Mark Micallef
Man tells blood bank to stop 'wasting' supplies on immigrants
The director of the blood bank thought someone was playing a joke when a letter landed on his desk from a potential donor asking for assurances that his blood would not be given to immigrants.
However, the man who wrote the letter was dead serious. In fact, he was so upset the bank did not take up his suggestion that he wrote a letter to The Sunday Times, saying he had a right not to donate blood unless he was given such a guarantee.
He said in the letter to the paper: "I, for one, am not willing to donate blood if this is going to be used on undesired illegal citizens. They are already benefitting from free healthcare, shelter, food, telephony and what not. Not my blood as well though!"
He goes on to describe illegal immigrants as a "parasite community" and argues that the authorities would be reneging on their duty towards the legal population (tourists included) if they "squander our supply on them (immigrants)".
The man bases his argument on the premise that the "uncontrollable influx" of immigrants is exacerbating periodic blood shortages.
But Alex Aquilina, head of the National Blood Transfusion Service who received the original letter, said this was incorrect.
Dr Aquilina said the amount of blood taken up by immigrants, in fact, represented a fraction of that given to the rest of the population. This is not surprising, given that they only represent around one per cent of the total population.
"The blood bank collects blood and distributes it to whoever needs it. Our mission is to save lives," Dr Aquilina said.
"One is free to donate or not to donate blood assuming one is eligible to do so. However, we strongly feel that we all have an obligation to donate blood to all who need it. So we consider this reasoning to be ethically, mo-rally, and logically unacceptable. Not donating blood on the basis of the correspondent's reasoning would jeopardise the lives of many people."
When contacted yesterday, the man who wrote the letter proposed a new solution - creating a blood bank specifically for immigrants.
When it was put to him that his suggestion could endanger lives, he said: "Their own friends who had the same idea of entering illegally should be donors to immigrants in need, not us." He even said blood should be withheld "if need be".
When contacted, columnist and anthropologist Mark Anthony Falzon said not only was the man's approach xenophobic; it was not practical.
Donated blood is processed according to its shelf-life and is then used (or not) depending on demand in a very costly process.
"The last thing the blood bank needs is to further separate the blood products according to the prejudices of the donors. Just imagine: 'platelets for white Nationalists', 'whole blood for Somalis', and so on," Dr Falzon said.
"So, rather than Mr Spiteri worrying about 'wasting' his blood, pre-selection would be a clear case of the blood bank wasting its time and resources on people like him. Donating blood is a voluntary act of solidarity; those who do not 'have it in them', pardon the pun, need not apply."
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality declined the opportunity to condemn the man's actions, but it pointed out that implementing any discriminatory policy of the sort would be illegal.
However, it praised the blood bank's response, which told the man that it was there to serve whoever needed its service.
When asked how many times he had donated blood so far, the man, who was otherwise forthcoming, said: "I cannot understand what this has got to do with the problem."
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Paul Borg
Nov 18th 2009, 10:59
@ Mr. Spiteri
I understand your frustation with ilegal immigrants but we should help where we can. I don't agree when we suffer to help others and Malta is suffering cause of ilegal immigrants. Keeping that in mind I think that we should help them but not in the way we are currently doing. I think that these ilegal immigrants should be moved to a safe country in Africa.
L. Bonnici
Nov 12th 2009, 13:47
I too have a problem with my taxes being used for the benefit of illegal immigrants, but the thing is that taxes are not the same as donating blood. Blood donation is just that, a donation. I dontate blood every 4 months because i want to help save lives... no matter whose life it is.
Leo Bartolo
Nov 12th 2009, 12:02
Why is everybody giving so much importance to this person? With or without his blood the immigrants would still survive. Let him be and let his opinion ebb away with the flow of lif'e's unexplainable absurdities.
Nicholas Valenzia
Nov 10th 2009, 23:59
You never know whose help you'll need one day. it could be a white man's, it could be a black man's. It would be terrible if i could ever be in need of help from any one of them and it was denied because of my selfishness. DONATE BLOOD - that's all and that's it. People need it - it saves life. Instead of wasting time with such complaints we should be running round the island encouraging people to donate and if any one writing hereunder hasn't done so yet - go and do it NOW. Donating blood is a selfless act. it should be backed with a selfless attitude. it's not about ego. it's about love - FOR EVERYONE!
