Editorial: Covering the bases of 2015

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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he last editorial of the year is a relatively straightforward one. Whatever is said has already been done. And during a year that gave everyone plenty of headaches — with the plunging Colombian peso and justified concerns that the global economic turmoil over the price of oil and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East wasn’t going to ease — we have to look forward to another year.

Colombia pulled through 2015 with the hope — as well as plenty of uncertainty — that the peace process with the FARC would end in some kind of deal by 2016.

Both sides announced March 23rd as the deadline for the signing of a peace accord that will end more than a half-decade of internal conflict. Three years of peace negotiations in Cuba could end on a televised stage in March, and the eyes of the world will look to Colombia as an example that peace could be achieved.

We’ll have to gauge how the FARC will be able to vie for political space and integrate themselves into civilian life. For many, being part of the oldest guerrilla insurgency on the continent has been their only way of life, and no doubt handing over weapons will be the easy part.

Colombia’s issues are “small fry” when compared to what we face as citizens of the world.

The Islamic State must be eradicated at the root, destroyed on the ground and relegated to the dustbin of history. The only way this will be achieved is through a concerted global offensive.

We hope the world may be somewhat safer next year, but tragically these terror-mongers will continue to kill in the name of religious fundamentalism.

I have always believed that we are somehow hedged in Colombia to global realities. Our borders are porous, and this mindset only reinforces a sense of insularity and insecurity.

We focus on regional squabbles which surface often and deflect from our very real issues, such as trying to stamp out poverty, bridge a deep social divide, or better manage our public and natural resources.

Colombia’s big issue is corruption. The sad thing here is the pervasiveness with which it works itself into our everyday lives. Too many still believe it’s a necessary part of getting something done.

From bidding on a contract to evading traffic fines, there is always the insinuation that money buys you out of trouble.

“No sabes quien soy yo?” (You don’t know who I am?) screamed one of the year’s great headlines after a rowdy partygoer verbally harassed police, falsely claiming that because he was related to a former president he was above and beyond the law. It was all caught on camera.

In fact, Bogota? lost the fight to corruption a long time ago. Urban planners did everything except plan, with local mayors putting their business interests above those of the public good. And in everyday mobility, it’s a free for all, despite more policemen allocated to patrolling city streets.

Next month, Enrique Pen?alosa will be sworn in as mayor of Bogota? and many, close to 1 million in a capital of 8 million, voted for him.

He has promised change. Let’s hope his “change” is tangible. We emerge from four years of political infighting, improvised public administration and a city jaded by apathy.

And let’s not forget the tedious wrangling with cab drivers over adulterated fares, the snobbery of “I’ll take you there, only if I feel like it” and the ridiculous and never-consistent surcharges of heading to and from El Dorado airport.

Everything comes down to the buck and Finance Minister Mauricio Ca?rdenas has made it all too clear that he believes in a dollarized economy. The peso’s purchasing capacity is spent.

Don’t expect any relief next year with your rent, the price of food in the supermarket, district taxes, health insurance and public utilities. The price for everything is soaring, yet this doesn’t seem to hamper the spirit of Colombians, who like to swipe plastic and can look forward to visa-free travel in the Schengen-zone in Europe.

We’re in a “live for today” mindset, while the rest of the world shudders down. Let’s see how long our immunity will last.

Now that I have most of the news bases of 2015 covered, it’s time to sign off. Before doing so, as is customary on this page, Mari?a Claudia and I would like to thank everyone for their contributions to The City Paper.

As Colombia’s English-language newspaper, going very strong since April 2008, next year we have much to celebrate, including our 100th edition. To our advertisers, many thanks as always. You believe in us and for this we are truly grateful.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah everyone. See you in 2016!

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