Joe Portelli, Nadur
Differing views on the Lourdes Home case (2)
I think that Bondi+ (TVM, April 14) did not deal correctly with the Lourdes Home case.
What I mean is that to live with children or teenagers who may have such needs or may be emotionally disturbed is very trying. It is one thing saying things should be done that way and another thing when you are directly involved.
Did the programme explain that some of the disciplinary measures involving beating took place 20 to 30 years ago? In those days, this was commonplace in many homes. So we are judging past events with present-day yardsticks.
I am not saying that there were some incidents which, even compared to what happened in normal families, exceeded the limit. Why did Mr Bondì not say that if it were not for the Church, many children and teenagers would have ended up much worse?
Not even now does the State have the resources to deal with this problem.
I suggest does a programme on the effects of marital separation on children.
To the Church authorities I ask: are these homes being run by crisis management?
If the nuns and other operators are stretched to the limit, is it not probable that certain things happen?
However, I wish to express my appreciation to all those who work in voluntary organisations in the Church and other NGOs. They are doing sterling work.
However, if they feel they are getting tired, or their motivation is waning, they should slow down or even stop before possibly hurting themselves and others.
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Pauline Abela
Apr 28th 2008, 07:44
Keith, of course violence should not be used, however, sometimes regrettable behaviour does occur when one is stretched to the limit. Your comparison to a man raping a woman because she was wearing a mini-skirt is totally incorrect - sorry to be crude - but the comparison should be a man raping a woman who decides to change her mind at the last millisecond - I'm sure you get the drift. Still wrong, but, but, but....
john fenech
Apr 27th 2008, 10:49
Those who sacrifice there lives for the good of the others should be commended, often they are not. But on the other hand one wrong deed will wipe out most of the effort done through out the years. If the wrongdoing is through an individual transgression or because of collective inadequacy, the perception by the society in general will be the same – An outrageous event took place where the opposite is mandatory expected.
What is the solution maybe supervise the supervisor assuming that both receive the required training. Most certainly we must not throw the baby out with the dirty tub water.
Keith Chircop
Apr 27th 2008, 09:52
So the nuns aren't to blame because their job is "trying" and they "are stretched to the limit"?
It's like saying a rapist is not to blame because the woman was wearing a mini-skirt.