Column Wout: Losing weight
Last Saturday, I listened to an extra newscast in the car. It was about Venezuela, where the president had been kidnapped. It was yet another extraordinary act by the most powerful country in the world, on the other side of the ocean. It made it clear to me that the norms and values I grew up with are no longer self-evident. At home, I mulled it over and browsed Facebook. Then I saw the message from our municipality. With the Zuidhavenpoort gate and the Christmas tree in the background, it felt immediately familiar. I settled in. I could use some encouraging words. The mayor and aldermen addressed the population with a personal wish for the coming year. Alderman Kanters wanted Schouwen-Duiveland to stay. Stay? Would we then end up with Goeree-Overflakkee, with the Grevelingen lake resembling Kralingse Plas in the center? Ankie wanted nice weather and a good election result. A good result? When the voters spoke, wasn't it always wonderful? Captain Jack was looking forward to the arrival of tourists and his own re-election. Re-election? Are these the encouraging words of a mayor in turbulent times? The Christian councillors are patting themselves on the back with their files on healthcare and education. Well, you have to believe in yourself. It's a bit disappointing, but I pin my hope on Jacqueline. She is the last councillor to speak. She has the reputation of really being there for the people. "What is your personal New Year's resolution for 2026?" Jacqueline looks straight into the camera and says without batting an eyelid: "Lose weight again." Somewhat surprised and yet a bit bewildered, I watch the repeating video a few more times. "What the f..k. is this?" The mayor gets the last word to close this - quite special - video. "On behalf of the council and the municipal council of Schouwen-Duiveland, I wish you ...".
Yes, I'm going to make fun of them with my column. I feel a cynical smile. But then I start to doubt. My words linger in a virtual cloud. I don't want to be confronted with it later when I need the municipality to renew my driver's license or passport. The smile goes away. I'm not going to write it down. And I want to apologize in advance to anyone I could offend or upset with this column. A bit like our outgoing cabinet does about the 'thing' Venezuela. Or Ukraine and Gaza. When the strongest asserts himself - or could do so in the future - you better be sweet. So let me stick to (the) only encouraging words from the New Year's message from our dear congregation. I also wish: 'you a prosperous, blessed and above all healthy 2026'.
Wout van den Berg
