Hunters protest over teachers' attitude

P. Camilleri

Oct 31st 2009, 17:28

@Chris Reiff
Objectivity exists only in theory. Doing your job without passion and without giving your own twist to it will result in doing an unsuccessful and unmotivating job.

Chris Reiff

Oct 31st 2009, 17:13

I'm anti-hunting, but teachers must keep their opinions to themselves. Where is their professionality?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 31st 2009, 15:27

Mr Alex Ellul, finally you acknowledge that you are a liar. Well this is no complimentary for sure. However, please, please, admit that you lied about what you actually lied about!! You stated that I challenged you to answer to one statement only when actually I was referring to TWO statements! To top it all you are still shying away from such statements! Why? Why? What would you have to say had you to learn that CABS officials are not 'clean' while roaming the countryside?!! As for the Cat incidence, well you tried to be funny, funny about something which is not funny at all!!

Alex Ellul

Oct 30th 2009, 21:56

@SZD: You have proved that I have been lying. Oh my. First you reveal to the world that I belong to the anti-hunting lobby, a revelation that has made me change my identity, I have a false passport now, hoping to get a ricketty boat north to Sicily where I can start a new life under an assumed name. Now I have been caught lying. I am a liar. I admit it. I decided to admit it all:

It is not true that Maltese hunters hunt illegally and shoot down lesser spotted eagles.
It is not true that the killers of the lesser spotted eagle are lesser human beings.
It is not true that hunters add 75 tons of poisonous lead to our agricultural land,. Thus it is not true either that our soil, vegetables, fruits and grasses, hence our milk, are prone to lead pollution.
It is not true that hunting for elephants, rhinos, whales, tigers, lions, and such animals has been abolished. Hence my lie-prophecy that one day bird hunting will be abolished may not come to pass
It is not true that quail followed manna as a staple diet for the wandering Jews in the Sinai desert.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 30th 2009, 13:25

P Camilleri, "Ma min rajtek, xebbahtek"! Do you also enjoy presenting untruthful arguments? Not to mention that once exposed, the individual retreats and avoids commenting!! Ha! Ha!

P. Camilleri

Oct 29th 2009, 12:41

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

If by "your lot" you mean 'those that defend the rights of animals including birds, I'm proud to say that I am part of that 'lot'.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 29th 2009, 10:43

P Camilleri, "We should inform BBC, CNN and also Al Jazeera" These dirty tricks are used by the anti-hunting lobby! As for Mr Alex Ellul's claims, well readers will realise what type of arguments are brought forward by your lot!

P. Camilleri

Oct 28th 2009, 22:05

@SZD
Do me a big favour and never call me 'dear'... The thought that you called me dear makes me sick.
@ Mr Alex Ellul
Oh my God... Oh my God. Mr Ellul your position has been revealed by SZD!!! This discovery will be remembered till the end of days and SZD will be recognised as the one that discovered Mr. Ellul's position. We should inform BBC, CNN and also Al Jazeera. :-)

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 28th 2009, 20:17

Wow, another voluntary lawyer being roped in!! Being stuck for an explanation, well, certain individuals ask for help!! Nonetheless, explanations are still awaited from Mr Alex Ellul and Ms Carmen Cauchi!!

V Falzon

Oct 28th 2009, 19:42

Wow, this thread is still going strong after 17 days! Goes to show how passionate many of our teachers feel about putting good green sense into the new generation. There will always be those few eccentric members of the public who will try to hold the tide from seeping in, but hey nobody said education was easy. Way to go, teachers, keep the environmental flag flying. And thanks Claire Busuttil (from 1 week ago) for the nice words :)

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 28th 2009, 18:52

Mr Alex Ellul, whilst pondering as to how you can get out of your present muddle, you might wish to refer to Verses 13–21 which state:

"At evening the quails came up, and the people caught with ease as many as they needed."

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 28th 2009, 18:45

Mr Alex Ellul, you will not deviate me from what readers expect from you! I have proved that you were lying YET you are trying to avoid giving an explanation! I do not blame you as it is humiliating for one to be proved as such! Please, please, stick to what is documented below!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 28th 2009, 18:38

Ms Carmen Cauchi, still waiting for you to substantiate your shameful statements. Meanwhile, I just pity you! Writing foundless statements and then shying away is shameful indeed! Show readers you are a person of integrity and let us have an explanation! Mud-slinging and resorting to dirty tricks are trademarks of most of the anti-hunting lobby! If you ever think that hunting will be abolished through such shameful acts coming from your side, you are mistaken. SHAME AND SHAME ON YOU MADAM!!

Alex Ellul

Oct 28th 2009, 16:32

@SZD: Should you happen to read the Exodus well, you will find that quails were not manna and manna not quails. God provided the desert wanderers with manna from heaven, but after a while they got tired of eating the same thing day in day out. So they turned to a flock of quail that was migrating. Today its the other way round, hunters eat a lot of quail for a month or two, then they turn to manna, or whatever the good wife serves for dinner.

J.Grech

Oct 28th 2009, 14:54

"CONSERVATION EFFORTS OF HUNTERS"........my bottom!!! oh come on, are you serious!!
Well done Teachers!!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 28th 2009, 12:01

"Keep on dreaming" that hunting will ever be abolished!! Wishful thinking on your part!! Well, hunting is practised the world over and it takes MUCH, MUCH MORE than the extremist views and accusations of a few! You have much to learn, dear!

P. Camilleri

Oct 28th 2009, 07:23

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Keep on dreaming that the minister will take the hunters' proposal... haha. I cant stop laughing.
Many things were abolished over the years. No need to give details. Hunting is going down that road.... THANK GOD.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 27th 2009, 19:43

P Camilleri, It appears you are the one acting as a voluntary lawyer to Alex Ellul!! Also, I believe you are the one to leave other live their life!

As for the NMC, like it or not, all teachers are to abide by it! Furthermore, if the Minister decides to take up the FKNK proposal, teachers will have no option but to oblige!!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 27th 2009, 17:57

Mr Alex Ellul, Christians are not supposed to lie!! You are still shying away from facts which I have produced. How can you expect to be taken seriously, Sir. As regards your preaching about Christianity, are you aware that the "manna" mentioned in the Bible was actually quails?! So please stop playing the Pope! Meanwhile, readers would have preferred hearing your explanation about what you said below!!

Alex Ellul

Oct 27th 2009, 16:55

@Ms.S.Z.Darmanin: Who would have dreamed, 200 years ago, that whale hunting would one fine day be abolished? And so many other beasts. But was it St. Francis of Assisi who predicted that the day will come when all animals will be protected? Or words to that effect? Who knows, may be St. Francis is just now being assisted in this endeavor by St. Hubert, the hunter who stopped hunting after becoming a Christian. Come to think of it, do real Christian hunters exist?

P. Camilleri

Oct 26th 2009, 14:42

@SylvanaZarbDarmanin
Bla Bla Bla... Hunters need a lawyer to defend their shameful case... i think you should apply for that job. Moreover, if you offer to to that job on a voluntary basis, they would appreciate it even more. Live your life and let others (including animals) live their life.
Just the last reminder, I am abiding with what the NMC says.. I dont need your quotations to remind me about what the NMC says. I do my job very well. What counts for me is what my students and their parents say, and not what you say about me.
ADDIO!!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 26th 2009, 10:43

Mr Alex Ellul, a lot of bla, bla, bla, when actually readers would prefer to read about what you have to say regarding the lie I have exposed in your regard!

Meanwhile, keep on dreaming that hunting will ever be abolished!

Alex Ellul

Oct 25th 2009, 23:08

@SylvanaZarbDarmanin: Your comment: "Ms Carmen Cauchi and Mr Alex Ellul , this is a confirmation that you pertain to the anti-hunting lobby!"... LOL. This must be the revelation of the century. I cannot speak for Carmen Cauchi, I leave that to herself, but as for mysself, I have to admit that after so many months, years, I have been discovered. SZD has uncovered my secret: That I belong to the anti-hunting lobby. What a discovery. Come on SZD... dont you have anything to write about? Let me recapitulate my original comment: I believe that in time, all hunting will be abolished because that is the way of civilisation. As we have abolished cannibalism, tribalism, dead penalties etc.. as we have abolished whale hunting, bear hunting tigers, lions etc... like wise we will one day abolish bird hunting.........

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 25th 2009, 13:14

P Camilleri, I wish you enjoy a small fraction of the integrity of my teachers!!

Now, do the following ring a bell, Sir/Madam:-

1. "Each school is endowed with a vast repertoire of skills, experiences and needs. This diversity, allied with the individual and social differences evident in the student population, enables and requires a pedagogy based on respect for and the celebration of difference."

2. "Through the curricular experience, students develop the following skills:- ....... - the ability to develop a strong character to be able to choose, decide and put into practice what they consider to be correct and just."

3. "Attitudes: .... - readiness to perceive and minimise selfish motivations in oneself."

4. "Knowledge/Information: Through a curricular experience, that includes the experience of democratic schools and classrooms, the students acquire knowledge in the following areas: ..... - lobbying in a democratic contest"

Like it or not, Sir/Madam, you are being paid from our taxes and you must abide by the above quotes from the NMC!!!

And btw, being insultive and using rude language towards others are not positive attributes for a teacher!!

P. Camilleri

Oct 25th 2009, 08:03

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
I am not retreating. I am just amazed with the level of stupidity that still exists in Malta.
Regarding your children in my class, I manage my class in the way I want (always following the NMC)... you cant tell me how to do my job.
Regarding the teachers you had and about how responsible they were, anyone can see the 'excellent' result of their job in the way you express your opinion!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 24th 2009, 14:28

Ms Carmen Cauchi and Mr Alex Ellul , this is a confirmation that you pertain to the anti-hunting lobby! The usual tactics, first you present non-factual arguments which only the gullible believe, then, when faced with facts, you retreat!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 23rd 2009, 19:27

Ms Carmen Cauchi, after your mud-slinging one would expect you to elaborate and substantiate all your false accusations. SHYING AWAY IS COWARDICE INDEED!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 23rd 2009, 19:24

Mr Alex Ellul, "You are trying to defend the hunters' castle sole-handedly while all other pro-hunting commentators have deserted you. " No Sir, THEY ARE ACTUALLY ENJOYING THEIR HUNTING SEASON WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE LAW, IMMATERIAL OF YOUR WISHES TO ABOLISH HUNTING!!! HARD PILL TO SWALLOW!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 23rd 2009, 19:22

Mr Alex Ellul,

I had written:"had news about whether CABS are 'clean' while roaming the countryside as well as having these same people running over a CAT and letting it die a slow painful death"

You had replied: "So, let me be a 'sport'. CABS' most despotic act of 'running over a CAT and letting it die a slow painful death'"

I replied: "Mr Alex Ellul, you have not been a 'sport' at all!! You conveniently chose to answer to one statement only, avoiding the hot topic as to whether CABS officials are 'clean' while roaming the countryside."

Now you right: "SylvanaZD: First you challenge me to be a sport and answer you on one question. I immediately take up the offer and answer you without any hesitation. Then you say that I have answered you "to one statement only".

DO YOU EXPECT TO BE CONSIDERED AS CREDIBLE, SIR?!! HAVE I CHANGED THE GOAL POSTS AS YOU ARE ACCUSING ME OF DOING? Then you take offence at being called a liar!! And you insist that you are "telling the truth"!!!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 23rd 2009, 18:43

P Camilleri, having stated that "I follow the NMC" I was just wondering!!!

Well, Sir/Madam, the teachers I had were responsible ones who always thought us both sides of an argument and let us decide and form our OWN opinions! Pity that these type of teachers have become scarce, not that we do not have teachers of the same calibre as those of my days. Like it or not, if my children had to be in your class you will definitely not be allowed to brainwash them!

Finally, when one is short of factual arguments, one tends to retreat!!!