Eric Soames
Nov 10th 2009, 22:17
Oh dear, sometimes these things do go on ....
Charles Sammut (NY): The right of conquest I'm afraid. Quite the way of the world at times. You might remember from history, the Romans did rule a chunk of real estate at one time. The fact is, Paul had every right to swim or wade ashore had he been challenged.
S Agius
Nov 10th 2009, 22:07
Many are expressing shock... but this is nothing new.. the Times reported some time ago that in England organ donors were protesting about their organs going to Maltese and Cypriots among others. If I am not mistaken a proffesor also suggested specifying to whom the donation can go..
Charles Sammut (NY)
Nov 10th 2009, 21:13
Re Mr Soames. Maybe you can tell us what right the Romans had to occupy Malta then. Fact remains that the locals then were very hospitable to the visitors. I am not advocating anyone coming in illegally but to go to such an extreme as determining who is not going to be the recepient of one's blood based on legal status is inhumane and indefensible. After all the last time I checked there was only one human race.
Eric Soames
Nov 10th 2009, 19:37
Colin Stanley: I really don't wish to be drawn into a discussion of semantics. The 'holiday' season I referred to is a generic term and encompasses (in no particular order) Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Christmas, New Year, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice or Yule, Modranect, and whatever else people care to celebrate through the winter. If I was referring to Christmastime in particular I would have made direct mention of it.
M. Avellino
Nov 10th 2009, 19:29
Mr Spiteri - I'd rather die than to have your blood in my veins!!!! I am definately not in favour of illegal immigrants but knowing someone isin need of your blood and you refuse to give it to him because he/she is an illegal immigrant is like wat ching someone die and you enjoy teasing him with your blood.
Giancarlo Refalo
Nov 10th 2009, 18:50
Why is everyone attacking on such a personal level a man who was only expressing his concerns and raising a valid point? Almost going as far as wishing him into a situation where he would need a blood transusion or similar intervention? This massive attack on Mr. Spiteri is akin to bullying. His blood is his own to give. He has every right to ensure it is used only as he wishes. We may not all agree with this but isn't every man entitled to his own opinion? And anyone who came up with immature comments as "would you donate to a labourite / nationalist / russian prostitute" is being very childish and naive in their approach. What Mr. Spiteri appears to be lamenting is not race or creed, but merely the illegality of these people staying in our country and using our resources.
unfortunately for him, he has chosen to tackle a rather sensitive issue; an issue of life and death. However, a scapegoat should not be made out of him.
Although I personally wouldn't dare refuse medical assistance to anyone, I see Mr. Spiteri's point and appreciate his courage in voicing it.
Eric Soames
Nov 10th 2009, 18:40
Charles Sammut (NY): I believe we had already visited this particular topic some months ago. Paul was a Roman citizen on his way to Rome, Malta was under Roman rule. How does that make him illegal?
colin stanley
Nov 10th 2009, 17:49
@ Mr. A. Spiteri. I like yourself am against illegal immigrants coming to Malta, and I really wish to see the back of them, but I think that you were a bit hasty here in your comment, we don't want to come to that sort of reasoning, I think you should still go and donate blood. @ Eric Soames. which Holiday season are you talking about, do you mean CHRISTMAS holiday season, are we afraid to mention the word ,ln case we offend someone
T.gauci
Nov 10th 2009, 17:18
@Ray Gatt
you are the minority, we are the majority, got it ? fine.
Jm Camilleri
Nov 10th 2009, 17:18
globalisation......i have no problem with immigrants, as long as they contribute to society and don't act as leeches, as long as they accept our culture and religion not force us to do away with crucifixes, as long as they don't appreciate our accepting them and not become criminals...missing any of the above, and they can go back to where they originally came from....
Charles Sammut (NY)
Nov 10th 2009, 17:01
The person responsible for having a monumental impact on the Maltese way of life was shipwrecked some 2000 years ago at around St Paul's Bay. He was also an illegal whose ship was on it's way to the Italian mainland..The local populace then were more hospitable and friendly. I wonder what went wrong over the years !!
Ray Gatt
Nov 10th 2009, 16:17
@ T. GauciI can assure you that I'm not kinda mistaken. You are definately a very small minority.
jamie pace
Nov 10th 2009, 15:36
@ Mr Adriano.....I havent got much to say,cause am sure what ever comment or contribution I may ve must ve been posted by some one on the blog......all i will say to you is ....Just pray that you dont find yourself in a position where u wld need some one elses blood to stay alive and then you will ve your thoughts come hunt you......
