I will list some of the problems we are facing as a civilization. The first, of sad topicality, is the crisis, with the tragedy of unemployment as its main consequence. Unfortunately, a speculative and insatiable vision of economic activity persists, which prevails over a kinder and more humanistic reading. As long as people are perceived as a problem to be solved, and not as the main artists of the show, they sustain the whole set-up, we will limit ourselves to putting patches, to stop the hemorrhage, but the patient will continue to get worse.

The second problem, even more serious and intricate, is the totalitarian temptation, always present in the tortured wanderings of the human family. The totalitarian temptation, always present in the tortured wanderings of the human family, is associated with religious fundamentalism to degenerate into an explosive cocktail. What is behind Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran...? Corrupt and amoral ruling elites, madmen ready to immolate themselves in the certainty that paradise awaits them, and between such sinister "partners", the poor people condemned to misery. That is the great challenge of the West, to attack the deficit educational and health of countries stranded in the tunnel of history, while restoring law and security. As long as this challenge is not addressed, the ayatollahs will find it easy to recruit "heroes" from the ignorant fishing grounds of an oppressed population.

Third issue, it contains all the ingredients to be delicate and postponed. Time horizon? still far away. Diagnosis? complex, especially if lobbies predominate over scientific programs of study . Problem? global, nobody escapes its expansive influence. Responsibility? of all, diluted, although some are evidently more involved. Everyone's, diluted, although some are evidently more involved. Resolution costs? very high.

Some players, in the long run deadline, are in danger of losing. It would be necessary to help them so that they do not entrench themselves in numantine and unsupportive positions. What am I talking about? The future of the planet, its maintenance and cleanliness. Consider the factors mentioned above, add some others that escape me, and you will understand the reasons for the failure of the Copenhagen summit. Fourth topic. It encompasses some of the inputs of the previous one - the pain is not seen, it is extinguished by the euphoria of the most arrogant, the immediate present is imposed on a gloomy and sad future - with the aggravating factor of an exceptional ethical dimension. I write about abortion.

What can be expected from a society that silences the heartbeat of a 14-week-old baby -those of us who have been to the ultrasound scanner know how powerful it sounds-, embedded in a speech of women's rights and progress? What are the ministers laughing about? What are the deputies applauding? Why is it not voted secretly, like the suppression of bullfighting? Fear that conscience will wake up and dare with the dictatorship of the party? And for the record, I speak from a secularist perspective. I do not need my faith or appeal to God to understand that it is the failure of a society incapable of protecting the most defenseless. Poor manipulated teenagers -the anguish of loss is not easily extinguished-, pharisaical political class , and miserable business of clinics and doctors who have definitely gone astray.

Digesting my grief and anger, is there any room for hope? Searching for a sincere answer - how easy to negotiate a minefield of empty words - I found meeting a courageous Saharawi woman who denounces an unjust regime, exposes a former colonizing power and forces two countries with interests in the area to mobilize all their diplomatic artillery. The power of the individual against the State, the dignity and rights of a person disarms and exposes the politics of numbers, commissions and contracts.

Several like Aminatou Haidar, provided with Internet, and many oppressive governments will have to think twice. Another reason to smile and enjoy the gift of life. Tomorrow, almost all of us will celebrate the birth of an exceptional man who preached and practiced love, friendship, forgiveness, kindness, peace. Tomorrow, some of us, including me meeting, celebrate the birth of the son of God. Faith is not a refuge for the weak, but a commitment to the most sublime and noble of our essence. I will toast, with Catalan cava, to the voiceless. To all, Merry Christmas.