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Spring Day Novel 3 by
Sotiria Aggelopoulou.
Chapter 1
Athens, February 2054
My name is Sonia and in one
month I will be sixty six years old. I set out writing this
novel in the hope that next generations will take time and
effort reading it. They will also have the opportunity to learn
how their land used to be and how it evolved into its recent
state, but above all, the true meaning of the word land, from
someone who actually experienced all this.
First of all, I have to admit that I feel very lucky for having
been able to experience united Europe’s political and financial
<<birth>>.I grew up in a time when political efforts had to be
made, social and financial problems had to be dealt with,
religious differences and language conflicts had to be resolved.
But, fortunately, now I live in a much better nation, united and
mighty, without discriminations and prejudice. I honestly enjoy
it!
Europe, a land now
remarkable for its history and culture, once resembled a jigsaw
puzzle, divided into tiny states, powerless in all sectors with
separate language and culture which, as a result, felt insecure
and unable to comprehend their common interests.
I am a native of Greece where
I studied law and acquired knowledge of the language that is
used in this book. I am married to a Greek, whose mother has
French origins, and I have given birth to two children, John and
Dora, my son is married to a Spanish woman and my daughters’
husband comes from Germany. They are all happy and pleased with
each other. My grandchildren have a common origin. They are both
Europeans.
Europe, our magnificent
country is the focal point of general attention, of intellectual
and technological civilization as well as of the decisions of
the entire planet. It’s also the source of all developments
which derive from a democratic regime. Our civilization is now
based on each districts’ culture and, as far as history is
concerned, it is more or less shared by everyone.
From a political point of
view, Europe is completely changed. The premises of the
Government are situated near the capital,
Brussels. The parliament consists of three
hundred members who come from each single European district. You
can no longer distinguish their nationalities, because nations
have blended to such an extent that most of the members,
originate from two or three districts at the same time.
Decisions are taken in the most democratic way so everyone can
partake of this procedure, as well as feel free to express their
views on condition that they are not offensive in any way.
Financially, there have been great
improvements since I was a student. Almost everybody can find
employment and lead a comfortable life. Our country is
self-sufficient and usually produces on its own everything that
is needed. Its exports outweigh its imports; consequently our
country’s equilibrium is boosted. Destitute are only those who
do not occupy themselves with anything. To their good fortune,
the state has taken good care of those people. Nowadays
unemployment affects only a very small percentage of Europe’s
population.
As far as society is concerned, i
reckon that it is structured in a much better way in comparison
to other societies. Having gained experience of life over the
years i have to remark that much has changed, except for those
things which always follow the normal evolutionary route that
all societies have followed. Political and technological
advancement have assisted in the above situation, not to mention
that intellectual achievements have also helped a lot. There are
no longer illiterate people. Education brought about a positive
effect on our social structure. Our policy combined with the
technological development has rendered education accessible to
all members of our society. Medical treatment is now much better
in comparison to the one in year 2004. It was not until recently
that Russians found the cure to an illness, which back in my
time, used to be lethal and that illness is cancer. I also
recall another illness, AIDS, which is now totally eradicated,
thanks to the efforts of two European scientists, who originate
from Netherlands and England. In this way we all feel secure
and, being aided by our financial prosperity, we have managed to
avoid social turbulence that used to plague the societies of the
past.
As far as technological
advancement is concerned, what can I say? Compared to the car
that my children own, mine would look similar to an ancient
Greek carriage. Naturally, nowadays, we do not buy cars of
different make because it is no longer possible. Districts have
united their techniques and created a vehicle with unlimited
autonomy and complete security.
Our foreign policy means
establishing peace. We do not exploit other nations and we also
expect others not to take advantage of our tolerance. We have
all the means in order to fight against potential enemies
although we detest war.
Faith in God is neither an
advantage, nor a disadvantage for European residents. Each
citizen is free to worship a God that expresses him in the best
way as long as they do not insult other people. Respect is
something that our community has achieved and not something that
we desperately seek. Respect can balance our relationships and
help us deal with the problems that my generation faced.
In the book you are holding, you
will find a comprehensive study of all the important changes and
procedures that have occurred since 1993 (when the treaty of
Maastricht was signed) and can still be seen today. You will
also find a study of the procedure through which our land became
a mighty leader for the other nations. You will feel as proud as
I do and grateful, too, for being able to live in a land of
freedom, safety, comfort and convenience.
An imaginary journey back in time
and space will show you the magnificence of our culture and
history. In every corner of our land you will find Parthenon and
Pericles, Rome and Ceasar, Napoleon and De Gaul, Richard and
Thatcher, Beckham and Zidane, Goethe and Chancellor Col, Pope
and Patriarch, Gorbatsov and Tolstoy, Kemal Atatourk, Thervantes,
Leonardo da Vinci, Churchill, Asterix, Heidi and many others
which could not possibly be mentioned in one book.
I remember that day as if it was
only yesterday. I can see it coming again in the future, uniting
other generations and countries. It is the day when all European
leaders signed the final Treaty which would eventually unite us
all. We managed to set aside our differences and personal
interests, thus creating a new country embarking on a new
brilliant era. I remember having second thoughts as to whether
the Europeans would finally be able to make it. However, looking
back on those years I can now discern the magnificence of our
joint effort! ! ! I look back on that day… I can see it coming
in the future… for the entire planet ! ! !
Someday all people will be leading
the kind of life that we, Europeans, are! ! !
If
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titled Spring Day novel 3 -chapter 2 :
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