Alex Ellul

Oct 23rd 2009, 17:15

@SylvanaZD: First you challenge me to be a sport and answer you on one question. I immediately take up the offer and answer you without any hesitation. Then you say that I have answered you "to one statement only". You keep changing the goal posts for me and other commentators. Please keep the soccer ground same size always and do not try to change the size and white lines according to your liking. You are trying to defend the hunters' castle sole-handedly while all other pro-hunting commentators have deserted you. 2.- Just because I mentioned your misquotation and mentioning that the word lie is creeping into the commentary, then you accuse me of being a liar, and that's for telling the truth. Imagine if I had really lied.

P. Camilleri

Oct 23rd 2009, 10:48

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
You're really a person who uses irrelevant items for your discussion. Why do u question if commenting on the Times is part of the NMC??? is it just because I find the time to write while i'm at work?? Dont you live in a world?? you should know that teachers have free lessons and also have breaks! so stop using these senseless comments.
Regarding your children, now let me tell you on thing. Just as you wouldnt allow your children to be 'brain-washed' by teachers like me, I wouldnt like to have your children in my class, especially if they reason things out like their mum!
This is the last comment i'm making because i dont want to waste more time reasoning things with people like you.
I think i expressed myself very clearly.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 23rd 2009, 09:10

Wishful thinking Ms Carmen Cauchi! I happen to be a tolerant, respectful person of sane mind, and therefore can NEVER see myself reasoning in a deceitful, hateful and intolerant manner as the anti-hunting lobby. Sorry to disappoint you Madam!

Stating that hunters' families are against hunting is the JOKE OF THE YEAR!! To top it all, you state that you have uncomfortable evidence to prove it! Come on let us have a look at this evidence! U Hallina!!

"And you Ms. Darmanin, are also party to the anti-hunting lobby!!... " Madam, I suggest you check your mind!! If this is not fantasyland, I do not know what it can actually be. Ms Cauchi, thinking that I will ever be on the anti-hunting side is similar to your thinking that hunting will ever be abolished!! Wake up! I will persist in defending the rights to the law-abiding hunters while exposing the hypocrisy, intolerance, disrespect and non-factual arguments of the anti-hunting lobby! The ECJ ruling has given the anti-hunting lobby the first blow. We now await further developments!!!

Carmen Cauchi

Oct 23rd 2009, 01:12

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Fantasy-aside... 14,000 +/- 200 votes is all there is to it before it ends for good and I have to correct you with a gross misconception: Hunter's families are typically the ones that oppose it most - if only they were allowed to speak freely... And that's being generous. I have plenty of uncomfortable evidence in support of my argument! ... Too much evidence!

And you Ms. Darmanin, are also party to the anti-hunting lobby!!... You just don't know it yet.... One day you will realise what I mean, (but I can't say it here) and the day after that, I *guarantee* you will be talking like the rest uf us.... It is only because you fail to realise this that you keep talking potatoes...

The time will come when you will change your mind.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 22nd 2009, 18:26

P Camilleri, is commenting online on The Times part of the NMC or do you work in a Church school?!!!

Sir/Madam, I suggest you inform yourself better regarding legal hunting where the birds shot are game, i.e. these are cooked and eaten not stuffed as you state. Your comment confirms precisely the misinformation being passed on to our children by ill-informed and biased teachers.

"Regarding( to) respect to superiors and obeying the Minister," well, two wrongs do not make a right. You are duty-bound to report such actions. It is bad having teachers brain-washing our children, but likewise it is also bad if certain teachers encourage students to break the law and go out hunting while under-age. Both should be stopped!

Finally, please allow me to state that I would not allow any teacher either to brain-wash or to pass over her poor level of written English to my children!!

George Sebastian Abela

Oct 22nd 2009, 18:22

I wonder whether the Education authorities are ready these admissions by teachers and whether they are going to investigate whether these teachers are really going beyond the limits of the school curricula.
I also wonder whether parents are happy having teachers indoctrinating children without their parents' consent.

P. Camilleri

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:03

@SylvanaZarbDarmanin
I really like seeing people like you trying to picture hunting as a wonderful and necessary 'sport'. I'm sorry to tell you that whatever you say, i'll stick to my idea and keep preaching to the fertile minds (thats how you expressed it) that the birds are meant for flying and not to be displayed in a unit. Just admit it Ms. Zarb Darmanin: any bird that passes over Malta is risking its death, even if it is of a protected species.
Regarding to respect to superiors and obeying the Minister, I'll just tell you that if the minister wishes us teachers to be unbiased regarding hunting, she should first take action to control those teachers that spend their lessons talking with their secondary school students about hunting and encouraging them to go hunting (even though they are under age). So before stating what the Minister should do regarding this matter, keep everything into consideration.
AMEN.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:18

Mr Alex Ellul, you have not been a 'sport' at all!! You conveniently chose to answer to one statement only, avoiding the hot topic as to whether CABS officials are 'clean' while roaming the countryside. Why is that?!! Sir, you are trying to be deceitful in that while you acknowledge that I have been defending hunters for many years, you conveniently omitted to mention that I HAVE ALWAYS DEFENDED LAW-ABIDING HUNTERS! That is the type of deceit the anti's enjoy using. Furthermore, you are fully aware that I have always condemned poachers.

"those same people (those lesser human beings that shoot down lesser spotted eagles) that you have been trying to protect in these columns for the past years." Mr Alex Ellul, with full responsibility I accuse you of being a liar! Is this the stuff the anti's are made of? You have taken offence to certain adjectives I use in regard to the anti-hunting lobby. Well, la verita' offende! Now, I challenge you to substantiate your quote mentioned above!! Come on, JUST DO IT!! This is absolutely impossible to do Sir, as lies can never be substantiated!

Alex Ellul

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:21

@SylvanaZarbDarmanin: So, let me be a 'sport'. CABS' most despotic act of 'running over a CAT and letting it die a slow painful death' is hereby being outrightly condemned without any reserve whatsoever. What CABS should have done is pick up the cat, take it to the taxidermist to be filled with water-table-poisoning Borax or Arsenic chemicals, stuff it with sawdust and put it up in their showcase. Now be a sport yourself and admit and condemn outrightly without any kind of apologetic hyperbole, to the thousands of legally protected birds that have been willfully and unlawfully shot, killed or injured and left to die in the countryside or taken to the taxidermists (illegally) by those same people (those lesser human beings that shoot down lesser spotted eagles) that you have been trying to protect in these columns for the past years. Go on, and do the NIKE principle: JUST DO IT.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 22nd 2009, 10:47

Mr Alex Ellul, going round in circles seems to be a priority for the anti-hunting lobby. Can you confirm that you do not wish hunting to be abolished?! As for your statement that “hunting is one of the Maltese citizens' major issue”, exactly Sir, and that is why it will always keep its place and continue to be practised in the Maltese Islands!!

FINALLY, have you conveniently opted to ignore my statements regarding CABS officials?! Come on, be a sport! I have a funny feeling that you are feeling quite embarrassed about the situation!!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 22nd 2009, 10:46

P Camilleri, illegalities occur in all sectors of society however we cannot say all citizens act illegally, that is if one is to be considered as being reasonable! The majority of hunters are law-abiding. Unfortunately we also have poachers. If you truly wish to discuss the matter in a mature way, then you have to write about the law-abiding hunters practising their traditional pastime within the parameters of the law! As for your voting ‘Yes’ in the Referendum, well you have accepted the whole package, including bowing your head to what the ECJ rules!!

Yes Mr/Ms Camilleri, of course, you have to be guided by the NMC in your teaching profession HOWEVER you cannot impose your opinions on fertile minds! Furthermore, one has to respect his superiors, unlike a certain anti-hunting individuals who stated that he will even ignore the Minister!! If the Minister of Education accedes to the FKNK request (which I believe she should), then you, as a teacher will have to respect your superiors!!

C.Formosa

Oct 22nd 2009, 10:45

P.Camilleri,
You can "pretend" all you like,(so much for colleges, A levels, degrees and universities)
By indoctrinating your pupils that all hunting is wrong you are taking the easy and subjective way out .
In the present witch hunt atmosphere adopted by the media, attack illegalities by all means, but by showing some respect to the majority of law abiding hunters and their children instead of ostracizing them you would be doing them (your students) a better service.

Alex Ellul

Oct 22nd 2009, 10:02

@SylvanaZarbDarmanin: You keep interpreting things your own way, probably due to the 'extremism' inherent in the hunting lobby. (I think I do have the right to use the word 'extremism', that way you may have some cannon fodder to use on me). Let me explain. You said that I said that I am an extremist because, as you said: "while in your very last comment you still insist in abolishing hunting". BUT I DID NO SAY THESE WORDS. What I said was: "One day as we abolished the death penalty, hunting will be abolished too. It is called the progress of civilisation." Which is quite a big difference. I think the word "liar" is creeping into this commentary item. By the way, this commentary on hunting issues has creeped up to second place, thus proving my point that hunting is one of the Maltese citizens' major issue. I believe that should you reply to my comment, it will take the gold medal, proving my point even further.

P. Camilleri

Oct 22nd 2009, 07:48

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin - Part 2
I know that obtaining a degree in today's world is the norm- nothing out of this world - I work in the Education System. I did not say that you do not have any tertiary education. Frankly, I dont care. But you really interpret things the way you want. What I mean was that you have your education and you job, and I dont interfere with the way you do your job. I have my job as a teacher and I pretend that noone (and that includes you, any person that thinks like you or any hunter) can come and tell me how to do my job. I follow the NMC and as for the rest its my decision as to how I deliver the content in class.
So I dont need you to preach about respecting superiors. I'm in no way disrespecting my superios.

P. Camilleri

Oct 22nd 2009, 07:48

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin - Part 1
"hunters may practise their traditional pastime within the parameters of the law" Hellooooooo!!!!! Have you been living in Malta for the past weeks and months??? have you ever checked this website?? I guess you must have never seen the hundreds of reports of cases of illegal hunting. They shoot anything that flies. As for the referendum, The majority of the people did not vote for the EU Referendum on the basis of hunting. I'm one of those that voted 'Yes' but was not voting Pro-Hunting. So I dont know who is the 'ignorant of the fact' in this case.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 21st 2009, 18:57

P Camilleri, "hunters can do whatever they want"?!! Far from it, hunters may practise their traditional pastime within the parameters of the law, now also during Springtime! As for the referendum, well this was already held prior to EU Accession. I think you must be ignorant of the fact that Hunting was guaranteed and as such the result of this Referendum reflected this.

Sir/Madam, obtaining a degree in today's world is the norm- nothing out of this world. "i suggest you( to) go to Junior College for 2 years to get your A' Levels, then to University for a 4 year course". Sir/Madam, how presumptuous!! What makes you think I do not enjoy a tertiary education?!

ONE THING IS FOR SURE: Whether one opts for a career in Education or whatever, NOBODY HAS A RIGHT TO IGNORE HIS SUPERIOR! That shows lack of respect and manners!!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 21st 2009, 18:45

Mr Alex Ellul, a look at the anti's comments will confirm that most are "'exremist', 'presumptuous', 'intolerant'". So I cannot see why you are doubting this. I might also add insolent to the list. Well, Sir, maybe YOU might quote the source for the anti's persistent claim that other than the 14,000 hunters, all others are against hunting and trapping! This is so absurd when one considers that the anti's are including me in their anti's figures. So much for being factual! You took offence at 'extremist' while in your very last comment you still insist in abolishing hunting! And you say you are not extremists!!! As for the most read and commented articles on the TOM, I assure that had news about whether CABS are 'clean' while roaming the countryside as well as having these same people running over a CAT and letting it die a slow painful death would indeed top the list. We might even have reasonable individuals from the anti-hunting lobby crossing over to our side!!!