T.gauci
Nov 10th 2009, 14:29
@Ray Gatt
you are kinda mistaken there, in fact you are the minority.
Ray Gatt
Nov 10th 2009, 13:09
You'll always walk alone Mr. Michael Galea and the small minority. I for one would not want anything to do with you and your like who are just sick in the head.
marthese mussett
Nov 10th 2009, 12:05
I have donated blood in thepast and will continue to do so,I only stopped because I was pregnant with my daughter.Personally I don t care who my blood goes to,as long as I know it s helping someone.But I understand that while Mr.Spiteri is being a bit harsh,he had the guts to voice what alot of Maltese are frustrated about.Yes,the immigrants only make a tiny % of Malta s population,but they are increasing,not getting an y less,when I used to go to my ante natal visits,there was many of them waiting for their turn,sometimes complaining that they re getting fed up.I dont like even hearing of cruelty towards them,but there is no other way of dressing it up;they are a burden to us.Especially when you see two supermarkets in the same street,employing about six of them,theseare all jobs the Maltese can do,no matter what jobs they are.I do not know Mr.Spiteri,but he seems like a frustrated citizen who is already fed up of seeing his taxes spent on the ever increasing population of illegal immigrants.I will still donate blood,but through this story the govt must realize just how angry people are getting.
R. Azzopardi
Nov 10th 2009, 11:27
One may be a racist but being racist does not stop you from being human.
Michael Galea
Nov 10th 2009, 10:51
Nobody wants immigrants,
but as usual when somebody not afraid to speak out an idea does so, the holies of malta come out on the attack,
As someone already said:
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE
Mark Mizzi
Nov 10th 2009, 10:19
Adriano Spiteri, YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE.
I stopped ages ago. And they still sms me to donate. ROFL MY ......
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE.
joseph galea
Nov 10th 2009, 09:10
I really cannot understand why we should give so much sapce to such blatant racial division.
Shame on all of us!
Is this the message we want to send to all wo read our newspapers?
What are we turning into? So much for Maltese hospitality.
NOT PROUD TO BE PART OF THIS CROWD.
joe the plumber
r cutajar
Nov 10th 2009, 07:56
While respecting all's views this case should be a Wake up call . It clearly seems that whoever is responsabile for controling this phenomenon of people smuggling because first and foremost that is what it starts with---- money changes hands illegally and people are treated simply like a paid comodity and handled as such, tragically. Unless local populace shows a strong determination for their representatives at the highest political level to put a stop to this the situation can only get worse On a humane level this Planet is everybody's place but as natural justice dictates which has evolved trough civilizations' history border controls are necesary
gaffarena joseph
Nov 10th 2009, 06:22
Mr, Spiteri,no matter what, I, must thank you for all the donation of blood,that you gave
to our hospital.
I, wish that all those who expressed their views ,will start donating blood the way you are
doing.
Action speaks louder than words.
c.caruana
Nov 10th 2009, 00:26
PLS DO ME A FAVOUR......GET A LIFE!!!! Leave the immigrnats in peace, they deserve love and help not such hatred.
Natasha Magro
Nov 9th 2009, 18:25
Does this gentleman think that the blood running in his veins is of a superior quality than the blood of immigrants? Is that why he does not want it to be wasted on them? Some people think they are more potent than Almighty God! Shame on whoever embraces this kind of mentality at this day and age.
Bill Khan
Nov 9th 2009, 17:44
The man's request, should be respected. Atleast, he seems, a charitable sort of a person at heart. He may, decide to leave, his body organs with strict directive, these could not be used to save or lengthen the lives of immigrant petients.
God forbid, and one hopes, he is never has to go through such an ironic situation, where he may only have the blood from an immigrant to save his life.
Robert Azzopardi
Nov 9th 2009, 15:41
I suggest having buses only for immigrants, shops only for immigrants, schools only for immigrants in order to ensure that they are totally and holistically segregated so as to make them feel alienated and frustrated and eventually will turn against the rest of society with a vengence! I'm being sarcastic of course! The racism, or rather inhumanity of certain individuals never ceases to amaze me! Really shame on you so-called 'Christian'. I call on the authorities to begin programmes to educate the general populace on how to respect every member of our society, regardless of skin colour, creed and nationality. I call on PN an PL to start educating their electorate in a way that this hatred towards everyone not maltese ceases now! Please do something before it is too late.
