Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the remarkable restoration of Notre Dame after the devastating fire of 2019, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship involved. She reflects on the cathedral's revival as a symbol of resilience amidst political turmoil in France. Additionally, she addresses the election landscape in Ghana, where disillusioned voters face economic challenges and concerns about democracy. The conversation also pays tribute to John Kinsel, a Navajo code talker, emphasizing his cultural legacy and connection to his heritage.
The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral showcases France's commitment to cultural preservation and craftsmanship amid political turmoil.
Ghana's upcoming election highlights widespread public disillusionment with governance, risking its status as a leader of African democracy.
Deep dives
The Restoration of Notre Dame: A Monumental Achievement
The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes a remarkable feat of resilience and craftsmanship, following its devastating fire in 2019. The French government committed to restoring the cathedral in a manner true to its original design and construction techniques, emphasizing authenticity in every aspect. Artisans recreated tools and practices from medieval times, ensuring that the restoration was both faithful and precise, as evidenced by the careful selection of 1,200 oak logs used in the roof. The reopening of Notre Dame not only marks a triumph in preserving cultural heritage but also provides a sense of hope and inspiration for a nation grappling with political challenges.
Political Frustration in Ghana's Upcoming Election
Ghana's political landscape is in turmoil as citizens prepare for an election amidst widespread frustration and disillusionment with current governance. Former president John Mahama returns to the ballot amid rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, presenting himself as a candidate capable of resetting the nation’s economic future after a tumultuous time under President Akufo-Addo. Voter sentiment indicates a significant lack of trust in political leaders, with a high percentage of citizens expressing concerns about corruption and ineffective governance. This election is crucial, as a failure to address these issues may jeopardize Ghana's reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.
The Legacy of Navajo Code Talkers in WWII
The story of John Kinsel and the Navajo Code Talkers highlights the unique contributions of Native Americans during World War II through their innovative use of the Navajo language as an unbreakable code. Kinsel, who joined the Marine Corps, played a vital role in creating a cipher based on Navajo words that baffled enemy codebreakers, while also maintaining a strong cultural connection to his heritage. Despite his wartime experiences, Kinsel's return home required a reinitiation ceremony, reaffirming his bonds to the Navajo tribe and celebrating his bravery. The legacy of the Code Talkers remains a tribute to their ingenuity and the vital role they played in securing victory during the conflict.
Many thought a five-year timeline was too ambitious. But even as France’s politics falls apart, it has managed to put the cathedral back together with aplomb. As an election takes place in Ghana, its status as a leading light of African democracy is looking shaky (10:11). And remembering John Kinsel, among the last of the second world war’s Navajo code-talkers (17.44).