P. Camilleri

Oct 21st 2009, 14:32

@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Its not Fantasyland... The hunters and people like you think that we're still living in the times where hunters can do whatever they want. Lets put the issue to a Referendum and we'll see which view wins.
Now regarding your previous comment where you said... "Having an individual stating that he/she works as a teacher and stating that "Noone will stop me from doing this, not even the Minister!!!.." does not augur well for our Education System!!"...That comment was referred to my previous statement. If you wish to teach about the conservation efforts of hunters and trappers, i suggest you to go to Junior College for 2 years to get your A' Levels, then to University for a 4 year course and finally find a job as a teacher. Many colleagues of mine (referring to teachers around all Malta and Gozo) do like me, and show our students that the environment is there to protect it... and not be exterminators of everything that flies!!!

Alex Ellul

Oct 21st 2009, 13:37

@SylvanaZarbDarmanin: I have to comment that you are always giving titles to us anti-hunting commentators, such as; 'exremist', 'presumptuous', 'intolerant', and this just in three of your innumerable comments to the TOM. Giving unto others what does not belong to others reminds me of .....................hunters.

Can you quote source of information that makes you so cock-sure about quote: '..the number of Maltese citizens who are not bothered at all with hunters and trappers' ?
Chapter and verse please. Should you care to note, one of the most commented upon news items in the TOM are hunting issues. This item only is 4th from the top of the 'Most Commented'. The shooting of the lesser spotted eagle by the lesser human beings aka hunters, placed even higher. So I would say that many Maltese are highly interested in hunting issues. One day as we abolished the death penalty, hunting will be abolished too. It is called the progress of civilisation. Schools and places of learning being one of the pillars of civilisation and the enemy of ignorance.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 21st 2009, 10:51

Marlene Attard, you will be amazed at the number of Maltese citizens who are not bothered at all with hunters and trappers. YOUR circa 14,000 votes do not include the hunters' and trappers' families, friends and many others who do not form part of the extremist anti-hunting lobby!! "overturn ANY law or indeed any ECJ ruling!!" DO YOU HONESTLY THINK SO?!!! Enjoy Fantasyland, Ms!!

Marlene Attard

Oct 21st 2009, 02:13

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

I am also a mainstream voter... But will vote AGAINST ALL FORMS OF HUNTING!! So that your vote will cancel-off with mine... But luckily there are only ~14,000 other voters (+ a few other hunting zealots) left to neutralise!

That's more than enough to overturn ANY law or indeed any ECJ ruling!! Ms!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 20th 2009, 17:56

Mr Alex Ellul, your views do not make you so special at all!! Furthermore your statement that "Some or should I say many, Maltese hunters want to shoot at (illegally) anything that flies without rules and regulations." is quite presumptuous. Maltese hunters may practice their traditional pastime within the parameters of the law, and this including Spring Hunting as well!! I am not saying this but the ECJ has actually said so. Hence you have to keep on dreaming about ahooting "their hobby down to oblivion"! I am a mainstream voter BUT I will not be forming part of your group, Sir!!

Alex Ellul

Oct 20th 2009, 15:36

@Maria Grima: We do happen to be 'so special' as you right ask. Fact is that our Maltese hunters are special, different from hunters in other countries. Some or should I say many, Maltese hunters want to shoot at (illegally) anything that flies without rules and regulations. They want to hunt birds, legally, when the birds are flying north to roost, lay eggs, hatch their young etc. Thus, in a very arrogant , egoistic and ignorant way destroying the next season's legal hunt. What they are really doing is shooting themselves in the foot since we, the mainstream voter will one day shoot their hobby down to oblivion, forever.

Marlene Attard

Oct 20th 2009, 12:54

@Maria Grima
"hunting is considered to be an important tool how to conserve the environment" O.o
Hawwadni ha nifmek ??!!?!?!!

Do I read that well?

Sorry, but this must me one of the most obsence statements of the year! Where's the logic in killing animals to "conserve" the environment? What are you conserving exactly? Is it the worms that would have been spared once all the birds are gone? Or what exactly?

Then it all really depends what you mean by "conservation"... However "conserving" stuffed or mummified versions of nature for your own private collections does not qualify as conservation for the rest of us. God forbid we ever have to teach this hogwash to children!

Maria Grima

Oct 19th 2009, 23:37

I can't understand why this fuss all about hunting in Malta.I understood that maltese hunters hunt a few and small ammount of bird species (due on the dependance of bird migration only),compared with other countries.In other well civilised countries like scandinavian and north American countries ,hunting is promoted in schools since hunting is considered to be an important tool how to conserve the environment .What i don't understand is that why here we try to be so 'special'...

Dr Mark A. Sammut

Oct 19th 2009, 18:57

@ Ms Busuttil The comments were light-hearted, not meant to offend but to show that there is a limit even to "love for nature". In other words, we all kill other living beings (animals and plants) in order to survive. I therefore think that saying "every living creature" was a bit of an exaggeration! :)

Claire Busuttil

Oct 18th 2009, 20:33

@Dr. M.Sammut
very very sarcastic!! with these comments, what do you really want to show, or teach??

Dr Mark A. Sammut

Oct 18th 2009, 16:11

@Ms Busuttil

"Today I respect every single living creature around me. Beside teaching us the academic subjects,you teached us little students, how wonderful and amazing is the world around us, you teached us also to respect the smallest living insect. "

Do you deal with mosquitoes, flies, gnats, silverfish...?

Do you vacuum clean (thereby eliminating millions of microsopic mites)?

Do you allow ticks to infest your dog? Do you protect your dog from sandflies?

Do you allow yeasts and fungi to grow on your body...?

Do you disinfect your surroundings (thereby killing millions of bacteria)?

I won't say anything about viruses because these seem to be somewhere between the living and the non-living...

I might understand hyperbole, but this isn't this stretching it a bit too far...? :)

Claire Busuttil

Oct 18th 2009, 12:42

@V.Falzon, I just wanted to thank you for the incredible love I have towards nature and animals, if it was not for you,, teaching me, at year 3, (I think it was your first year of teaching or so)probably I would not be so sensitive towards nature. Today I respect every single living creature around me. Beside teaching us the academic subjects,you teached us little students, how wonderful and amazing is the world around us, you teached us also to respect the smallest living insect. That how it should be. So, please teachers, keep up the good work!!

Zap Branagan

Oct 17th 2009, 22:03

Hunters: Welcome to the 21st Century.

John Matthews

Oct 15th 2009, 23:33

@ V Falzon
Re your comments.
Yes I believe that ALL teachers should explain/teach their pupils the subjects that they are employed to teach. Their personal opinions should be EXCLUDED from the corriculum. I do not say that they are not entitled to these opinions BUT a one sided opinion leaves the student/pupil in some dillema, for example, if a teacher teaches his/her students that hunting is wrong, then they are implying that the law is wrong. The law does NOT state that hunting is illegal. Hunting , within the confines of the law, should be explained to the students and, the students be allowed to make up their own mind. Should you wish for further clarification, I will be gladly give you MY OPINION and allow you to form YOUR opinion as you, if you are a teacher, allow your students the same rights.

Alex Ellul

Oct 15th 2009, 22:35

There is one school in the US that has written in bold letters at the main entrance the following warning sign: ENTERING THIS PLACE OF LEARNING MAY BE DANGEROUS TO ONE'S IGNORANCE

V Falzon

Oct 15th 2009, 20:06

@John Matthews. You suggest that teachers "should also inform their pupils about the pro hunting side of things". Would you kindly amplify what these things are?

V Falzon

Oct 15th 2009, 20:01

@Sylvana Z Darmanin. Thank you for the parallel quotes - most convenient. I leave it to readers to draw their own conclusions as to whether FKNK's suggestion is or isn't a case of desperation!

V Falzon

Oct 15th 2009, 19:58

@Max Sullivan. You evidently have no idea how education works. The whole point of education is to have independent but educated adults who can make informed decisions. As to whether I am a teacher or not I leave to the many students who know me.

Dr Mark A. Sammut

Oct 15th 2009, 19:23

@DrTortellPisani I too particularly like the way you put it! :) However my point wasn't about hunting per se. It was about the discussion's social dimension. I think there is a lot of social tension in this whole argument. And that many teachers "abuse" of their "position of power" in class to impart their own values to impressionable young people. One might refer to a point once raised by someone I particularly dislike, Umberto Bossi. He once brought out the tension between the school representing the (Italian) State and the family as the fundamental nucleus of a society. (In his discourse's context, the Italian State has to be seen as the obtaining model which he wants to change by creating the State of Padania within a Federal Italy.) This point's relevance: 1.Where should the limits be set for schools (representing the State - we're not discussing private or Church schools here) to impart values to future citizens? 2.What is the relationship between the education given by the State and the education given by the family? 3.Should State education change with a change in Government? When we solve the matter in general, we can then solve the particular question of hunting.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 14th 2009, 18:36

Mr Alex Ellul, education in Government schools is financed through our taxes, whether we are hunters, birdwatchers, etc. Therefore your extremist comment of: "May I recommend that hunters finance and build their own private schools for their kids." does not hold water. Our children have been brainwashed by BLM for a long, long time. Furthermore, a Peripatetic Teacher for BirdLife is listed amongst other Subject teachers' vacancies. Nobody has a right to brainwash our kids. Teachers' opinions can never be imposed on young minds! True education presents different sides of the coins and allows children to form their own opinion!

I urge the Minister of Education to ensure that our children are taught both sides, be it BLM's and FKNK's views and let our children's mind work and form their own decision! Having an individual stating that he/she works as a teacher and stating that "Noone will stop me from doing this, not even the Minister!!!.." does not augur well for our Education System!!

Dr. Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 14th 2009, 17:24

@Dr.Mark A.Sammut

I particularly like the way you put it... But now allow me to add one more "worm" to the "can" we have just opened...

Can anybody (in full honesty) come up with a single good argument for why shooting or maiming a (possibly stray) dog or cat is wrong, while shooting a bird is to be totally accepted? And don't try to bring any lame "It is a pet" arguments - those would be foolishly subjective.

A cat is a dog is a mouse is a bird is an animal like any other!...

YET last time I checked, in this *same* very country we have harsh LAWS against animal cruelty and we also have an Animal Welfare Department that we are supporting through our taxes... (including those of hunters)... How can anybody have the nerve to defend animal rights and condemn cruelty on one hand when at the same time s/he would be in favour of cruelty and killing of some other animals "FOR THE FUN OF IT" ... and go all the way to call it a "Sport". CONSISTENCY IS A VALUE!

Would you agree if my next SPORT involves throwing darts at your cat?

Alex Ellul

Oct 14th 2009, 17:02

Up to not many years ago, hunters could shoot at anything, anytime, anywhere. Then came regulations and we had two hunting seasons and bird-species protection. Now we have practically one hunting season. Time is not hunter-friendly. Education is not hunter-friendly either. That's why hunters are in a panic and last week the hunters' president complained to the education ministry about the green-teachers. Humanity has been evolving and during its modern history has shed cannibalism, dictatorships (mostly), the death penalty, whale hunting (although there are still two countries that find excuses to keep on killing the whales). Many types of hunts have been abolished such as polar bear hunting, which has resulted in a tenfold increase in their population since this was abolished in the 1950's. One day, bird hunting will be abolished too by modern society. Maybe it would still be practiced by the indios tribes of the Amazon forest, by poisoned blow-dart or bow and arrow. As Eleonor Roosevelt once famously said: "After we have forgotten what we had learned at school, what remains is education". So who is afraid of education? The hunters. May I recommend that hunters finance and build their own private schools for their kids.

P. Camilleri

Oct 14th 2009, 15:15

If the FKNK representatives had the time to prepare the Teachers Pack, I suggest that they keep on reading it themselves. As a teacher, I would never pass positive comments regarding hunting. Noone will stop me from doing this, not even the Minister!!!... hunters should go and get a life! they should abide by the law!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 13th 2009, 12:25

Mr C Serracino-Inglott, you know what happens when one assumes!! Well, you have just done that! I know it is a hard pill to swallow BUT I am not a hunter yet I respect them and will defend their rights! Meanwhile, Sir, sorry to disappoint you but I do not intend committing suicide. Far from it, I will be here to expose assumptions, intolerance and extremism coming from the anit-hunting lobby!!!!

