Paglia responds to Giannini: "No life is useless in a wheelchair"

“These are squalid words that amaze me, because they were said by a person I considered intelligent.” Thus begins the very harsh reply of Gianfranco PagliaGold medal for military valor, awarded to the columns of the Century of Italy. At the center of the controversy are the recent statements of Massimo Gianniniwho to attack the government’s actions had used a comparison deemed offensive: “He lives a useless life like a centenarian who is in a wheelchair.”

Dignity beyond the wheelchair

Paglia, who has lived in a wheelchair for 33 years due to the attack suffered during the mission in Somaliaforcefully rejects the idea that disability or old age equates to uselessness. “Life is unique regardless of whether you are disabled or not”, explains the colonel, adding “Personally, mine is not a useless life. In my wheelchair I go with my head held high. I don’t know how Giannini could have come up with this phrase”.

A critique of the “progressive” world

Paglia also takes issue with the journalist’s progressive environment: “It surprises me that these words come from a journalist who defines himself progressist. He would need to associate with people who experience disability in a dignified manner and who give so much to their country”. The colonel, constantly involved in meetings in schools, explains how “young people don’t even see disability”.

The appeal to politics and the Journalists’ Association

In addition to the reaction of Brothers of Italywho raised the case, Paglia expects a unanimous condemnation: “Disability has no political colour, it is necessary that politics is not divided” and also calls into question theOrder of Journaliststhat “he should intervene because in this case freedom of opinion has nothing to do with it”

The risk of mortifying families

The most dangerous effect of such utterances is, according to Paglia, the sense of weakness and mortification that is transmitted to families who fight with dignity every day. Quoting the President of the Republic Sergio MattarellaPaglia concludes by recalling that disability is often a “motor of beauty and affirmation”, the exact opposite of the uselessness described by Giannini.