Letters from the editor: Christianization, the fourth judge, pediatricians
Christianization
In her two consecutive terms as president, Cristina Kirchner never ceased to surprise us by displaying her lack of emotional intelligence when she would, on endless national television broadcasts in front of her supporters, humiliate the tight-fisted grandfather or the real estate owner, among other examples, or by refusing to hand over the baton of power to Macri, the height of her disrespect for the republic. President Milei, unfortunately, increasingly resembles the former president in his words and actions, such as when he rants at anyone who thinks differently or when he refuses to greet the head of government or his vice president. There's no need for him to do so, since greeting them would further demonstrate that, despite his "betrayals," he still holds the upper hand. It's a shame he doesn't realize that what he does with his hands to clean up the economy, which is plain for all to see, he erases with his elbow with these childish attitudes and the same political pettiness as the former president. Those of us who voted differently to free ourselves from that way of doing politics would prefer not to be reminded of it so often.
Carolina Arias
DNI 14.304.492
The fourth judge
The abrupt end to this first trial against the professionals who treated Maradona on his deathbed—following the dissolution of the court due to the unspeakable conduct of one of its members—was the only legally valid solution in a trial system where, as in this case, oral proceedings and, with them, the so-called immediacy of the proceedings fully prevail. It should be remembered that, beyond the judges' personal perception of the evidence, their assessment, and the evaluation of the verbal arguments of the participants, there are no other records that can replace the knowledge of a new judge who joins the court to replace someone who, as happened here, has been recused, making this hypothetical option unviable. The matter would have been different if the trial court had been composed of a fourth judge, who, in anticipation of possible contingencies, joins the judicial office with the same duty of assistance as the natural judges, but without exercising strictly jurisdictional functions, although with the right to ask questions, like the other members. In complex cases, for example, at the national level, the figure of a fourth judge was used—under the provisions of Law 25,770, which provided for the intervention in this type of process of what was called a substitute judge—in the trial held in connection with the events that occurred following the resignation of President Fernando de la Rúa in December 2001. Here, as those with good memories recall, the federal court involved took the precaution of appointing a fourth judge, who ultimately had to take over when one of its members became incapacitated, thus safeguarding the continuity of the proceedings, which at the time led to the controversial conviction of the then Chief of the Federal Police and Secretary of National Security. The absence of a regulatory provision should not have been an obstacle to remedying the lack of foresight of the Third Criminal Court of San Isidro in this frustrated first trial, since the regulatory and supervisory powers should have overcome the legal loophole.
Federico Ceballos
Pediatricians
I'm not sure if society (and I include everyone) is truly aware of the seriousness of the extremely low salaries of medical residents, in this case referring to the situation at Garrahan Hospital (which is just one example). The issue was already raised a couple of years ago by the president of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics when he stated: "Young doctors don't want to do pediatric residencies" (something that is absolutely understandable and comprehensible). And what does that mean? A lack of serious training for future pediatricians, because let's agree that the most serious training for a doctor, by far, is the residency. This will surely lead to pediatric on-call shifts becoming filled with poorly trained doctors, and there will be fewer well-trained pediatricians in the future. I was a medical resident nearly 40 years ago, and low salaries are practically a historical fact, but the current reality of pediatric training is, I insist, taking on a more than worrying seriousness. Is there anything more precious than the health of a child? I think there is no need to add anything.
Sergio Etchepare
DNI 14,568,993
Volunteer soldier
On the subject of volunteer soldiers in the Armed Forces, it should be noted that since 1987, an abstract anti-militarism began in all spheres, which intensified in 2004, with the arrival of Kirchnerism to power. In this case, it wasn't so abstract, given that former members of the paramilitary organizations that attacked the constitutional order were appointed to his cabinet and to areas related to defense and security. In 1989, I was part of the forces that recovered the La Tablada garrison facilities. After the battle, General Arrillaga assigned me the mission of accompanying the delegation of legislators who visited the destroyed barracks. During the visit, Senator Alende, located on the very spot where Major Fernández Cutiellos was killed, criticized the operation. Given this situation, I suggested we have a frank and sincere discussion, which took place without incident, but it revealed him to be a layman in his field of responsibility. I would like to emphasize that the most substantive part of that talk was the statement: "We cannot pretend to defend the homeland with semi-literate people," adding that many captains, sergeants, and corporals, who are forced to take other jobs to remain in the military, came to defend the barracks. Today, the situation hasn't changed much; although new winds are blowing, the salary of volunteer soldiers is still much lower than that of officers, police officers, and security forces personnel, despite a stricter service regime.
The best way to defend the Armed Forces is from the barracks doors outward, without undermining the morale and discipline of personnel; this means greater accountability for the political establishment.
Today marks Argentine Soldiers' Day, as it is the birthday of General Belgrano. I pray that God will enlighten the national authorities so that they may regulate the salaries of volunteer soldiers.
Jorge José Echezarreta
DNI 8,421,780
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