Max Sullivan

Oct 13th 2009, 11:42

@ V Falzon

It is so evident that you are NOT a teacher. Thank God you are not because this superiority mentality would ruin our children. I believ that once they become adults children are very capable of making their own right decisions without any Brainwashing teachers.

L. Bonnici

Oct 13th 2009, 11:37

First of all, may I say Dr. Mark A. Sammut - well done. I totally agree with absoutely every last comment you have made so far - you took the words right out of my mouth.

All I have to emphasise (for the benefit of everyone else) is; this is not a pro/anti hunting argument. This argument is questioning whether a teacher should have the right to impose certain opinions on students.

How would you feel if your child's teacher was a vegetarian (or more extreme, vegan) and started teaching your child that it is wrong to eat any sort of meat or animal produced food? It is not right or wrong to be a vegetarian, but you still would not like your teacher imposing these views onto your impressionable child, I would imagine?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 13th 2009, 10:53

V Falzon wrote
"FKNK actually asked BirdLife to pressure the government to open a spring hunting season"

The Times of 2 Oct stated:
"Birdlife should offer its professed expertise to assist the government apply for a derogation allowing spring hunting in 2010 rather than indulge in scaremongering tactics"

IF THIS IS NOT TWISTING FACTS, WHAT IS V FALZON?! AND YOU EXPECT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY SIR/MADAM?!!!

Claire Busuttil

Oct 13th 2009, 00:10

I can only thank, my primary school teacher, for having tought me how to love and respect all living creatures. He is now one of the bird`s life activist. At lunch time, we were amazed by his knowledge regarding the subject. Teachers can do a great deal in bringing up, a more respectful future generation. Keep it up, all of you teachers trying to do so!!!

Maria Grima

Oct 12th 2009, 23:53

I experienced this attitude from some teachers when i was at school only just a few years ago.Surprisingly ,hunting was given so much attention ,that as if it was the only 'problem' happening in Malta!Would'nt it be much better if teachers would start focusing more on the REAL PROBLEMS like for example ;drugs( which in today's generation are so popular and getting even more popular,day by day)???!!No wonder why social problems are, ever growing and getting wider ....

cARMEL sERRACINO-iNGLOTT

Oct 12th 2009, 22:48

@Sylvana
You are telling the teachers not to teach to defencless children. What about the killing of defenceless birds? Are the birds in the sky yours? You can nowadays shoot at birds on big screens electronically. You may invest in electronic 'killings' ( maybe the government will help) The apparatus may be set up in a field or hall. When you hit a flying bird on the screen you might want to amplify the cry the bird makes ( if it has a chance) or the blood gushing out as well from the wounds of hot pellets and see the carcass dive down to the ground and then play the game of searching the victim. We are modern now what? I would love you if you agree with me for letting me and the majority enjoy nature at its best. i always say that if you want to kill birds ( or else you commit suicide) because it is your nature and up to now is legal , do so BUT PLEASE DO NOT TEACH THIS CRUEL ACT TO YOUR CHILDREN. WELL DONE TEACHERS. I was ateacher and I have done may tiny bit for the love of dear birds.

j cutajar

Oct 12th 2009, 21:44

I'm sure in this day & age children have evolved to enjoy wild animals alive without having to be influenced . If they prefer seeing them dead then I can only feel sorry for them & the ones that made them think that way
What is the "teacher pack" anyway ?isn't it trying to influence them about the joys of killing birds?
but in this case it's whitewashed as conservation & pretty trees.I wonder if this pack mentions
dead birds or guns at all.
The lengths hunters will go through to justify shooting birds is amazing.Dosn't the word 'alive ' mean anything to you?
& you want our respect for depriving us of these birds just because of your personal hobby?
Now anyone that dares admire a free bird flying is called an extremist...ara x'estrem dak mela

V Falzon

Oct 12th 2009, 20:50

@Max Sullivan

Call it dictatorship, brainwashing, antidemocratic, call it what you like dear Mr Sullivan, they are only your labels and your descriptions. I agree with you that children are at the best age to form their values. That is why it is my duty as a teacher to keep teaching kids the beauty of watching birds alive and flying free in their habitat, as opposed to the cruelty of enslaving wild birds in cages, and the wantonness of killing birds for the kick of it.

r sammut

Oct 12th 2009, 20:38

@ Graham Willard (UK)
Yes you in UK ‘have accepted the fact that fox hunting is an arcane and cruel activity and we have indeed legislated against it. It's gone It's over!’ Is it over, Sir? It is being heard in the grape vine that some are arguing to reintroduce that tradition!

But that is only part of the story; you failed to mention Sir that in UK hunting (i.e. shooting) takes place 365days a year! Even Maltese hunters take shooting holidays over there! So why do you want us to stop the little we have got?

The news that makes headlines is only the bad publicity; magnified by foreigners brought over purposely, for free! Many conservation efforts made by hunters go by unmentioned! The hunters’ federation has really to work against the grain to make its efforts known!

V Falzon

Oct 12th 2009, 20:31

@Sylvana Z Darmanin
If FKNK didn't ask BirdLife to help government apply for spring hunting, I dare you to tell me exactly what it DID ask for on 2 October! Not that readers cannot check for themselves, as they can all read plain English. Dear Ms Darmanin, your knee-jerk accusation of "twisting facts" at all nature lovers is so intense that you don't realise what howlers your beloved FKNK regularly come up with.

J. Borg

Oct 12th 2009, 20:26

speaking about school children.....
guess the best education would be
Day 1 : school visits within nature reserves wherein the children themselves can observe birds resting and interacting
Day 2 : Trip to Bahrija (pls wear protective clothing against lead showers and some earlplugs vs abusive language)......and watch birds shot down....and preferably having a dog fetch a couple of dead birds to the children to observe the effect of the gunshots.
Hopefully no protected birds will be shot.

Thereafter, guess they can reach their own conclusion.

John Matthews

Oct 12th 2009, 20:05

I appreciate that teachers have a right to their own opinion but, they should not impart that opinion upon the pupils/students. Keep to the subjects that they were employed to teach.

My point being, what does the Ministry of Education have to say about this matter and, what do they intend to do about teachers that stray from the curriculum.

There are TWO sides to every coin and if the teachers teach or impart their anti hunting opinions to others, they should also inform their pupils about the pro hunting side of things.

EQUALITY = DEMOCRACY

carmel james

Oct 12th 2009, 19:58

Mariella, i totally agree with you. Hunting is one of the many environmental problems directly caused by human beings. Therefore its important that children are taught to appreciate nature more.

Its only obvious that birds are more appreciated in their natural environment than having a dead bird. Whats wrong into making children realize of the nature around us and encourage them to observe.....ofcourse who doesnt even want to hear a word against hunting thats his problem, but teachers cant hold back information that students have a right to know. Hunting, whether sustainable or not, can never be justified.

And what are these 'conservation efforts' that trappers and hunters do to the natural environment? because they build a rubble wall or plant 'alien trees'....or else scrape the garrigue and maquis to make way for trapping sites...and then spray all around with herbicides. Look, I somewhow understand that hunters and trappers want to catch birds but please dont try and give the impression that you are doing conservation efforts.

My father is a hunter and i am a birdwatcher but i never turned against him. On the contrary, my father started appreciating more birds. Minister keep this in mind...

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 12th 2009, 19:49

Ms Mariella Schembri, you do have a right for your opinion BUT you definitely do not have a right to utter your opinions to defenceless children! If you are indeed a true professional in your teaching profession you should undoubtedly know that you cannot abuse your position. I am sure you have a lot of other opinions about various subjects. Does this give you the divine right to influence our children?!

Mariella Schembri

Oct 12th 2009, 19:08

As a teacher I am obliged to teach my pupils right from wrong. I teach them to appreciate the beauty and perfection of God's world...hunting as a sport is an interference in nature's food- chain and balance ...so I tell pupils that if anyone wants to practice hunting they should shoot clay pigeons, not poor defenceless birds who come to Malta to rest. I encourage pupils to go bird-watching and to visit bird sanctuaries to encourage an appreciation and love of birds (actually all animals great and small too). I do tell them that I do not agree with hunting...I have a right to voice my opinion...we do live in a free country after all. Foreigners should not be calling the kettle black...pheasants, wood-pigeons, foxes and many other creatures are shot in the UK...

Dr. Mark A. Sammut

Oct 12th 2009, 18:12

@ Dr Tortell Pisani Dr TP is (unwittingly?) taking up an antidemocractic stance. Hunters are a minority. But isn't each category of those who practise some sport a minority? In a democracy, minorities are respected.; in totalitarian states they are trampled upon. Schoolchildren are of a young age, and highly impressionable. Teaching them that nature is beautiful is one thing; teaching them that hunting is killing (and, therefore, hunters are killers) is another. The comments posted here have a common theme: "anti-hunting". Let us be careful: this is smacking of a social/classist prejudice, leading away from social cohesion and tolerance. Values should not be imparted at school, unless they are civic values, widely accepted. For instance, if children are taught to respect private property, that is one thing; but if they are taught that hunting is intrinsically bad, that is another thing. Social cohesion is a value that can (and should) be taught at school. With regard to modern European values, may I point out to Dr TP that women's choice to abort "unwanted" pregnancies is a "modern" European value. Should it be taught in schools? "Can of worms" is the only phrase which comes to my mind right now.

Max Sullivan

Oct 12th 2009, 15:08

Just a point of clarification. Much has been said about this hobby which afterall like it or not we have to admit that it is embedded in our culture !

What I would like to dwell on is only one point. In such a class the Teacher is not excersising Democracy but DICTATORSHIP. let's not forget that at that age children are absorbing information to be able to take own decisions when mature.

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 12th 2009, 14:31

I don't personally agree with hunting but BIRDLIFE propaganda is damaging my country's reputation..when you talk to foreigners nowadays they say I would have come to Malta but you are bird killers..that is the image they are giving us..these people should be held accountable and not just put us all in one basket and try to portray Maltese as brutal bird killers..i never killed a bird..i love nature..I never had a gun. thanks birdlife for the bad publicity.

Andrew Agius

Oct 12th 2009, 13:59

Genius FKNK. Perhaps it's time to revive the Peter and Jane books?
Look at the bird, says Jane.
KILL KILL KILL, says Peter
woof woof woof says Spot as he grabs the lifeless carcass.

Grow up, it's barbaric, cowardly and inhumane and good on the teachers who are speaking out against it. Teachers have a duty to teach more than the curriculum.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 12th 2009, 11:47

Very well said Mr John Matthews. Pity that some of your country folks do not enjoy your type of good manners and factual arguments!

John Matthews

Oct 12th 2009, 11:10

@ G Willard
I too am a UK citizen and I believe that the Maltese people be allowed to govern their own hunting/trapping problems.

You claim "All I see is hunters,hunters,hunters"

All I see is "Birdlife,Birdlife,Birdlife" Interpretation like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 12th 2009, 10:37

Graham Willard, are you serious?! Fox hunting is STILL PRACTISED IN THE UK! Legislation has only banned the use of dogs. This is so much so that you might wish to research about the late Trevor Norse’s unfortunately death! Shame indeed on the acts of the anti‘s in your own country!

