Introduction
The August storms that paralyzed Mexico City reminded me that we face not only water-related storms, but also those born from extremism. Living in Cuauhtémoc, I’ve witnessed its resilience even amidst chaos.
Meeting Giovanni Diamantini
Recently, I met Giovanni Diamantini, an Italian political strategist who has successfully guided mayors in diverse cities like Milan, Florence, and Naples. Working with democratic socialists who uphold democracy amidst turmoil, Diamantini showed me images of fascist apologia among Italian politicians, leaving a lingering shadow.
Historical Context: The Dangers of Extremism
History, particularly the Second World War, demonstrates how far extremism can lead. At Nuremberg, 24 Nazi leaders were tried, with 12 receiving death sentences. However, the majority of those responsible for these regimes never faced trial. These governments thrive not only on fear but also on faith.
- Nazi Germany: Resulted in over 16 million deaths, including civilians and combatants.
- Stalinist Communism: Caused between 6 and 20 million deaths due to purges, famines, and gulags.
- Maoism in China: Led to up to 45 million deaths, excluding victims in North Korea and Eastern Europe under Soviet occupation.
Jean Baudrillard, in “The Transparency of Evil,” describes our existence as a simulacrum where everything is said and available. Post-liberation “orgies,” political, sexual, and artistic, have left liberty simulated rather than exercised. Politicians exploit our need to believe, pushing us towards extremes by promising ideal fulfillment.
The Ambiguous Terrain of Extremism
Just as a storm can transform the city in hours, extremist ideas can darken it swiftly. Before a people loses reason, there exists an ambiguous, nearly unnoticed terrain where hatred normalizes, violence tolerates, and symbol worship replaces ideas. The end begins to justify the means.
The August Storm in Mexico City
On August 14, a storm caused a short circuit in Mexico City’s Metro, forcing users to descend onto tracks and walk home with no alternative transport. Streets flooded, leaving thousands stranded.
During those days in Cuauhtémoc, authorities closed streets around the Angel of Independence without explanation. Protest barricades had been erected for years around the US Embassy and Palacio Nacional by federal authorities. The city became restricted: open only for convened crowds, never for its own residents and their right to live in order and beauty.
Traffic lights on Florencia Avenue have been non-functional for hours, causing frustration among citizens. A policewoman asked me to write about the traffic light chaos since public denunciation is the only pressure tactic available.
Conclusion: Respect Over Slogans
The “black storm” over the city not only covers the sky but also public life. More respect and fewer slogans are needed.