Mark Galea
Nov 9th 2009, 13:33
@Adriano Spiteri
In the future, these immigrants will also start donating blood as well (possibly they are doing it right now).
So, if you ever need a transfusion of blood in the future, you will have to refuse it, since the donor may be one of them.
PLEASE REPLY. DEFINITELY EXPECTING A REPLY FROM YOU. ELSE I (AND POSSIBLY OTHERS) WILL CONSIDER YOU AS WHAT YOU ARE ...
R.Gauci
Nov 9th 2009, 13:30
No one showed his solidarity in regards to my case which I stated below so you see where it is discrimination being sowed!!
@ E.Cardona
Why you had to mention the nationality of the prostitute? Isn't this a kind of racism too??!!
I personaly don't agree with Mr.Adriano Spiteri on this issue but its better to have people like him which are not afraid to show their ideologies in a suppose Democratic Country, then a bunch of hypocrates that always mention the words SOLIDARITY in their public speeches and then when a fellow Maltese citizen needs their help when in troubled waters(like it was in my case) they don't help him !!
Eric Soames
Nov 9th 2009, 13:19
If all those declaring these sudden bursts of civic duty follow through with their new-found resolve, the blood bank should have plenty of supplies heading into the holiday season. Looks like they owe Mr Spiteri a vote of thanks.
Carl Briffa
Nov 9th 2009, 12:24
May I ask Mr. Aquilina Head of NBTS not to accept him any more as a donor. He is not a donor but he wants to put you at ransom.
Don't worry I will be one of those who will resume donating blood asap.
The best donation is when you give something without asking something back.
m. borg
Nov 9th 2009, 11:54
@adrian spiteri
What's next ......would you like a guarnatee your blood is not given to a laborite or a nationalist.?
Vanessa Bonnici
Nov 9th 2009, 11:35
OMG Adriano Spiteri.............keep your precious blood!! but remember to go to Church every Sunday and show your neighbours what a great Christian you are!!
FRANK MERCIECA
Nov 9th 2009, 11:22
The level headed Maltese have come out and condemed this evil letter. For once this blog has not been taken over by the racists hot heads. I had lost faith in my fellow Maltese, but the response, about this abhorant letter , makes me believe that there is still hope and that there is still a substantial part of the population that is not bigoted.
M Bagley
Nov 9th 2009, 10:56
Some people have nothing better to do than bug the NBTS with incredulous claims and even more incredulous 'ideologies'......Some people seriously need to get a life. I am sure they had a good laugh over coffee!
Adriano, the day YOU need blood, will you go through a whole process to see if the blood to be donated to you is from legal citizens? I don't think so......
Have a nice all!
Angelo Baldacchino
Nov 9th 2009, 10:22
i believe that the way we are dealing with illegal immigration issue, has still waaay to go, however, altough mr spiteri has a point (no matter how weak it is), when it comes to the life of a human being, if a medical practicioner denies assistance based on any motivation at all, he/she's in deep trouble. come on mr spiteri, i am very against illegal immigration and the way authorities go about it, but PLEASE we're speaking about human life here. your point is that blood from maltese people should be given to maltese/legal citizens, point taken,.. now imagine the following case scenario.. the law changes and we can discriminate who is eligible for a blood transfusion and a maltese man was driving his car recklessly under the influence of alcohol and had an accident and is in need of a blood transfusion, and an illegal immigrant/refugee/whatever who is in malta because he had no option, was beaten in the refugee camp because cohabitants did not tolerate his religious beliefs,say..christian. In this case who would you donate blood to? I still would find it hard to make a choice, but just assume a law is passed where we can discriminate
Ernest Vella
Nov 9th 2009, 09:27
demmek zommu ghalik mela ta....ghax dak li taghti mhux moghti bl-imhabba imma b'razzizmu....jiena ma riedx niehu mela mill-velenu ta' dan il-proxxmu....
estelle grech
Nov 9th 2009, 09:03
Blood donation is a voluntary act and no one is forced to give blood. The blood and its products are used to care for whoever needs it! What next, shall we be asking recipients for a clean police conduct certificate so as the donor's blood is only given to worthy citezens?! Oh please! As I already said, blood donation is entirely voluntary and whoever has issues with the recipients need not donate. And thanks for reminding me to go and donate asap!
e.cardona
Nov 9th 2009, 09:00
With this twisted reasoning, will a Russian prostitute be denied blood or has it got to be a black person?
michel zampa
Nov 9th 2009, 01:34
i cannot believe that anybody from a country that exported what now are 400K people outside to the rest of the world could say such a stupid thing. have the maltese forgotten the time when we were washing up on everybody elses doorsteps? the world belongs to everybody. humanity belongs to humanity and your blood belongs to all. i am so disgusted but what i just read and when i read the so called good catholics who wrote spew this garbage.
