Thinking about the most elementary verb in any language can take us to incredible heights. The verb to be is a verb of definition and metaphor, therefore, it says a lot, it enhances the meaning. When we define something, we try to say what it is, when we metaphorize, we transform one thing into another. It is exciting to see children mastering these mental operations to the point of learning to speak.

Although just by saying “I am” we posit a complete idea — we allude to the very existence of the speaker — what can entail the predicate are the basic qualities of a person, those that draw identity. “I’m Ecuadorian,” for example. And to notice that this thinking that wanted to be about linguistic philosophy hovers in the territory of nationality becomes, at this moment, painful. Because I cannot stop grieving for my country, trapped in a confused and disastrous political situation, in which every verbal participant speaks on behalf of the people. What will real people think, I say to myself, of a crossfire that seeks to clarify the horizon and turn a wrong path — others will say cunningly twisted by mercenary interests — towards a just and right government?

Ecuador is international news today because the president used, for the first time, the cross of death, which closes the parliament and calls for new elections, in order to avoid being removed after five months of events by the National Assembly, which from the beginning zigzag wanted to fulfill a fixed task before which has clear steps: remove the president. All this, while the new municipal authorities begin their mandate, some in such serious situations, like that of Durán, who suffered an attack.

These data are only part of the colorful farce of national politics. In addition, there is a worsening of the general mood with which we citizens pass from day to day: upset, dissatisfied, disturbed, forewarned, in the midst of a deterioration in the quality of life, if not something more unbearable, such as poverty and material shortages. A worker who enjoys a stable job reduces the usual difficulties to the very idea: “I have a job”, which is already happiness.

“I am Ecuadorian” in the textbooks on civic education of my schooling immediately conveyed patriotic signs, diverse and lush landscapes, a country generous in its products, famous people whose lives we knew had models of collective action, a culture that crossed class barriers and artistic expressions that connected us all. Today, pride has disappeared, we have freed ourselves from the positive connotations of identity, crushed by the red veil of future uncertainty, violence, corruption and impunity.

The verb to be implies the verb to be, despite the clear idea of ​​spatiality. To be implies time, and to be space; because when one exists, existence is realized in a certain place. “It is being,” say the grammarians. And they are right: I am Ecuadorian and I am in Ecuador. With concern and sadness. Having turned the exultant love of patriotism into a sad love, as one loves a sick child. (OR)