Adrian Vassallo, MP (Labour), Ta' Xbiex
The divorce debate (1)
Social Policy Minister John Dalli seems to have set the cat among the pigeons when he broke ranks and added his ministerial weight to the forces clamouring for the introduction of divorce. Mr Dalli restricted himself to the view-point that it is time for the divorce issue to be discussed. In measured words, Prime Minister Gonzi did not mind the discussion , but he kept his powder dry, and gave no indication of his stance on the issue.
Then came Michael Falzon, opinion-maker and former PN minister, who waded into 'the divorce debate' insisting that such a discussion "is needed in a healthy democratic society, even if it leads to the conclusion that divorce should not be introduced" (The Sunday Times, July 27). The debate is not new. In fact, Mr Falzon recalled his own participation in the debate, and his exchanges with Georg Sapiano in July 1993. At that time, he invoked the hoary old chestnut about 'the lesser of two evils', and completely overlooked the moral aspects involved. Now, he argues cautiously that "if the present situation is such that the lack of divorce is leading to social disorder, then the state is obliged to introduce divorce". In the same article, he admitted that, "perhaps", he "stands to be corrected"!
Mr Falzon seems to be inclined to think that the number of cohabitating couples forming legally unrecognised family units has increased to the extent that this phenomenon must be regulated, so that there is order in society. What makes one think that divorce legislation will wipe out the social disorder emanating from widespread cohabitation?
Divorce legislation is about devaluing the institution of marriage and the family bond as we know them. Would such legislation ensure that divorced people who remarry would never be inclined to seek pastures new, or would it merely make it possible for people to divorce and marry again, many times over? In this case, wouldn't social disorder increase exponentially? Mr Falzon has underlined the fact that the PN is not a confessional political party and claims superfluously that "upholding Christian Democratic principles is not tantamount to upholding Canon Law as the law of the land".
Nevertheless, the issue has its clear and unmistakable moral aspects - all related to the challenges which should not be shirked by upright politicians and the enlightened electorate. Among these challenges are oblivion to the common good, social behaviour guided by the logic of the market, the destruction of the models of life transmitted by the family, school and parish community, and the exaltation of individualism.
It is the destruction of values handed down by ancestral cultural traditions, and the undermining of the electoral conscience, in a context of globalised secularisation, that has caused the rot. This should be the focal point of discussion, if and when a meaningful divorce debate is to be launched.
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Kenneth Cassar
Aug 4th 2008, 07:06
What has Adrian Vassallo added to the debate? All he has put forward is worn-out cliches and non-sequiteurs.
"Would such legislation ensure that divorced people who remarry would never be inclined to seek pastures new?"
Of course not. But would a Catholic marriage ensure that people who marry in a church would never be inclined to seek pastrues new? So why stop at not introducing divorce? Why not ban marriage altogether? Such is the conclusion that comes out of such simplistic thinking.
If one is not sexually or emotionally insecure, and is in a trusting and loving relationship, one should not fear divorce.
Victor Fiorini
Aug 3rd 2008, 20:44
@ Fabrizio Ellul
Hon Vassallo is even too much for the PN... his only logical options would be either AN or church choir
Fabrizio Ellul
Aug 3rd 2008, 20:31
this man is clueless on Left thinking and on the current direction Joseph Muscat is taking the MLP. May I suggest him to join PN or AN.
David Wain
Aug 3rd 2008, 17:58
Joe Tabone-Adami, with respect, I would not call his an analysis.... "social disorder stemming from widespread cohabitation"?? Who is he to call cohabitation a social disorder? Where is the analysis?
Secularisation causing the rot? His views are clearly anti-democratic.... is he one of those who still believes that the church should have a direct say in government affairs. Joe Tabone-Adami, be honest on this one..... do you also think that the church should have decision-making powers in state affairs, even though not elected?
You are right on one thing though, this is an issue which affects the whole spectrum of Maltese society, Catholic or otherwise.
Joe Tabone-Adami
Aug 3rd 2008, 17:06
Dr Vassallo's analysis goes beyond political party lines, as the issue discussed affects the whole spectrum of Maltese society. That, in my humble opinion, is as it should be. Hats off to a man who knows what his is talking about
Dr. John Zammit
Aug 3rd 2008, 13:23
Dr. Adrian Vassallo's place is not in the MLP. It is time to remove the hypocracy and bigotry from our country and care for everybody, not because I don't need divorce I don't care! This is the attitude taken by those against divorce.
A Licari
Aug 3rd 2008, 12:18
I once wrote an article called "Progressive Conservatism". Some must have taken the sarcasm too seriously!
David Wain
Aug 3rd 2008, 11:51
MP Adrian Vassallo is just more proof that allegiance to a party in Malta has nothing to do with ideology, etc. Just look at the extreme right element within the MLP prior to the EU membership referendum. Look at former Labour leader KMB, who heads the decidedly far-right CNi.
Party allegiance is just something "handed down by by ancestral cultural traditions", like MP Vassallo says. My daddy is labour, therefore I am labour....
Cf course MP Vassallo has the right to express his opinion but, complaining about secularisation?... a labour party MP? Only in Malta!!
M Vella
Aug 3rd 2008, 11:33
The Labour party is a dynamic party because it embraces active voices that represent the whole spectrum of society.
The opinion of Dr Vassallo is neither conservative nor leftist. It enriches debate within the party because it pushes either side to really test its arguments.
I am pro divorce myself, yet I would be certainly missing out on the other side's view-point if we all rose to sing from the same hymn sheet.
It always made me wonder at non-representation of anti-EU sector within the NP. Is it possible that all and the caretaker embrace the same opinion?
Well done Dr Vassallo. Insist on your view-points. Progressive means active debate.
laurence schembri
Aug 3rd 2008, 11:17
Adrian Vassallo, like many has his own opinion on divorce and I respect his opinion.
If ever it comes to legislation he has been promised a `free vote`.
Franco Farrugia
Aug 3rd 2008, 11:05
Yes, but you know who this MP is and what kind of questions he usually asks in Parliament ... all those statistics about prostitutes and similar things..... very strange, I think that he has really chosen the wrong party. Maybe he should stick to hunting, his pastime.
Dr A Licari
Aug 3rd 2008, 10:43
I think that it is difficult to be Social Democratic, progressive and a modern European and, at the same time, totally guided by "values handed down by ancestral cultural traditions"[sic]. To me a Social Democrat does not require ancestral cultural traditions to be "handed down" [what an ugly expression!] to him. A Social Democrat becomes conservative when his opinions are handed down from ancestry.
Victor Fiorini
Aug 3rd 2008, 10:05
Most (if not all) Labour Parties around the world are progressive. Joseph Muscat is evidently trying to follow suit, and I thank him for this effort. May I ask MP Adrian Vassallo why he is in the Labour Party when evidently he is as conservative as Azzjoni Nazzjonali?
Yes, MP Vassallo has every right to have his opinion and bla bla bla... but it is not fair for the Labour Party to have elements like him. If you are leftist you don't join conservative parties... if you are fascist you don't joind the Greens... if you are a hippie you don't join a law and order party...
So why is Vassallo in the MLP?