Stephen Farrugia
Nov 8th 2009, 22:33
@ Everybody
I know Mr Adriano Spiteri very well and he is one of the best people in the world. He is making a strong point of resistance to the illegal immigration situation on the island and has succeeded very well. We have to all understand how serious the situation has become, with our army now being outnumbered five times over and our solution in Europe considered, I quote a " joke".
Many of you are upset with what he wrote and this is very good because others have been upset for five year with your breaking of the law and approving illegal immigration, openly. The 'anti-immigrant resistance' can upset people also so I suggest that you respect the Maltese majority that don't accept the takeover of their country.
The bottom line is, that intergration is not going to happen, live with it !
Stephen Farrugia (Sliema)
mario bezzina
Nov 8th 2009, 20:29
mr blood man, keep your blood. who knows you might be at sea one day and you might need blood from an immigrant passing by. i am sure you will not refuse it. this is out of normal.
John Cauchi
Nov 8th 2009, 20:28
@ ADriano Spiteri
I'm sure your blood would be of a slightly different hue due to your race... no? Maybe it will smell different, or have a different viscosity. I hope so... that way I would refuse your blood with glee. Please keep your blood to yourself.
This issue sickens me. And to those who accuse JRS or MSF, or other organisations on encouraging immigrants to arrive in Malta, I hope you actually bother to read what JRS and MSF and other organisations do. That way you'll learn that you're in the wrong here.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 8th 2009, 20:20
I never realised until now how xenophobic this country is becoming. As someone has written further down, we are reaching the bottom level! X'jonqos iktar? And at the same time, we cry out against Strasbourg for its decree to remove crucifixes in state schools. We are the biggest sham of a nation that walks this earth. Our hypocrisy knows no bounds - as a nation!
Eric Soames
Nov 8th 2009, 19:23
Antoine Vella: Granted, but does he not have a right to hold those ideas? The religious aspect was brought in by people who would judge (or knee-jerk react to) his ideas based on their personal views.
Jesmond Micallef
Nov 8th 2009, 19:15
Quote : "Donating blood is a voluntary act of solidarity; those who do not 'have it in them', pardon the pun, need not apply."
That says it all !!
To the National Blood Transfusion Service of Malta, : You do a geat job as you have allways done.
Well done, Keep up the excellence.
Antoine Vella
Nov 8th 2009, 19:06
Eric Soames (and others)
Adriano Spiteri is not being criticised because of the letter he wrote but because of the ideas he holds.
Corinne Vella
Nov 8th 2009, 18:38
Adriano Spiteri claims the blood bank is unethical. He is wrong. It acts ethically in differentiating between recipients according to blood type rather than skin colour, just as it differentiates between donors according to biological suitability rather than political inclination.
c spiteri
Nov 8th 2009, 18:32
La naqbel ghal kollox ma' li kiteb Adriano u lanqas ma' dawk li wegbuh. L-ghajnuna hi tajba dejjem u f'kull hin, izda nispera li dawn in-nies li wegbuh, mhumiex l-istess nies li qed jibaghtuli l-emails kontra d-decizjoni li ttiehdet li jitnehhew is-slaleb minn postijiet pubblici. Ftit zmien ilu rcevejt email fejn jidher Gaddafi jghid x'inhi r-raguni vera li qed jintbaghtu l-immigranti illegali fl-Ewropa. Ir-raguni hi tassew tal-biza' u l-hasra hi li issa nafu li l-pajjizi fl-Unjoni Ewropea qed ikaxkru saqajhom biex jiehdu minnhom.
Raymond Sammut
Nov 8th 2009, 17:20
"However, it praised the blood bank's response, which told the man that it was there to serve whoever needed its service." (The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality)
This statement is incorrect. The Blood Bank is under obligation to provide blood in accordance with the code of ethics endorsed by the International Society of Blood Transfusion.
