State of the City, June 2011

Dear citizens of Athena, as Asclepios, the founder and current ruler of the City of Athena, I am happy to address myself to you and describe the state of our fair and beloved city. Athena was founded four months ago when the first monument in the Agora was dedicated to our patron deity, the goddess Athena. However, the City was conceived long before. Let me remind you the circumstances of its coming into being.

I was born into a middle-class family a few decades after the second World War. As a child, I witnessed the collective enthusiasm of my parents' generation as they gave new shape to the world, a world made full of hope and promise despite the horrifying wars going on seemingly without end. I made their enthusiasm my own and throughout my trials, it was never extinguished in my heart.

Over the years, private circumstances such as illnesses and deaths made me familiar with many parts of my province's health care system and I came to greatly admire the work and dedication of our caregivers. They are irreplaceable, especially those who work in hospitals, where the working conditions are alarmingly stressful and who, despite that, make it their duty to train the next generation of doctors, nurses and technicians. Last year, I had a fair amount of free time and I wanted to help alleviate the pressure on health care. I asked my family physician what people I needed to talk to. To make a long story short, I investigated and it dawned on me that a remedy would involve sustained communication. I needed a community and this is how the idea of this virtual city came to be. My hope is that it will continue to grow and serve as a meeting place for people who love honesty, friendship and compassion.

On more practical matters, the Agora is unfinished and time consuming to code, so it will be overhauled when I get the chance. The facebook page is up and ready. It has been used mainly to publish announcements concerning the City's affairs. The twitter page is more personal and a good way to contact me. And, of course, this blog has become the most used edifice of the city and therefore the one with the most content.

Athena City is in my care and I will apply myself to make it a pleasant and fun place to be. Long live this beautiful City.

texte publié le 8 juin et modifié le 9