In all democratic countries a certain balance between two main ideals is searched: the ideal of being solidare with people who don't do well in society, mostly poor persons, sick persons, old persons, persons with disabilities, etc. and the idea that people should be awarded because of their merits and triumphs in social competence. Both of them are ideals of justice; the first one is altruistic, the second one individualistic.

Three weeks ago, on my column, I criticized the consequences that come from the fact of loving countries as if they were mothers to whom we owe our existence. Daniel Mera, columnist in this journal, criticized me saying that I was mistaking patriotism with nationalism.

In his recent visit to Jerusalem Mitt Romney, the american presidential candidate, said that the development of nations lied on culture and that this explained the differences between Israel and Palestina.