CAPITAL LETTER 4: EDITORIAL

Publicado en Capital Letter No. 4
Noviembre de 2003


   Society is sleeping a sweet dream without noticing that there are many problems in the real world. Particularly, Colombian society faces many issues: a negotiation with paramilitary and some rebel groups, the electoral processes carried out in October, the irregular war against terrorism in the suburbs and the cities after causing a horrible damage in the fields, and the future planned economic measures. However, people are not aware of these facts; instead, they are immersed in their television sets watching reality shows, soccer matches, and soup operas.


   Therefore, is it possible to know what is going on in our country? The role that academia has in terms of the issues mentioned above is weak. Academic members, including teachers and students seem to be taking a nap while very few leaders, be them political, social or academic, are giving the fight. Once again, this editorial aims at the whole
academic community: those who are only interested in theory, do research in order to help people who are out of the boundaries of the university; those who are receiving knowledge, be conscious of your roles in the Colombian society because it is expecting your actions.


   The voice of the academia must be heard beyond its walls. Knowledge is what permits the spirit of a society to evolve. Without it, our land, our people, our roots, our customs, and our institutions are condemned to disappear under the waters of obscurity. Do not allow this to occur.