Lessons in democracy

A very good indicator of the public's feelings on most issues are letters to The Times as well as those on other media. It is striking how many times people complain about something going dreadfully awry as a result of either bureaucratic bungling or some cock-eyed idea from those in authority and yet in spite of these vociferous complaints these are never retracted or rectified.

At present, we hear of a proposal for a new Parliament met with obvious opprobrium from the public.

The Public Transport Authority, in defiance of all motorists and in spite of valid arguments against the notorious Marsa bus lane, insist on trying to weather the storm of criticism levelled against them. The Malta Maritime Authority refuses to relocate the fish farms where they will cause a minimum of pollution to once limpid bays. I believe it also has plans for another source of pollution in our seas, a yacht marina in Xemxija Bay.

Am I naive in the belief that democracy embraces the concepts of consultation, participation and flexibility in the decision-making process?

It seems that the various bodies mentioned are not impressed by any suggestions or criticism from the public, fearing perhaps their authority might be undermined by wiser counsel. One has to conclude that ignoring the wishes of the public is akin more to a dictatorship than a democracy.