“how can you Maltese expect to be counted as Europeans, like the rest of us, if you don’t have the decency to just drop your shotguns….” Sir, the MALTESE HUNTERS are no inferior to other EU HUNTERS. Have a look at the hunting and poaching taking place in YOUR COUNTRY! It might interest you to know that Maltese hunters come to your country on hunting holidays! Therefore your statements: “Is it possible that you people have nothing better to do” and “Why don’t you grow up and realised that………..must be cared for by everybody, for everybody to enjoy” shows your hypocrisy as well as your lack of knowledge and substance in your non-factual contribution!!! I repeat Sir, the Maltese are NO INFERIOR to other EU citizens! Actually, I believe that you have much to learn from us!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 12th 2009, 10:36

V Falzon, as already requested please do read the Times article of 2 Oct and if it actually says what you erroneously quoted it as saying, be responsible enough and quote verbatim and not your twisted version!

Dr SToP, “I will be the first to push this through Parliament”?!!! Your say in Parliament is as good as mine!

“So that leaves ˜399,700 of non-hunter citizens”. You have the audacity to include the hunters’ families and the many others who are not bothered with hunting as sharing your dictatorial views?! How presumptuous!!

Sir, you conveniently opted to ignore the millions of hunters worldwide! Why, does this bother you?!!

Mr Chris Grillo, it seems you have been brainwashed! Have you every heard of the PERFECTLY LEGAL HUNTING PASTIME?! You consistently referred to Poaching in your comment.

James Formosa

Oct 12th 2009, 10:29

The teachers job is to educate pupils. Speaking out against hunting/trapping is education and dissuasion from a 'hobby' soon to be extinct is also a good idea. Why doesn't the FKNK educate their members to stop encouraging their (underage)kids to trap and hunt? Or even worse to refrain from buying them guns as presents for birthdays or confirmation!!!

Conrad Costa

Oct 12th 2009, 10:22

@ G Willard:
Dear Sir, I live in the UK and are you telling me the huntig debate here is over? Did you not Hear Cameron on R4 saying
he thinks one ought to decriminalise the fox hunting ban? Are foxes and other mammals not shot on farmland for 'pest
control' reasons?

And please get off your moral high horse! Only in England 1 or 2 years ago the following scenario unfolded: 2 women
found guilty of organising dog fights were jailed for 2 years or so. another 2 women who were organising fights between
their toddler CHILDREN! and filming the on their mobile phones for money etc etc were given a suspended sentence.

the mind boggles

arthur grech

Oct 12th 2009, 10:05

Dear Mr Graham Willard. UK.

Can you pls see what hunting is done in your country before FIRST!! Before you start talking about MINE!!!
The noise is done at your end due to the fact (if you dont know that
is)That at this time of the year at YOUR country Millions of pheasants, grouse, partrige, duck,
pest's rabbits ,woodpigeon etc etc..... are shot.....so see if you have a solution to stop hunting in the UK and to tell your fellowship hunters to drop there shotguns like you are telling us to do here in Malta pls let me know!!!!!!!!
But first look what is being done in your back garden first.....and by the way you are European
or dont you know that to.......We are shocked when we see rape killings child abuse etc etc in your newspaper that is what you should be looking and worrying about and comment about.

Thank You.

J Theuma

Oct 12th 2009, 09:45

Sorry but why should teachers, or any one with brains should support hunting?

Christian Sciberras

Oct 12th 2009, 09:06

Outright lame.

Chris Grillo

Oct 12th 2009, 07:29

Personally I am against hunting, but looking at this from a purely neutral point of view, I think that eventually hunting will be phased out.

The wishes of the vast majority will win through in the end. Looking at this from a hunter's point of view, I would ask, how many of you keep a budgie or a canary in a cage?

Two sides to every story...however it is correct that sitting in stone box (dura) wearing camouflage and blasting tiny birds to smithereens is hardly good sport. And the lsess said about protected birds, the better. It is illegal (all over the world!)..so easy to understand. You simply cannot kill protected species and expect to be understood.

Peace to all!

Graham Willard (UK)

Oct 12th 2009, 00:06

I still fail to understand how you Maltese have not yet found a way to put an end to the Hunters debate. We in the UK, for instance, have accepted the fact that fox hunting is an arcane and cruel activity and we have indeed legislated against it. It's gone It's over!

Now, how can you Maltese expect to be counted as Europeans, like the rest of us, if you don't have the decency to just drop your shotguns and allow a harmless sparrow to build a nest and live a peaceful life amongst you!

I am shocked whenever I set foot on your tiny island and open a newspaper. All I see is always hunters, hunters, hunters. Is it possible that you people have nothing better to do? How can such a small group of people make so much noise all the time?

Why don't you grow up and realise that nature is a shared asset that must be cared for by everybody, for everybody to enjoy?

Alfred Baldacchino

Oct 12th 2009, 00:01

Is shooting a cupful of hot lead pellets at a flying bird hunting ?

John Matthews

Oct 11th 2009, 22:57

Perhaps the pupil/student should be given the oppotunity to "opt out" when a teacher starts to voice their personal opinion. However, that would be stupidity as it would be an excuse to opt out of lessons which they, the student/pupil, does not wish to participate in.

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 11th 2009, 22:42

@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Just 14,000? Praise the Lord!....That's even fewer than I thought! :-)
AND Next year they will be even less!

You mark my words!!... in 10-20 years time even fishing risks being abolished... let alone hunting for hunting's sake! ... And I will be the first to push this through Parliament whether you like it or not! .... 14,000 will surely not stand in the way of saving our ecological heritage...

So that leaves ~399,700 (~2008 census) of non-hunter citizens who will (in all probability) prefer to enjoy wildlife in its living NATURAL state...

FKNK...JUST GIVE IT UP!!... YOU ARE GROSSLY OUTNUMBERED

@Dr. Mark A. Sammut
Now wouldn't you think that 399,700 out of 413,700 would represent a wide enough majority to consider the protection of wildlife a widely accepted value?? I think that this is what should be taught in school because it represents modern Maltese and European values.

Is it not a time to put a definitive end to these pesky hunters' habits and have the government withdraw all their licenses and recall all their weapons???

"SHOULD HUNTING REMAIN LEGAL?"
NOW LETS PUT THIS TO A REFERENDUM, SHALL WE???
(I think I know the answer!)

V Falzon

Oct 11th 2009, 21:41

@ Sylvana Z Darmanin: "wherever did you get your statement that FKNK "actually asked BirdLife to pressure the government to open a spring hunting season"

As you very well know, I got it from the The Times news item of 2 Oct. Surely, to ask BirdLife (of all people!) to lend a hand in allowing spring hunting, must qualify for Silliest Statement Of The Year.

@ R Sammut: "There is much more to hunting and trapping!"

There is indeed. Hunting and trapping are important survival activities to keep primitive human communities alive, and a living museum for anthropologists to glimpse into man's past. As for hunting and trapping in 21st century Malta... all there is to say about them is that they are a senseless wastage of life. And for what? To give an adrenalin rush to a bunch of men who should know better.

James De Giorgio

Oct 11th 2009, 21:35

I'm a teacher and I freely express my anti-hunting sentiments with my students who in their overwhelming majority are against hunting.

Those very few who choose to disagree are not pressured to agree.

It's a free world dear, and I'm sure teachers' attitudes are much better than hunters' attitudes.

Massimo Borg

Oct 11th 2009, 21:08

Actually I think that it should be printed in bold in our children's text books that hunting as a sport is nothing but cruelty; May all responsible teachers teach the children to respect all God's creatures.

Dr. Mark A. Sammut

Oct 11th 2009, 20:50

The whole crux lies in this fundamental question:

Who decides which values are good and which values are bad?

Teachers, headmasters, directors of education, education ministers?

It is pretty obvious that the question requires a very long answer. A 200 word limit (the obtaining limit here) makes it impossible to provide it.

However, I think 200 words are enough to reply to a comment asking for the logic behind my reasoning. Here it is: If the values espoused and imparted by a particular teacher are controversial, then parents will want those values screened. Who will screen them? The school principal? Who will screen the school principal? The director of education? Who will screen the director of education? The minister? Who will screen the minister? The electorate? How?

The situation starts getting messy at this point.

I think it is wiser if teachers eschew imparting values to students, unless those values are widely accepted in a society.

----

Lastly. A commentator said that abortions are done for social and medical reasons. Is he sure he's not leaving out (i) careers (women who prefer their career to motherhood) and (ii) extramarital affairs (not wanting to end a marriage because of an affair)?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 11th 2009, 20:22

YOU ARE PERFECTLY RIGHT, MR R SAMMUT! It is a case of "L-ispizjar milli jkollu jaghtik"!

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani, "bursting car tyres without getting caught, or aiming cricket balls at glass windows, or tripping old ladies etc..." may never be considered as being LEGAL whereas hunting may be practised within the parameters of the law. Why is it proving to be so difficult for you to understand? Twisting facts will get you nowhere! The illegal actions you mention were always against social behaviours and people living in a community never accepted such shameful behaviours! Have you every heard of RESPECT TOWARDS OTHERS?!

"the fact that there are still some hunters left" - SOME HUNTERS Sir? There are 14,000 hunters in Malta and MILLIONS of hunters worldwide! Sorry to disappoint you!

"WILL BE extinguished PERIOD! " Keep on dreaming! Your extremist and dictatorial statements are worthless!

Dr Tortell Pisani, I AM ABSOLUTELY AGAINST ABORTION! Please do be factual in your arguments! It is certain individuals who condemn the killing of birds who are known to be in favour of killing of innocent human-beings!



"

R. Attard

Oct 11th 2009, 19:26

What about those teachers who speak with their students in schools about hunting and trapping protected species and they do not thell them a single word about the fact that this is illegal?

victor pulis

Oct 11th 2009, 19:00

May I suggest that teachers take a live, free bird and a dead, bloodied bird to school and ask the children which they prefer.

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 11th 2009, 18:34

@R. Sammut

Precisely my point... Now go read my comments a few times more ... I trust that you will eventually figure-out the intended meaning...

In the meantime, in order to cure the "blinkered" vision that afflicts us poor 400,000 citizens (less 20,000 illuminati of course)... I would in the name of the rest of my fellow citizens ask you to elucidate us of the supposedly beneficial aspects of this 'crime against nature'....

Mention but ONE advantage of hunting please...

Now that we are all so "eager" to be "educated" by the FKNK... Why don't the FKNK send this "Teachers' pack" to every household so that we may, one day, graduate in FKNK policy! I can't wait for my second doctorate!

Thank you!

r sammut

Oct 11th 2009, 17:04

@Dr Savior Tortell Pisani
‘Adolf Hitler thinking about the next Mein Kampf or an Ayatollah Khomeini preaching theories why women are inferior to men.’

Your words sir, but perhaps a review into your own comments down below might throw some light on who is talking what???

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 11th 2009, 16:54

@Sylvana.Zarb.Darmanin

You again miss the point! (and I think you do it on purpose!).....Those who refuse to remember the past are condemned to repeat the same mistakes!

The actions I mentioned are ONLY illegal because someone, like myself, together with others sharing contemporary values, realised that such actions have no place in civil society and hence **DECLARED** THEM ILLEGAL... Soon the same will happen with hunting, in all its forms.

If you go far back enough in history, you will soon discover that a great many things which are illegal TODAY were NOT illegal at some point in time or other... Slavery was a perfectly legal trade and there were government institutions set up to facilitate it! But today...It is anathema because we have EVOLVED!

So likewise, the fact that there are still some hunters left who practice their horrible activity and who persist to call it a "sport", adds ABSOLUTELY nothing to the argument... IT IS WRONG... and WILL BE extinguished PERIOD!

Abortion follows the exact same reasoning... Irrespective of whether YOU and a FEW others choose to condone it, or call it a "God-given right", a "legal" "pastime" or a "sport"... IT WILL STILL BE WRONG!

r sammut

Oct 11th 2009, 16:51

Many biased teachers see hunting as just the killing and destruction! Without even having had the chance to view the material in question, those in the profession should know better than adopt such blinkered vision. There is much more to hunting and trapping!

Only the bad publicity about hunting /trapping gets the spotlight and this is making the activity look as if clandestine. Malta is seen as the only place on earth where legal hunting/trapping are done! Perhaps this suffocation and sweeping statements are making individuals the more rebellious! Not a nice thing to say about an educational system run by professionals!

