Ryan Dalli, Żabbar
Capitalism and immigration
The media often portrays illegal immigration as a crisis that came out of the blue, however, we rarely think about the relationship between capitalism and Third World countries and the former's exploitative nature which results in continued underdevelopment. Although most former colonies have become self-governing countries, the rich countries still control the poor nations through their powerful economic position in world trade.
The profits of the transnational corporations in those countries do not benefit the poor country but are generated in the economy of the country where the mother company is situated. Illegal immigration can be solved once and for all with fair trade and by living simply so others can simply live.
This does not mean that we should not safeguard our national interest first; we must and we should.
However, Malta also has a duty to safeguard the world from the usual capitalist exploitation and excessive consumerist propaganda. Maltese politicians, especially those aspiring to be elected as MEPs, must promote a more just trade in the EU "for the people and for the planet".
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Helen Caruana Galizia
Apr 18th 2009, 11:15
The author of "A Fate Worse than Debt" is Professor Susan George - fellow of the Transnational Institute. Other commentators might have taken into account that Malta was one of the signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Bill Khan
Apr 17th 2009, 20:48
Perhaps Louise Vella was asleep when trillions of dollars were pumped in to keep the 'Bankenstein monster' (the love child of Capitalism) alive. I suggest she read a book 'The fate worse than debt' by an American Professor (the name escapes me), which thoroughly highlights the effects of naked capitalism on the continent of Africa in particular. The present migration is the effect of un-regulated, unleashed onslaught of the greedy monster called capitalism. The monster for its survival and expansion installs dictators and corropt politicians not only in the third world but also in the first. Louise Vella and friends need to wake up to the real reasons for the present migration problem. The real reason is the greedy capitalistic system as Ryan Dalli has correctly specified.
John Spiteri
Apr 17th 2009, 15:00
much of the distress in Africa has nothing to do with capitalism but very much to do with Leninist/Marxist and Islamic fundamentalist goverments that proliferated and have ruined the continent.
louise vella
Apr 17th 2009, 14:52
« Malta has a duty to safeguard the world from the usual capitalist exploitation … must promote a more just trade in the EU ‘for the people and for the planet’. » Your correspondent’s good intentions must be acknowledged, though he sounds like a head-in-the-clouds idealist. He also grossly exaggerates Malta’s ability to make the planet turn the way he considers just and fair. The crisis of illegal immigration is here and now and it is serious. The influx of illegal immigrants continues. Yesterday about 300 arrived in Lampedusa in the usual way. What would your correspondent have said – what would we be saying now – if the 300 had arrived in Malta? The problem has not gone away. The worst is still to come.
Steven Brockwell
Apr 17th 2009, 10:51
malta's first obligation is to its people, and if the rich controlled the poor country's they would have stopped immigrants a long time ago. since we are on this point. if the government continues to ignore the issue. racial hatred from both sides will be on the rise. grab the bull by the horns and deal with it.
Charles Sammut
Apr 17th 2009, 10:22
Dear Mr Dalli You are quite right of course. However we do not live in Utopia. This is the same mistake made by the Communists. Everybody works to the best of his ability and everybody takes back what he needs and no more. It failed miserably. It doesn't work that way. The only driving force in the world is greed. Mostly material but sometimes also spiritual. Whatever man does is to make him live or feel better. Even those who do nothing, do so because they feel best being lazy. Now you can draw your own conclusions.