Protect us from humbugs

A humbug is a person who deceives or cheats. Unfortunately we are surrounded by humbugs - in politics, principally. In the professions because of a downgrade in moral values. Due perhaps to consumerism, dissatisfaction and abject materialism. What is alarming is that we find humbugs in religion, in what was once called Malta Cattolicissima.

Who would not want to be rid of humbugs? Indeed a sane, honest person would do his utmost to feel protected from humbugs. Still the word 'humbug' is no longer in common use. Even though the words 'hypocrite' and 'pharisee' date from biblical times they are more readily understood. The synonyms - deceit, cheat, fraud, hoax, sham, swindle, quack and rubbish - are just as apt both in regard to persons as well as in the abstract.

Power corrupts

Such negative attitudes in conduct or actions are frustrating to render life more difficult to live or let live. It is in human nature that certain persons seek power. It is equally a fact that, as regards certain types, power corrupts. These types are those who had never had any power before. So that, as the saying goes, power goes to their heads. They start feeling important.

Some of their inferiors may become sycophants. The individual who wields influence would thereby beget a swollen head. Then, more often than not, their thinking and their actions become thwarted. This is the point where one may overstep the normal and the logical. Such action may at first become bluff. It progresses to deceit. Here the person and the act may be termed humbug. Or in more easily understood terms, the action may be described as rubbish while the person may be considered as a trickster.

A nonentity may be elected to an important post in government - local or national. This may tempt this man with newly found power to extort money or a quid pro quo in kind for a permit that is being applied for. The reason for demanding the 'present' is often childish, but always criminal. It has also always been the act of a trickster when the 'demand' is first made by a subordinate acting in the name of his superior.

An act may also be that of a hypocrite, but without any criminal intent. This action may be social in character. It may also occur in religious matters. A case in the latter instance is that of Archbishop Milingo, who married after "converting" to the Moonie sect. He later recanted, was granted a papal pardon, ordered to retire in prayer away from publicity. The latest news in this "religious adventure" is the demand of the archbishop's "wife" for news of his health!

Two political causes

A political deceit ended up in court. An examination for tourist guides was held many years ago. The results were published, only to be withdrawn after an inordinately short time. At the second appearance the results were altered. A candidate who was among the first few was failed at the second appearance. The candidate 'lost' her licence. She sued the minister.

The court decided after some years in the candidate's favour and awarded her thousands of pounds as damages. Guess what? It was not the minister who was made to pay. Thee taxpayers had to foot the bill.

Still another case of political bully's imposition. A parliamentary secretary, the wireless and telegraphy chief and a senior police officer attempted to stop the Opposition from carrying out TV transmissions. They tried to use force to 'capture' television equipment from a locked room in the Gharghur transmitting mast.

The Opposition as plaintiffs sued the officers concerned and the Prime Minister. Plaintiffs, now the present government, won the case and were awarded Lm22,000 in damages. Truly a legal humbug. Again, who pays? The taxpayers, of course!