THE DITO

March, 2004

Act to suffer less

STONE SACHOT

 

On March 21st and 28th, 2004, regional elections in France will take place. The region constitutes an echelon-key in democratic life. In the application of the law of decentralisation, its competences and domains of interventions become more and more and important: education and mobility of the young people ; economic development ; research, technology, international business and higher education ; training, professional training and job ; town and country planning, environment ; environment This regional echelon can seem to us distant just as, and a fortiori, Europe for which we are going to vote on June 13th . And however, that we want it or not, these two echelons are always going to mark more our daily life. The region is federal of a population confronted with near questions concerning its economic and cultural development. In other words to vote allows to opt for the programmes which appear to us to serve the best the interests of our group. La r gion est f d ratrice d une population confront e des questions de proximit concernant son d veloppement conomique et culturel. C est dire que voter permet d opter pour les programmes qui nous paraissent servir le mieux les int r ts de notre collectivit . The same is true for Europe. In spite of our perception sometimes negative of  decisions of Brussels  , the European Union is very close in fact to regions they speak even sometimes about Europe of regions that she tries to develop by allocating subsidies directly to regional councils. Isn't this recognition of regions by Europe the sign of a democratic maturity which allows the different parts of a country, joined in the same geographical place, not to be completely dependent any more on the good will of the State ? Every citizen desires to be admitted, listened, considered according to his point of view. To vote is precisely a means to express himself and every voice has its importance. It can only encourage us, motivate us, enthrall us for what tomorrow especially for generations to come will contribute to our quality of life. Let us not hesitate to be citizens-actors and not simply consumer. We all cannot be elected, but we all can be actors there or us command, it would be only by giving our point of view, by trying to inform us, to include, etc. How many associations wait for persons more particularly young people who get involved ! The practice in association is often a very good ski jump for policy. So much commitments which prove to be rich in opening and responsibility for those who cross the step. Even if sometimes it is necessary to face up delicate and demanding situations My experience of deputy mayor in a village of the provincial France, makes me assert although to get involved for the service of others especially of the weakest to be artisan of dialogue and of peace, the residence always something nice and encouraging. We can only remain confident and full of hope if every voter plays his citizen's role. Citizen's commitment registers in desire that brotherhood could be the soul of this more fair world to which we all aspire. Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits, on February 11th, 2004