What are those in the profession teaching little kids? In their imposition, teachers may be even turn kids against family members. The kids’ (previously) dear fathers or some otherwise nice uncles are bad because these are in the hobby? How is this to make sense for a little child? Children see their world around them crumbling! Not even to thrust their dear family… because the teacher said so… because the teacher can and does manipulate their minds…

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 11th 2009, 15:00

@R.Sammut
You get it ALL wrong my friend... Being in a minority does not automatically give the licence to act in savagely destructive ways. Some things must be abolished because they are intrinsically wrong. By your reasoning, then slavery should be legal because a few would favour it... Murder or Rape or Abortion would also be legal because a minority of the Maltese population thinks there are situations where it is justified... and some future FKNK-like organisation could even go to great lengths of calling it a "Sport"!

Secondly Bacon and Eggs are NOT the result of senseless and rabid exploitation of nature they are products of the SUSTAINABLE rearing of livestock that is managed and created by man for man... It does not deplete nature of anything at all... I'm sorry to see you confuse farming livestock with hunting wildlife!

@D.Cachia...Dr.Mark A.Sammut...etc...
Teaching people how to THINK is NECESSARY BUT NOT SUFFICIENT... You MUST also teach HEALTHY VALUES... When the starting point is twisted, further thinking only leads into misguided territory and you will soon get another Adolf Hitler thinking about the next Mein Kampf or an Ayatollah Khomeini preaching theories why women are inferior to men.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 11th 2009, 14:30

Mr V Falzon, wherever did you get your statement that FKNK "actually asked BirdLife to pressure the government to open a spring hunting season"?! Twisting of facts is ever present in the anti's arguments. Sir, look up the news item you are referring to, read it slowly and understand it properly!

Dr S Tortelli Pisani, the actions you are suggesting are all illegal acts whereas hunting is a legalised form of pastime! Please, Sir, take off your dictatorship blinkers and reason out things in their true perspective.

Well, quite a number of those commenting online against hunting have also commented online in favour of abortion. If any of these individuals happen to be in the teaching profession, are we to expect them to influence the children's minds to reason in such a hypocritical manner?!!!

Jason Galea

Oct 11th 2009, 14:25

"Teachers should do this..... teachers should do that............"

How about providing this pack to parents and let education start at home?
I did not spend 4years at University to go teach about "the conservation efforts of hunters and trappers in the natural environment"!!!! Kemm se ndumu pupazzi f'dal-pajjiz?

J. Borg

Oct 11th 2009, 12:39

maybe FKNK would do a better job if they monitor what some hunters are doing.....killing protected birds.......rather then teachers teaching about protecting our environment and respecting nature.........or is FKNK continuing to divest of its core responsibility?

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Oct 11th 2009, 12:27

A. Pace “….mhux statwa iebsa go vetrina biex nitpaxxa bih jien biss.”

Naqbel mieghek hlief ghal din l-ahhar sentenza.

Jien trabbejt go dar mimlija ghasafar ibbalzmati ghax sfortunatament missieri kaccatur u kien ihobb jibbalzma l-ghasafar. Kien ukoll maghruf li jibbanzma l-ghasafar “qishom hajjien” - dejjem skont il-kaccaturi li qatt ma indenjaw ruhhom josservaw ghal zmien twil l-ghasafar hajjien go l-ambjent naturali taghhom jew la menu jaraw dokumentarji dwar in-natura.

Per esperjenza personali nassigurak li trid tkun veru pervers per eccellenza biex titpaxxa tara ghasfur maqtul ibbalzmat go vetrina.

Michael Tabone

Oct 11th 2009, 12:18

I find it funny how the hunters in Malta justify hunting as something that is a basic instinct to mankind. The basic instinct was survival...Hunting to survive, not hunting for sport! It's funny how they think they can twist things in their favour and leave out a few of the obvious details. Mankind hunted for food, clothing and even some tools. That's justified and I'm sure everyone agrees.

But hunting for sport just to make a trophy is disgusting! You can't justify it, because it's fun and you feel one with nature (predator vs prey). Trapping is also justified if you are catching birds for food that are not on the endangered (or restricted) list. I must admit I love Quail.

M. Cardona

Oct 11th 2009, 12:11

I think a whole lot of anti- contributors keep on harping against illegalities but conveniently omit to mention the great contribution in regeneration of habitats that hunters make. Quite conveniently. If its true love of nature, then that aspect of hunters' should also be noted.

I am proud to be a hunter. I used to wake up early when I was a small kid and beg my dad to take me with him. Who are you to judge me? Why should my kids be told at school "hunting is bad, cruel etc. " which to my children equates to : "your dad is doing something bad and cruel so he is a bad and cruel person".

I try, actually I don't have to try that hard! to instil in my children a love and understanding of nature as my dad did with me and his dad with him. Regularly they plant trees themselves so that they understand that to harvest from nature, one has to invest in tomorrow's nature.

On a final note, I personally do not shoot any protected birds. I explain to my kids why doing so is essentially counter-productive to conservation. Quit judging others! Typical FARIZEJ!

Eleanor Vella

Oct 11th 2009, 11:57

May I please remind all that it is part of the curriculum (included in important subjects such as Religion and Social Studies) that we, teachers, are there to guide and educate our students on the beauty of nature and that cruelty in whatever form is forbidden. We try to show a real living picture of what is happening in Malta then it is up to the children themselves to decide what is acceptable and what is not. It goes to show that some children are more mature than the adults.

adrian aquilina

Oct 11th 2009, 11:50

well done to the teachers...and stop bringing up abortion,its a stupid and pointless argument.they are not connected..leave the animals alone..

J. Borg

Oct 11th 2009, 11:48

FKNK....it's about time you get your feet back on the ground........

John Pace

Oct 11th 2009, 11:28

FKNK...Will the pack also include pictures of the hundreds of dead birds found in Mizieb???

Why not show the school children a video of the injured bird which was found by a hunter
and passed on to a 'friend' to be cured taking flight after fully recovering!

Halluna tridu!!!

j cutajar

Oct 11th 2009, 11:26

Whats this teachers pack??Promoting hunting in schools?This is so hilarious..the latest sob story ,what pathetic excuse to kill birds will you come up with next?

a attard

Oct 11th 2009, 11:15

........Education in relation to Maltese Flora and Fauna (including birds that migrate over our Islands) and natural history in general should be OBLIGATORY as part of every school curriculum. Outdoor visits should be an integrated part of it. My admiration goes to all those teachers who make an effort to add on these subjects as extra curriculum in already a packed programme to educate on the subjects in relation to our Natural history that should make our students proud of these little Islands..............

Joe Camilleri

Oct 11th 2009, 10:42

As everybody knows, hunters come from all walks of life. The teaching profession is no exception. There are teachers who are hunters and it has been this way since the beginning of teaching. We never heard any complaints that these teachers are promoting hunting or worse indoctrinating children to be hunters. This shows how professional these teachers (hunters) are. They always let their students chose, in fact today we have birdlife. So actually these birdlife people should thank their (hunter) teachers for not being indoctrinated about hunting.

Now we have teachers that support birdlife. Good. What is unprofessional about most of these teachers is that they purposely try to confuse their young students that HUNTING and POACHING are the same thing, just to reach their aim in abolishing hunting. And here is were the Minister and Dr Grace Grima should interfere.

s schembri

Oct 11th 2009, 10:24

Yes, let us take FKNK's suggestion and start teaching our children how to be cruel to animals so that we will have a better generation. Hip hip .. hurray !!

Donna Degaetano

Oct 11th 2009, 10:05

@ A. Formosa

Teaching children that abortion is wrong is already done!! Killing another living creature for fun is also wrong so it has to be taught to our kids as well. If teaching that hunting is wrong is going to lead to kids being bullied what about what you said about teaching kids not to become single parents?? Those who come from single parents aren't going to be bullied too?? And what's so wrong in being a single parent? I'm a single mother and my kids lack nothing and are brought up respecting themselves and others...including animals!! And before you go on about paying taxes for single parents...not all single parents receive social security benefits. We send our children to school so that they can learn right from wrong....so teaching them that illegal hunting and trapping is wrong is something that should be done at school. This shouldn't be about politics either as someone else said. But it seems that everything that happens in this country is about politics!!

Julian Fleri Soler

Oct 11th 2009, 10:03

And what is there to explain may i ask? Actions speak for themselves and hunting and trapping take away the life and freedom of birds. Pack or no pack the end result remains the same. Who devised this pack? what will it contain? some lame excuse to justify this barbaric 'hobby'. Taking away the life or freedom of birds is wrong and so is trying to justify it.

victor scicluna

Oct 11th 2009, 06:35

Education and hunting is a contradiction in terms. The former is about enhancing life, the latter taking away life.

Raymond Portelli

Oct 11th 2009, 02:42

@Dr.Sammut

Whilst (I think) I agree with the underlying principle of your argument, I think your logic is flawed

Teachers should first and foremost teach the curriculum. However teachers are role models. What kind of role models do you want for your children?

I would much rather disagree with my child’s passionate and challenging teacher who is fair and constructive in argument and forces my child to think about and evaluate his/her opinion/position. These are lessons the already demanding curriculum will never cover.

To quote you; “They would be training students not to evaluate controversies, thus creating the bases for the blinkered partisanship Malta is saddled with.”
What basis would we be creating if children only heard their parents’ views? Where would the opposition to the merits of a parent’s evaluation come from?

As a parent I enjoy it when my child questions my stand point on anything. Natural interest has been shown and this is a fantastic opportunity to have one of those “A-ha moments” with your child, whilst also teaching them how to argue a point constructively and effectively. Perhaps next time he will change the teacher's mind!

So to sum up... TEACH THINKING!

A. Pace

Oct 11th 2009, 02:29

Bhala ghalliem nemmen li ghandi d-dmir nghaddi lill-istudenti tieghi l-valuri li nemmen fihom. Sfortunatament nahseb li bhala socjeta' ma tantx naghtu kas il-harsien tal-ambjent, biex ma nsemmix il-mohqrija fuq l-annimali u l-egoizmu ta' min jirraguna ''kuntent jien, kuntent kulhadd''.

Inheggeg lill-ghalliema biex inisslu fl-istudenti taghhom valuri altruwisti. Ghasfur sabih inhallih jittajjar fis-sema, ipaxxi ghajnejn kulhadd, mhux statwa iebsa go vetrina biex nitpaxxa bih jien biss.

D. Cachia

Oct 11th 2009, 02:12

@ Jimmy Vella: what will you say when some pothead teacher decides to start teaching children about the benefits of marijuana and other drugs? What about indoctrination in favour of multiculturalism? Should we allow any schmuck with a four year degree to teach our children what is morally right, when such issues are so subjective... shouldn't that be up to the parents?

Teachers should not be allowed to impart their own personal prejudices on children. If they can discuss issues impartially, all well and good, but it seems they cannot. Children are impressionable and the days of totalitarian state control should be well behind us - so why should we allow teachers to become the mouthpiece of the regime?

I totally agree with Dr. Mark A. Sammut. That's one doctor Saviour Tortell Pisani could learn a thing or two from.

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 11th 2009, 01:55

@John Borg

So YES... EDUCATION from a young age is the best form of VACCINATION that we can give to children to ensure that they don't contract the same sickly interest in such twisted "FKNK Sport" that so far afflicts about 5% of the Maltese population.

Only then will children stand up and be counted in the fight against these dated mentalities.

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 11th 2009, 01:38

@John Borg

I'm sorry but I couldn't disagree with you further... Hunting is a TOTALLY UNNECESSARY AND BRUTAL way of treating an already highly threatened nature. If it were a matter of survival then it would be different matter... but not today and certainly not in our supposedly "civil" society.

