State of Politics: Do we respect and show respect?

Rui Ribeiro

We live in times when politics, often reduced to slogans and sound bites, is seen as a stage for confrontations rather than ideas. This phenomenon is not new, as politicians themselves are the ones who most cultivate this stage, serving their own interests and deterring those who wish to discuss ideas and limiting the entry of many who would like to contribute to a better society but do not identify with this framework, nor wish to expose themselves and their families to the theatre they did not choose to partake in. Additionally, it is a stage further amplified by the rapid pace of social media and the pressure to satisfy a public opinion eager for quick fixes and easy scapegoats. The question that arises, however, is: are we building a society where mutual respect and political credibility prevail?

The “the worse, the better” approach – the strategy of taking advantage of chaos to weaken opponents – has historical roots but has never proven to be a model for sustainable success. Anyone familiar with economics and finance also knows the dynamics of long-term series and how fleeting activities that seem spectacular phenomena at the moment, when analysed over decades or centuries, represent nothing graphically, nor influence trends or sustainability, being at best an outlier on a large-scale line. Winston Churchill, upon assuming British leadership during the Second World War, did not merely criticise the mistakes of his predecessors. He presented practical solutions and a mobilising speech, as evidenced by his famous phrase: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” This call for collective effort, even in times of great difficulty, exemplifies how to lead with integrity, focusing on the future rather than exploiting momentary discontent.

Let us contrast this with the modern habit of “throwing stones” in the political arena, fuelled by the logic of scandal. It is easy to point out others' flaws without taking on the responsibility of proposing structured alternatives. However, history teaches us that confrontation-driven politics without purpose is rarely effective in the long term. Abraham Lincoln, during the American Civil War, stood out for his ability to promote unity instead of division, stating: “The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.” This vision demands political maturity, something that seems to be in short supply in an era of louder shouting and emotional manipulation.

Rui Ribeiro - Lecturer and Information Systems Manager. Executive Director of LISS – Lusófona University Information Systems School

Source: Observador