The code of ethics regarding blood donation and transfusion was first endorsed in 1980, and was revised and endorsed in 2000, by the International Society of Blood Transfusion. This code is adhered to both by WHO and by the League of Red Crescent Societies. These ethics deal with important issues such as donor confidentiality and donor consent. In essence, the code emphasizes on the need to attain good by seeking a social end (the altruistic approach) as opposed to seeking one's own individual end (the egoistic approach).
The type of objection that is being reported here is clearly errant, and does not even warrant a comment.
A familiar issue that is still hotly debated in medical journals is on the ethics of donor remuneration as opposed to voluntarism. While it may reduce blood shortages, the proposition is generally refuted.
R Cassar
Nov 8th 2009, 17:19
Disgusting and warped reasoning. Beggars belief! The things some come up with and their deep seated hatred is incredible.
J. J. Borg
Nov 8th 2009, 16:57
What a relief for once that a story about immigrants has not been hijacked by the usual handful of intolerant people.
Kevin Zammit
Nov 8th 2009, 16:44
Could it be that exasperated people start to do whatever they can in protest? Racism is when one citizen denies another the same rights or treats another human being as being inferior mostly due to a superiority complex. Denying an illigal immigrant the same rights as a citizen does not qualify simply because that individual is forcing him/herself upon another individual's right. In fact such acts are considered to break the basic laws of freedom.
if you are all such great catholics why don't you go fight the waves with the rest on missionaries or join the clergy? I know and admit that I am too busy taking care of my own family to do any of that. I find it impossible to change the locals minds on simple things like not polluting and building too many flats is ruining the country. Let alone someone from a tribe that made a commitment to another hundreds of years ago and keep tradition because grandpa said so!
Eric Soames
Nov 8th 2009, 16:28
Pia Zammit: Even if it were legal to administer a kick to the groin, it wouldn't be in the spirit of a democracy now would it? The population would be walking doubled over. The famous phrase attributed to Voltaire, but likely penned by Evelyn Beatrice Hall, comes to mind.
Stephen Saliba
Nov 8th 2009, 16:20
Attacking the writer as to whether he goes to mass or not is absolutely stupid and has nothing to do with the issue. As if doing good depends on whether you go to mass or not!. I too am concerned that we (and indeed most of Europe) is slowly but surely being invaded by illegal immigrants (africans and others). For some odd reason European governments have been unable to take a stand to stop this flow. I understand the concern by the likes of Spiteri - although perhaps not to the extent that he moans about.. Unfortunatey the reality is that the more this problem gets out of hand, the more people turn to what is being termed as xenophoibic attitudes. This is inevitable. Moreso with a country with limited resources and which has been left standing on its own! To attack the writer because of this issue - correct or not - is peeking only to the end of your nose. Illegal immigrants are indeed taking our resources (sometimes at a preferential rate!!) and despite Governments best efforts a lot of people are still jittery about their illegla presence. This causes concern which then spills over to most areas.
C.Busuttil
Nov 8th 2009, 15:49
@Adriano Spiteri
I am sorry but you got the issue wrong, by not donating blood you are not solving the problem of illegal immigration. Life is sacred not matter what it could be the worst criminal who needs blood but we can't make distinctions. I can understand your frustration that nothing is being done to solve the problem however its not the manner to solve the issue. Unfortunately you have been caught in the web of racial hatred and that same hatred is slowly engulfing the country by the lack of action by the authorities and by those handful of Maltese who want to impose these illegal immigrants on the rest. However your remedy is disgusting.
This issue should also open the eyes of those who describe immigrants as some sort of victims who are in search of a new life, by doing so you are exasperating the majority of the Maltese. Racists play on these reactions and instead of helping illegal immigrants you are creating an environment of hatred towards them. The Jesuits above all, trying to impose immigrants is getting these kind of disgusting results, you are failing not once but twice.
Pia Zammit
Nov 8th 2009, 15:20
We hold dearly our freedom of speech and therefore Adriano Spiteri has every right to his opinion and every right to voice it.
if only it were legal though to kick him in the groin.
unfortunately it is not.
pity.