This is why it MUST be abolished... together with the "FKNK" and all their stone-age, twisted, obtuse mentality... Even the definition of FKNK is an OXYMORON !!!! This is not a matter of giving space for everybody's opinion or hobby... IT MUST END BECAUSE IT IS DESTRUCTIVE!

Secondly, it would be a very rotten form of "SPORT" if you want to call it a sport... This business of justifying anything under the Sun just by calling it a "sport" must also end. It only leads to unsociable/unsustainable behaviour... I would love to hear your version of the definition of "sport"!

Just because it involves a challenge is not good way to define Sport!

By this reasoning I may adopt bursting car tyres without getting caught, or aiming cricket balls at glass windows, or tripping old ladies etc.... All of these could be classified as a sport by your reasoning!

a tanti

Oct 10th 2009, 22:42

Regarless how well one describes hunting, it remains THE KILLING OF A LIVING CREATURE FOR FUN/PLEASURE/PASSION/TRADITION.... and please do not tell me that you go out to kill for food! Nowadays the trend is to use bombastic terms to describe/excuse certain practices, but the end result remains the same. By the way, most of the shooters in Malta, from what I experience in the field and not from what I read, have a serious difficulty in identifying the species of birds, as birds of prey, herons, and even hirundines are very often mistaken for quails and turtle doves! Nobody can convince me otherwise because I beleive my eyes more than what I am told!
Am I so unlucky that whereever I go I always encounter one of the few illegal shooters? In theory, it should not be a problem to stop illegal shooting in our minute island since both BLM and FKNK agree that illegal shooting must stop!!!!! So who knows why it is still an issue???

V Falzon

Oct 10th 2009, 22:39

@ Sylvana Z Darmanin: "panic seems to have struck the anti-hunting lobby!!"

Remember some days ago FKNK actually asked BirdLife to pressure the government to open a spring hunting season?

I wonder who the panic-stricken bunch are...

priscilla coleiro

Oct 10th 2009, 22:28

I am a teacher. I love nature. I love the animals and plants that enrich our countryside. Legal or illegal, I cannot remotely connect hunting to conservation. In a tiny, over-populated island, nature is under threat. Teachers show children how to appreciate what we are given, not how to eliminate it. Perhaps if we work hard enough, our beleagured wildlife will have a chance of living in harmony with us, not under the threat of 'conservation efforts' that destroy it. Yes, teaching should be sensitive and gentle in method, but bold in belief.

V Falzon

Oct 10th 2009, 22:28

I have been a teacher for the past 24 years and I am proud that I have taught thousands of children about the beauty of nature, and generated a sense of wonder at nature's incredible variety.
• I have taught how fragile our planet is.
• I have taught how ugly it is that people destroy nature for fun or for greed.
• I have taught that it is our moral duty as human beings to safeguard nature.
• I have taught that everyone can do their bit, however small, to help reduce the damage.
What is more, I intend to continue teaching children all about this, and in this way help create a more sensitive generation of future adults. Teachers keep up the good work.

Randolph Peresso

Oct 10th 2009, 20:55

It's difficult to imagine a teacher telling his/her students to respect and take good care of the environment, without mentioning illegal killing of birds, illegal dumping of waste, over fishing, etc

Is the minister right in her comment?

censu attard

Oct 10th 2009, 20:55

Who said that Malta is a democratic country,I don`t think so ,remember when somebody was dressed as nuns or priests at Nadur karnival this year,what happened to them,they were sent to court and were fined,so I say no Malta is not a democratic country,it`s all politics.
The real thing is last week while I was at the local pet-shop a lot of young children accompanied by their parents came to buy a pet bird so that they will take it to their school to be blessed because it was the feast of St Francis of Assisi.

David Wain

Oct 10th 2009, 20:53

It all depends on what is meant by "making anti-hunting/trapping remarks". If a teacher were to tell his/her students that all hunters are evil, criminals. etc, it would obviously be objectionable.

However, I believe that telling students that birds are better appreciated in the wild than trapped in a cage or on a mantlepiece constitutes education, nothing more nothing less.

As an aside, distributing an pack by FKnK is tantamount to a sick joke.

Charlene Aquilina

Oct 10th 2009, 20:47

The FKNK teachers' pack is a great idea, especially in areas where it's more common to have a hunter's child as a student. Being informed of the procedures and rules hunters need to follow, would make it easier for teachers to discuss this topic, should it be necessary. I feel that it is my responsibility as an educator to teach students to respect the rules, and being informed will surely help.

Joe Fenech

Oct 10th 2009, 20:44

Dr Mark A. Sammut :

What does abortion have to do with hunting? People don't abort for pleasure but for very serious medical or social reasons!

fiona laferla

Oct 10th 2009, 20:42

Perhaps teachers should not talk about how harmful smoking is too, especially when talking about second hand smoke. Children do sometimes go home and relate daily events and issues discussed in school, this in fact, is encouraged by teachers. Yes, a teacher should not be judgemental, but when facts are facts, one cannot just hide them.
There are many subjects one must tackle carefully... when talking about teenage pregnancy, we are aware that some children's parents where teenage parents. When talking about alcohol, we are aware that some students actually drink at family events. When talking about human rights and equality, we are aware that some parents may not agree, etc.. Should we avoid social subjects because at some point someone might get offended???

r sammut

Oct 10th 2009, 20:39

@Dr Savior Tortell Pisani
‘So teachers do well to teach their students the proper way of treating nature: By not killing or removing a single creature from mother nature!!!’

If everybody is taken to your suggestion, how would you feel without your bacon and eggs at breakfast Doctor?

Misguided individuals are those that want impose their ways upon others and annihilate opposing minorities from society.

G.Schembri

Oct 10th 2009, 20:37

What next - Shall we tell teachers not to say anything against drugtaking, alcohol or smoking, just in case their students' parents smoke, drink or worse still take or traffic drugs?

Clive Gerada

Oct 10th 2009, 20:36

In this case teachers should teach storied about birds to students and teach them how important birds are for the environment, both for aesthetics and eco-system. In this way you would teach against hunting in an indirect way :) and nobody can open his mouth :D

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 10th 2009, 20:23

Shame on you Mr Anthony Bonnici!! Is that how you try to ridicule the bereaved!! One's words and actions shows what type of person the individual is. I can tell you - your comment does not reflect positively on you!!! One thing I assure you. BLM's and the anti's behaviour is turning away people by the second and I know what I am saying! Recent comments coming from previously anti-hunting individuals are proof of this.

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani, I would never have expected such rubbish. Sir, I guess you would promote that school-children are taught how to become dictators!! It seems that this type of behaviour is quite prevailent in your way of thinking!!

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 10th 2009, 20:18

Anthony Bonnici ..i dont consider 30,000 from 400,000 a small fraction..it's close to 10% ..so should we start witch hunting now and calling them criminals..grow up people...this is a sensitive issue and should be dealt sensitively..it is not the role of the teacher to condone them...yes he/she should say nature is beautiful and birds should be left alive but to step over and say a kids father is a criminal becuase he is a hunter is over stepping in my opinion. If you want to be self rightous then condone keeping birds as a pet in a cage..keeping dogs on a leash..eating chicken...riding a horse....sqashing a fly? where does it end really..who are we to jduge which species should live and which should die after all they are all god's creatures.

Dr Mark A. Sammut

Oct 10th 2009, 20:16

@JimmyVella

Dear Mr Vella

Your comment confirms what certain readers are saying.

You say that you were brought up as a hunter but then "converted." If that experience is true - and I see no reason not to believe you - then it goes to show that there's no need to indoctrinate children.

Instead, children should be taught to think with their heads. And then they will - like you - make up their minds independently. They might wish to take up hunting as a sport or else not to take it up.

But to indoctrinate children is FASCISTIC.

Let us all be aware of this threat to democracy. History teaches us that Paternal Fascism was defeated in the last war. Now we have Maternal Fascism, which is soft-spoken and kind, but still wants to IMPOSE on us what is good and what is bad.

In a real democracy, each citizen is deemed to be a mature adult who can make up his mind for him/herself.

That should be the primary objective of schooling: giving children the tools with which to reach mature decisions. Imposing ready-made ideas leads to citizens who cannot think: the ideal citizen of a totalitarian state.

Mario Desira

Oct 10th 2009, 20:10

Creulty to animals......under whatever form and whatever excuse..........such as in the name of tradition, which when analysed proves to be nothing but barbaric atrocities from bygone eras............have no place in tomorrow's world and tomorrow's children. Education against hunting is education agaisnt animal cruelty..............only sick minds would try to justify shooting at birds (or animals or humans for that matter) as devoid of cruelty. The sooner we understand this, the better.

Franco Farrugia

Oct 10th 2009, 20:09

I will never let anyone dictate to me what to teach in class, as long as what I teach does not go against the ethos of the school. Moreover, it is the teacher's duty to teach and promulgate all that is healthy and positive. Hunting and trapping are neither healthy nor positive. Quite the opposite. All I can say is: LET PEOPLE KNOW THE POWER OF TEACHERS!!!!!!!

jimmy Vella

Oct 10th 2009, 19:37

Yes teachers have every right to try and educate these young children ,Then they can decide for themselves when they reach 18 ,not just dragged out of bed at 4 am in the morning and introduce them to the gun at the age of 5 .I am not exaggerating here this is what I went through myself until I came to my senses and realised to appreciate birds in the wild

John Borg

Oct 10th 2009, 19:26

Teachers should either not mention hunting and trapping or else they should go into the subject impartially. In my opinion the teachers should take the 'FKNK PACK' to learn themselves what hunting and trapping in Malta really is. Then they will be able to promote the idea that there is space for everyone but each part shall be tollerant to the other and whereby the rules shall be respected. Hunting is a sport diffused all over the world and anyone who doesn't like this sport should simply ignore it not try to abolish it because he doesn't like it. I'm sure there is always someone tollerating something that he doesn't like of you. One thing that cannot be tollerated is illegalities and both BLM and FKNK agree on this and it's here where teachers could give a help for a better future.

Andrew Gatt

Oct 10th 2009, 19:07

Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to educate, the anti-hunting brigade are again spitting out their abolitionist spite. Besides being completely biased, one-sided and unfair, they conveniently ignore that BOTH pro and anti hunting teaching is paid for by our taxes.

Instead of just crude, BLM-inspired propoganda, what's wrong with a balanced approach to nature, hunting (of legal game) and conservation (of habitat and protected species), respect for the laws, and safety? Field trips? Bird identification? Tradition and history?

Hunting will NEVER be abolished in the Europe we are now part of. Forget it. Better put some of this misdirected energy and funding energy into REALLY educating the next generation of hunters!

Mudslinging and venom get you nowhere in the end and say more about you than anything else.

Sharon Richard

Oct 10th 2009, 19:01

Let's not forget though that children's parents could be hunters. These issues need to be addressed very very carefully. Teachers who teach in particular villages encounter these families everyday. If , for example, a teacher believes that politicians are liars, would one tell a politician's child...you dad's a liar? I think that the same goes for hunting. It's a very delicate issue to tackle in class.

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

Oct 10th 2009, 18:59

It is the duty of this country to find ways to phase out the existence of FKNK and the entire hunters community...

So teachers do well to teach their students the proper way of treating nature: By not killing or removing a single creature from mother nature!!!

Whichever way you package it... Hunting is a destructive activity and should be completely and most permanently abolished... The quicker this happens, the better!!!... but it will take us some time for the entire country to become educated enough to realise that Hunting has no place in a modern society. We need to evolve a bit more.

In the mean time we NEED TO EDUCATE our children and those of the Misguided Hunters Community (MHC) to show them that there are better ways of coexisting with nature.... eg: Photography!

The MHC must not be allowed to interfere with any such efforts to educate the public or their own children. MHC propaganda should therefore not be allowed inside schools.

