Since 1804, history has never been kind to us. We continually recreate the convulsions of the past. On February 7, 1986, many believed in a new dawn and a break from divisive practices. We thought we were embarking on an exhilarating endeavor, but it soon became clear that we quickly became immune to the enthusiasm generated by the end of dictatorship. We quickly fell back into our pettiness. It seems that the roots of our trivialities are difficult to uproot. What driving force prevents us from changing course and making the necessary effort to get out of the quagmire that has plagued us for over two centuries?

A former chief of staff of one of our former heads of state recounted an anecdote that speaks volumes about what is the primary driving force behind our political climbers. As the newly elected President received honors on the steps of the National Palace, he turned to his future Minister of the Interior and whispered, "Can you imagine how many women we're going to get." It was an abomination at its peak. We hope that the three candidates, among all those who have submitted their documents to the Welcome Villa, who, according to rumors, are most likely to be appointed Prime Minister, have nobler ambitions. They will need a strength of character commensurate with the challenges that await them to successfully lead the government of a country plagued by widespread woes.