Jonathan Fenech, Fgura.
Balzan open centre
I simply can't find any words to express my surprise at Mgr Victor Zammit McKeon's refusal of Anġlu Xuereb's donations for his philanthropic organisation simply due to the fact that the latter chose to publicly express his party's political beliefs as he has the right to do in a democratic society (Children's Charity To Refuse Anġlu Xuereb's Donations, February 15).
Conveniently, the author of the article did not give the comments of those in favour of the closure of the Balzan open centre, making sure that readers are presented with only one side of the coin.
Immigration is a serious problem for our country and I find it very disturbing that both major parties are ignoring it in their respective campaigns, preferring instead to propose giveaways (at a huge cost to taxpayers). Well done to Azzjoni Nazzjonali for being the only party to highlight the seriousness of this problem. I am confident that the majority of Balzan residents did not welcome the unlawful change of use of a property right in their midst into an illegal immigrant open centre; in all probability, they were not even consulted about this.
All AN did was to safeguard the interests of the Balzan residents. There's nothing illegal in that. What is illegal is presenting them with a nasty surprise right in the heart of their village without their consent, with all the consequences, such as drop in their property value etc., this may have entailed.
AN have presented us with a much needed breath of fresh air in our political scene. Therefore, unfounded attacks such as that by the article in question are only an attempt at tarnishing their reputation and robbing them of votes to the advantage of major powers. May such cowardly acts serve only to strengthen their political resolve.
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Joseph Galea
Feb 18th 2008, 10:37
Declining much needed funds for a worthy cause must have been difficult. However, Mgr. Zammit McKeon took the moral high road. He could not have done otherwise.
Martin Borg
Feb 18th 2008, 09:37
Jonathan Fenech's letter re the Balzan open centre begs a reply. Mr. Fenech's dismay at Mgr. Zammit McKeon's refusal to accept Mr. Xuereb's donations was simply an excuse to put forward AN's case (or lack of it) for its immigration policies.
No one has ever denied Mr. Xuereb's rights to express his party's beliefs, but by the same coin, no one has the right to dictate to Mgr. Zammit McKeon as to his choice of philantropists. I, for one understand the Monsignor's moral dilemma and congratulate him for having the courage to speak out against AN's stance on immigration even at the cost of losing out in the charity stakes.
As for Mr. Fenech's bombastic statement on AN bringing much needed fresh air to the political scene, its policies on single mothers, immigration and hunting are nothing but hot air. Fresh air indeed !!!!!!!!
Ramon Casha
Feb 18th 2008, 09:35
Anglu Xuereb has every right to offer his money, but Mgr Zammit McKeon has every right to refuse to touch it. Accepting that money would have looked like a tacit approval of AN's positions, so it's no surprise that no decent human would take the bait.