It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. Some 200 years after his birth, you could say that Charles Dickens is pointing out that nothing happens that fails to carry within itself the seeds of change. The Huffington Post in Spain is born into these contentious times, with the conviction that journalism is more necessary now than ever.
Faithful to the spirit that turned the Huffington Post into an essential daily read for millions of U.S. readers, we want to explore the new possibilities offered to Spanish society by a 100% online medium: a space in which information and analysis are enriched by the contributions of readers who now have the ability to interact, react and debate with journalists and newsmakers. Now more than ever, citizens want to participate in current events and El Huffington Post wants to become their meeting place. Our editorial team is convinced that accuracy is compatible with the speed demanded by online newsgathering. We're conscious that what's global is as important as what's local. We won't hesitate to spotlight the best work published by our colleagues in other media and are ready to see our work enhanced by the contributions of our readers. We are committed to an active citizenship that questions conventional wisdom and demands answers. We are participants in an unprecedented moment in our history and that of Europe. It is logical to question whether the welfare state, built at such great cost, is an illusion, as some would have us believe; or whether we must double our efforts and sacrifices to keep it afloat in the middle of an unprecedented economic crisis which threatens to wipe out everything in its path. It is logical that we question the democratic and operational shortcomings of a European Union that is offering a lukewarm political response to such a devilish situation. And it is logical that there will be a growing number of people disappointed in the democratic institutions that are failing to take on the crisis. We believe journalism plays an essential role in spelling out the answers to so many unknowns, and exploring the best ways to lead us to a calmer, more democratic Europe. And we know this is only made possible by winning the confidence of readers every day with news that is courageous, factual, independent and diverse. We invite you to read El Huffington Post, launching today. Here, in addition to the day's news and breaking stories, you will find engaging blogs from scientists, politicians, activists, filmmakers, architects, professors and students -- a mix of well-known voices and others full of talent looking for a medium such as this to make themselves heard. All that's missing is you. We only lack your voices. We invite you, the people of Spain and the global Spanish-speaking community to sign in, participate, and debate with us. Because only together can we build a new media outlet, El Huffington Post. Welcome!