“We call for serene reflection, beyond the result of the next plebiscite. At dawn on September 5, we hope that the disqualifications and recriminations have ceased, returning to the best of our tradition. Chile, as has happened so many times in history, you must once again look to the future with optimism”.
Through a public statement, a group of supporters of both the Approval and the Rejection expressed their concern about the “tone of the current debate” in view of the Exit Plebiscite of the proposed new Constitution, an environment that, they affirm, “does not it is good for the country”, and for this reason they point to unity “thinking about the dawn of September 5”, no matter what happens on September 4.
The signatories point out that “along with solid substantive arguments, we have seen and heard proclamations with disqualifications, fake news and baseless accusations.” In his opinion, “the overflow of social networks seems to become unmanageable.” And they affirm that “what should be an instance of construction of agreements and democratic coexistence, often generates extreme hatred”.
“The debate on the new Constitution has not escaped this situation. This environment is not good for Chile,” they say.
They add that legitimate differences “should not be an impediment to express ourselves freely, along with promoting a solid base of coincidences.” And it is that “we need it to rebuild social peace and, above all, end the serious situations of poverty and vulnerability that afflict us.”
Regarding the results of the Plebiscite, they emphasize that different surveys and solvent opinions point, at this time, to the fact that it will be a “narrow” margin. For this reason, “this forces us, whatever the outcome of the polls, whether Approval or Rejection wins, to make an effort to improve the work carried out so far.”
The scenario for the signatories is as follows: “If the proposal for a new Constitution is approved, let us remember that an agreement already exists in order to unite wills to improve the text and enact the necessary laws for its entry into force so that the country regain confidence in the future. If, on the other hand, it is rejected, the pending task must be faced with decision, an inclusive spirit and a willingness to build a text that reflects unity”.
“The signatories believe that what should matter is that, starting at dawn on September 5, we reiterate our confidence in unity and in the ability to resolve problems peacefully for the good of Chile,” the letter concludes.
The signatories of the text are: Rodolfo Armas Merino, National Medicine Award, former president of the Institute of Chile; Carlos Bascuñán Edwards, historian; Sergio Bitar Chacra, former minister, former senator; Darío Calderón González, partner of the Law Firm Calderón y Cía.; Jorge Donoso Pacheco, former president of the College of Journalists, former director Fortín Mapocho; Marcelo Drago Aguirre, lawyer, Master in Public Administration, Harvard University.
Also adhered are Alfredo Etcheberry Orthusteguy, lawyer, professor emeritus at the University of Chile; María Cecilia Hidalgo Tapia, National Prize for Natural Sciences; Paula Fortes Valdivia, director of the Flacso Chile Aging and Care Area, president of the Clotario Blest Foundation; Enrique Krauss Rusque, lawyer, former minister; Luis Ortiz Quiroga, former Dean of the Law School of the University of Chile; Joseph Ramos Quiñones, professor at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Chile.
They are joined by José Rodríguez Elizondo, National Prize for Humanities and Social Sciences, King of Spain Prize for journalism; Fernando Saenger Gianoni, head of the Department of Public Law at the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción; Abraham Santibáñez Martínez, National Prize for Journalism, former president of the College of Journalists; Rodolfo Seguel Molina, former deputy, former president of the Confederation of Copper Workers; Agustín Squella Narducci, National Award for Humanities and Social Sciences.
Also signing are Adriana Valdés Budge, former president of the Institute of Chile; Remberto Valdés Hueche, partner of the Remberto Valdés Lawyers Law Firm; Andrés Velasco Brañes, former minister, dean of the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics; José A Viera Gallo Quesney, former senator, former president of the Chamber of Deputies, former minister, former ambassador; and Gabriel Zaliasnik Schilkrut, former president of the Jewish Community.
Thinking of the dawn of September 5 by The counter on Scribd