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 10th 2009, 18:54

Even though Im against hunting..the teachers should know better not to talk on this sensitive issue...so if the kid's father is a hunter..he should be bullied now? he should be told his father is a bad person? is that the level of stupidity we're reaching..Maltese are always like this...ignorant and not respecting others opinions condemning people without thinking of potential consequences.

J.Bonnici

Oct 10th 2009, 18:54

It is every teacher's duty to educate children to safeguard the environment. Hunting birds for fun goes against this principle and is morally wrong. It is the hunters who are in the wrong not the teachers.

John Matthews

Oct 10th 2009, 18:46

I think it is deplorable that any teacher be allowed to impart their personal opinion on the pupils they teach.
Some of you have mentioned Democracy. That is not Democracy that is brainwashing on the teachers part.. Of course the teacher has a right to his/her opinion but their job is to teach a subject and not to give their personal view. That should be left for outside of school hours
What would some of you say if the teacher was pro-abortion or pro a different religion than Christianity? and then imparted that knowledge upon your children. Teach the pupils ABOUT religion or abortion by all means but then let the pupil reach their own conclusion, this obviously includes hunting. As for the person who is worried about his tax money, I would be worried more if my child was brainwashed no matter what the subject.
Personally if I found out that my child was being brainwashed, I would want to see the head teacher and/or seek legal advice.

Anthony A. Mifsud

Oct 10th 2009, 18:32

Dr. Mark A. Sammut, I cannot agree more, a sizeable part of the teachers are one sided and anti Hunting.
This situation should be noted to the Head of Eduction and reprimend who ever teacher/s as we pay thier pay cheques through our tax , and the Minister should put an end to this non sence.
Toni

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Oct 10th 2009, 18:23

Wow, panic seems to have struck the anti-hunting lobby!! They have been having a field-day brain-washing children against hunters and trappers! What divine right do teachers and BLM officials have over our children by presenting a biased opinion on these small minds?!

Mr Eric Gahan, Teachers are paid by MY tax money as well and as such I demand that kids are shown both sides of the coin!

As for those commenting that "Everybody is entitled to have their say" - EXACTLY SIRS/MADAMS! EVERYBODY - not just BLM!!!

Stefan Sammut

Oct 10th 2009, 18:20

FKNK should be asamhed to make such comments! It is already a big shame that some of the hunters' children are being bullied and introduced to hunting (killing animals) at a young age and made to like it without having a choice!
Prosit to the minister. - CONTINUE TO TEACH MALTESE CHILDREN TO LOVE ANIMALS. THAT IS THE RIGHT ATTITUDE FOR A BETTER CHARACTER BUILDING.

Dr Mark A. Sammut

Oct 10th 2009, 18:09

There is always a "right" and a "wrong" side to an argument. And whether you're on the right or on the wrong side is usually a very subjective view.

It is only in TOTALITARIAN regimes that children are taught ONE side of an argument, usually the side which the regime believes to be right.

If the Education Minister were to allow teachers to impart anti-hunting propaganda to students, we would end up with a fascistic policy.

Parents wanting their children not to hunt should give them those values at home.

If a sizeable part of Maltese society is against hunting, there are DEMOCRATIC ways of dealing with the perceived problem.

But taxpayers' money (hunters are taxpayers too) shouldn't be used to promote the agenda of any ONE side of an argument.

This reasoning applies to hunters, too.

Matters of political controversy should not be part of the curriculum. On the other hand, an analytical mindframe should be taught.

@ JoeFenech: With all due respect, European countries are against killing birds but not really against killing unborn human beings. Should make you think.

Having said all this, the debate on hunting should go on, but among adults, and away from schools.

Chris Finch

Oct 10th 2009, 18:00

It is pointless for the FKNK to present the teachers pack as the education minister has now said that teachers must stick to the curriculum and I don't think bird shooting is part of the curriculum.

@Anthony Formosa, hunting might be a natural human instinct, but sitting in a brick box wearing camo gear and shooting small birds with a shotgun certainly is not natural for any normal person and it certainly isn't hunting.

Eric Gahn

Oct 10th 2009, 17:39

Are we joking here? Teachers paid by MY tax money being allowed to distribute FKNK propoganda to young minds?

r sammut

Oct 10th 2009, 17:23

@Peter Carabott
Why do you find it so out of place to teach school children shoot? It is included in curricula of other countries in the EU and USA, amongst other. While in Malta, some biased teachers are quick as you Sir, to ridicule any pro-hunting/trapping arguments raised by students. This hindering of self expression would perhaps induce a form of introversion for the particular individual. What happened to the maxim to induce reading/writing proficiency, telling students to research their preferred hobbies or interests?

Perhaps this is one more reason why many of the younger generations start to abhor school from a tender age. The education system is failing them to achieving their true potential. School is seen as a place where the impositions of teachers are trying to manipulate their little minds. Another reason why some are turning rude and later reverting to alcoholism and drugs!

Joseph E Briffa

Oct 10th 2009, 17:17

This is a democratic country Mr Farrugia! Everybody is entitled to have their say and shame on FKNK to have the cheek to issue such a statement...they should hide their face in shame. Is killing birds and stuffing them 'conservation? This is destruction!

G. Portelli

Oct 10th 2009, 17:13

Had it not been a teacher who taught me years ago that it is more beautiful to see a bird flying in the sky rather than enjoying it selfishly on a porch today I would be one of the hundreds of hunters on the island as I come from a family of hunters. Well done to the teacher and let today's teachers do the same. Teaching young kids is the way forward.

A Caruana

Oct 10th 2009, 17:10

As far as I know teachers are encouraged by the Education Directorates to engage their classes in Birdlife activities etc which certainly send a clear even if subtle anti-hunting message. This I think is positive but it is shameful then to have authorities saying that teachers should stick to the curriculum and that's it. I'm sure it would be easier for teachers to simply teach the curriculum without doing all else that they do including such extra-curricular activities which do not seem to be appreciated by whoever passes such comments.

C Farrugia

Oct 10th 2009, 17:10

the curriculum includes teaching about the natural habitats and how to protect it. Hunting goes against that so it's a teacher's duty to teach against hunting and bird trapping and to encourage children to appreciate bird and animal life in the wild as much as possible. This is also a part of nurturing appreciation towards our own country and Earth in general.
Those who don't like it might like to choose to live in a different world. It's up to them but teachers are paid to do their job and they do it.

joe scerri

Oct 10th 2009, 17:05

Teachers keep up the good work , and do not be put off by any form of intimidation.

Joe Fenech

Oct 10th 2009, 17:02

I know of no European country that promotes hunting. Yes, hunting should be banned - it's unnecessary!

If we pay taxes like eco tax etc (to improve our ecology) why don't hunters pay similar expensive taxes for the damage they make and for the money that is needed it to restore it?

A Attard

Oct 10th 2009, 16:45

It is a teacher's and a parent's job to educate children to appreciate and respect nature. I've never heard anything more preposterous than these bird blasters expecting teachers to promote the destruction of nature.

gaffarena joseph

Oct 10th 2009, 16:44

Teachers you are doing the right thing,keep on teaching our young ones, that birds are not a toy in the hands of the hunters.We want to see these lovely birds flying,and enjoying their beauty.
This is not a tradition, but purely a murder of innocent birds.They will be shot, killed and left there.
The younger generation knows well that birds were born to fly,and are against this useless killing.Im sure that the education dept,will continue to leave these teachers ,teaching our children the creation of these beautiful birds that give us so much joy in our heart, by seeing them fly above us.

Anthony Formosa

Oct 10th 2009, 16:44

This is a message of racism, what about those children coming from hunters and trapping families? ARE THEY GOING TO BE BULLIED, ARE the teachers going to be held responsible? because I for one I always tell my children, not to be shy of who you are, tell them how many trees we plant, and how much we enjoy countryside.

Dear Minister, Why not teach the children against abortion, and racism and educate them not become single mothers and fathers from the age of 12.

To all commentators, tell your children that the human instinct is a hunter and that hunting is natural, and show your children how to kill a rabbit and a chicken, to appreciate more the animal.

Edward Camilleri

Oct 10th 2009, 16:36

They take our birds, kill them or trap them indefinitely. Now they want to take our opinion also.

A teacher is duty bound, like the child's parents, to teach them the good and the bad. It is not our fault that FKNK and its members are on the wrong side. Conservation is not just planting a fast growing tree in your field, to attract some birds to blow off.

Dr Mark A. Sammut

Oct 10th 2009, 16:32

In such cases it is always the underlying principle which should be sought and brought to the fore.

The question is: should a teacher (primary school to University) take up the role of imparting a political formation to their pupils/students?

(Hunting is obviously a political issue.)

If teachers were allowed to tell students only one aspect of a controversy, their disservice would be twofold.

1. They would be inculcating their (the teachers') own views in students, who, at a tender age, tend to absorb unquestioningly all information tendered by adults.

2. They would be training students not to evaluate controversies, thus creating the bases for the blinkered partisanship Malta is saddled with.

Unless it is something accepted by all of society (e.g. the condemnation of the Holocaust, the encouragement of understanding between nations, the need to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions, etc), professional teaching should keep away from taking sides in matters of controversy.

I remember with disgust a lecturer at University, who used to share his own political views with us students during the lectures. I have always seen him as a disgrace to the teaching profession.

Ernest Vella

Oct 10th 2009, 16:28

Haga wahda m'hix sew u grat....li l-ghalliema jitfghu il-kulhadd f'keffa wahda. F'kax minnhom wiehed tal-BirdLife sahansitra mar jghid li l-kaccaturi kollha jiksru l-ligi bl-addocc u huma kriminali....imma tifel mill-Eko Skola wiegbu li missieru qatt ma kiser il-ligi u ghalhekk mhux vera huwa kriminal waqt li dan it-tifel wiegbu; "Li tidhol fi propjeta privata bla permess taghmlek kriminal ukoll."

Naf ghax grat quddiemi...forsi hawnhekk ghandhom ragun...l-ghalliema m'ghandhomx say ikbar mill-genituri u ghalhekk l-ebda ghalliem m'ghandu qatt iwaqqa l-genituri jew jitfa dell fuqhom...fejn wasalna?

Jos Vella

Oct 10th 2009, 16:23

If FKNK has every right to promote hunting, it is within every other individuals' rights to speak badly about hunting. This is called Democracy. Of course that FKNK do welcome conservation efforts!! The more trees we get, more birds we are going to attract, hunters can hide under the trees waiting for their prey.
FKNK keep singing your song, and we will continue to sing our song.

louis zammit

Oct 10th 2009, 16:20

let the teachers teach our children to ENJOY A FLYING BIRD and that it would be nice for us to stay on the roof and look at all the birds that we just see on the BOOKS...... well done

C Mallia

Oct 10th 2009, 16:18

It is refreshing to note that kids are turning against certain parents about hunting. There are no positives in this destructive egoistic uncontrolled pastime. Teachers should also show all the numerous newspaper clips of so many protected killed birds, then the kids can see properly the reality of hunting.

D Fenech

Oct 10th 2009, 16:17

If the Minister REALLY emphasised that teachers should"stick to the curriculum and refrain from making anti-hunting/trapping remarks to their pupils during lessons"....SHAME on the Minister who would be playing the political game of "double sided tape"!

mario nicholas pace

Oct 10th 2009, 15:51

I urge more teachers to do like their colleagues are doing. Maybe someday the next generation of children will grow to detest hunting and trapping.

Ramon Casha

Oct 10th 2009, 15:50

Preserving dead birds in a display case does NOT count as conservation.

Peter Carabott

Oct 10th 2009, 15:47

Tajjeb ukoll!!! Ghaliex ma naghtux kaxxa bi 30 senter ghal kull klassi halli hekk inkunu nistghu nghallmu it-tfal kif jisparaw!!!!!! Ara vera qedin sew f'dan il-pajjiz! Vera kull ma jigri irridu nitfghu it-tort fuq l-ghalliema.