Vincent Galea
Nov 8th 2009, 15:13
May no person be made to suffer on my account.
l borg
Nov 8th 2009, 14:33
SO SAD TO READ THIS ARTICLE
I DONATE BLOOD AND WHEN I LIVED IN AUSTRALIA I FOUND ALOT OF HELP FROM NON MALTESE MIGRANTS
EVEN IF IT GOES TO AN ENEMY I WILL STILL DONATE BLOOD MR SPITERI
I WILL PERHAPS GET MORE CREDIT WHEN I MEET MY MAKER
Dylan Olliver
Nov 8th 2009, 14:03
This is the most shocking thing I have ever read in Malta EVER
J. Cilia Vincenti
Nov 8th 2009, 13:52
@ Dr Alex Aquilina
Please include me in Mr Adriano Spiteri's non-recipient list.
I have a feeling that his DNA is incompatible to mine.
Shirley Sammut
Nov 8th 2009, 13:16
What a shame that such a selfless act should be reduced to such egoism & ignorance!!!
Blood banks are there to save lives Mr Spiteri - they don't deal in political issues or skin colour - blood runs RED in EVERYONE'S veins & if an immigrant is dying on the operating table, he has as much right as you or me to be saved, regardless of his status in society!!!
When you give something for others, it does not count if you do not give it genuinely & wholeheartedly!!!
Daniele Pitre
Nov 8th 2009, 12:58
If nothing else, somebody had to guts to write and say what many, many others are thinking, but are too afraid to say. Whether it is 'right' or 'wrong' is a subject best left to the morally superior. I myself am internally torn in two - I wish peace and happiness to every human, but at the same time am so distressed to see my country being invaded and slowly taken over by illegal immigrants... In the end it boils down to the gist of what was written : "Donating blood is a voluntary act of solidarity; those who do not wish to need not apply".
Warren Busuttil
Nov 8th 2009, 12:55
The more I grow older... the more I realize that such people are going out of their minds? From when we are not seeing these immigrants as people like ourselves. I would like to know what Mr.Spiteri would do, if all the people in Malta say that they don't want to give their blood to him?
Karen Zammit Manduca
Nov 8th 2009, 12:54
I hope Adriano Spiteri is not a doctor or a care worker! I wonder what would happen if those who can donate blood would say that they don't wish their blood ever to be used for a certain Adriano Spiteri!
Xenophobia at its best...
Michael Seychell
Nov 8th 2009, 12:34
@ Mr. Adian Spiteri - I was always afraid to donate blood and even today, I look away when I have to go for blood tests.
One day I went to donate blood as my father was needed an operation, but I was refused as five years before I had suffered from a cancer. I was 49 years old and today I am reaching 70, I confirm that over these last 20 years whwnever I hear an appeal for blood, I condemn myself for being a chicken when I had the opportunity to donate blood and did not do so.
I ask Mr Spiteri what happens if, God forbid, for some reason whatsoever , he or a member of his family will need blood, and the only blood available at that time would have been donated by an African, Indian or Asian person, would he say "let me die I do not want black or yellow blood" - or you would iot done on hom that all races have RED blood .
I hope if he is a doner he will continue to donate blood without tjhinking on whom his blood will be used.
Michael Seycjhell
Tal-Pieta
Leah Micallef
Nov 8th 2009, 12:31
What a horrible letter. Racism and xenophobia written all over it. How can people in this day and age still think like this?
A human life is a human life. REGARDLESS of race, colour and religion!
Eric Soames
Nov 8th 2009, 12:27
What does whether Mr Spiteri goes to mass or not got to do with it? People should mind their own consciences before picking up a stone. Moreover it is an accepted practice for one to have some of one's own blood stored against possible future need. Indeed parents have started storing their baby's umbilical cord blood and stem cells for this reason.
mtanti
Nov 8th 2009, 12:19
Next time I donate blood I will ask the director to phone me up before my blood is used so that he can reassure me that the person receiving it has my same morals and values, just in case it's someone like Mr Spiteri. Love thy neighbour as thy self ey?! Hurray for good old Maltese values!!
Carmelo Aquilina
Nov 8th 2009, 12:05
Would Mr Spiteri refuse a life saving blood donation from an immigrant ?
Jean-Pierre Tabone Adami
Nov 8th 2009, 12:03
I was a regular blood donor, but have not donated for several years now.
Will sure do before Christmas after reading this article. Thanks Mr Spiteri.
