faced with this situation, thousands of anonymous citizens have mobilized to offer support to the victims. With shovels and rakes, they have cleaned the streets and helped restore normality, showing that genuine solidarity is found in the daily actions of the community.
Philanthropy: A Profitable Business
The generosity of tycoons, such as Amancio Ortega and Juan Roig, has been widely publicized, but it is important to question the true motive behind these donations. Rather than being simply an altruistic act, these actions often seek tax benefits and an improved public image.
The Impact of Donations
Massive donations, such as Ortega’s 100 million euros through the Red Cross, are undeniably impressive, but we must ask who is really benefiting from them. Reliance on private charity to solve social problems can obscure the true needs of a public administration that should be the first to respond.
The Risk of Anti-Politics
With the voices of philanthropists criticizing the ineffectiveness of the authorities, a discourse is created that delegitimizes politics as a tool for social management. This message can lead to a society where charity replaces political responsibilities, leaving aside the real needs of the population.
The Danger of Addiction
If society relies solely on the generosity of the wealthy, it risks losing the support needed for a sustainable social infrastructure. Reliance on charity can create a vicious cycle where needs become a business for a few.
Final Reflections
In the midst of this panorama, it is vital that the community and institutions work together to ensure that the needs of the population do not become a commodity. True solidarity must be a collective act and not an instrument of power for a few, in order to build a more just and equitable society.