John A. Zammit
Nov 8th 2009, 11:53
I happen to suffer from a medical condition known as Gilbert's Syndrome and was adised that I cannot donate blood; otherwise I would have gone straight away to the Blood Bank and donate blood to be given to whoever would have needed it. This evening I am attending the ordination ceremony of new deacons and Mr. Spietri is going to be in my thoughts and prayers so that the good Lord would make him realise how to be a truly charitable person.
Peter Aquilina
Nov 8th 2009, 11:50
Who knows .......? Maybe we will soon enter an era when people would be paid for giving blood. This has for long been a normal practice in at least one western country where blood is sold for not less than $100 a pint.
D Buttigieg
Nov 8th 2009, 11:42
@ Mr Spiteri, God forbid i ever require your blood. Good thing you will not be donating anymore.
@ Mr Busuttil. Very well said sir.
@ Mr Ganado, Thanks. A reminder to us all.
R.Gauci
Nov 8th 2009, 11:22
As a regular blood and now platelets donor for the last years I don't agree with such argument being raised by Mr.Spiteri , however he has the right to his opinion cause we are living in a Democratic Country!!
I believe that life is sacred and everything possible should be done to save any human being coming from any nation ,althought I had to pay 800 euros for my son just to use the facilities of a private hospital to be born safe cause the mother (my partner for 1 year that time)didn't had Maltese or EU citizenship and was refused to get free medical treatments and out patients from Karen Grech Hospital and would had to pay 1000 euros to just give birth there in a natural way cause if cessarian we had to pay 2300 euros althought she had a regular Visa!
At that time it was a lot of money for me cause I was recovering from a period without a job!!
In my opinion this is too a case of discrimination and racism cause how things are illegal immigrants are getting everything for free and this is one reason to make people angry!!
Please show it
G.Sammut
Nov 8th 2009, 11:21
@Adriano
The answer to your questions is that no you cannot pre-select recipients for your blood, because that is discriminatory, and discrimination is illegal. Now you could argue that their stay here is illegal, but that wouldn't be right as that is precisely what the authorities are yet trying to determine whilst they're holding them. And even if they were here illegaly, they are still human and in developed countries they are granted fundamental human rights, irrespective of who they are. That is why the hospital cannot do as you suggest, it would be discriminatory and in violation of fundamental human rights were it to do as you suggest. You obviously do not appreciate the full consequences of discrimination, but maybe you should learn this before being vociferous and taking your dangerous ideas public.
M.Caruana
Nov 8th 2009, 11:17
Mr. Spiteri, while I can understand your arguments and feel the pinch by the influx of immigrants, my upbringing and religious background would never allow me to let a human being die because I want to reserve my blood for specific groups.
Whether a person is from somalia or valletta, when they are in need I only see people and not ethnicities or colour, or creed or whatever.
I understand your point, but dont let those arguments refrain you from giving blood. Just give blood and assume you are saving people (whoever they are, even if its a Maltese murderer after all).
Rachel Roberts
Nov 8th 2009, 11:11
I find it almost beyond belief that in this day and age, you can honestly believe that you are inherently superior to these 'illegal immigrants' based on your 'race'. Many of these people you term as such have risked their lives and lost loved ones in the struggle to leave a country which offers them no human rights.I am sure they do not wish to be a drain on the Maltese economy but I ask: what would YOU do if it was YOUR family that was constantly living in fear of being robbed/raped/killed? You would do anything to save them, even if this meant being 'judged' by prejudicial people such as yourself. It is inhumane for you to expect the health service to pick and choose whom receives life saving treatment! You have been lucky enough to be born in a country that offers high levels of sanitation, education and freedom of speech - unfortunately this lifestyle seems to have left you without any empathy for your fellow human beings suffering or plights.By putting these 'illegals' into a metaphorical 'box' such as you suggest would only open these people up to the kind of treatment they have managed to escape.
Dr Andrew Azzopardi
Nov 8th 2009, 11:05
Issa vera missejna l-qiegh
george Busuttil
Nov 8th 2009, 11:00
2000 years ago a man donated all his blood to save humanity. Now that is agood example
David Stephen Ganado
Nov 8th 2009, 10:58
Dear Mr. Spiteri,
I stopped donating blood out of sheer laziness, but this story has definitely got me in my senses and i will now be donating regularly again. Thank you!
Oh, by the way, i am sure this story will have the same effect on many people so keep your blood to yourself...........but don't expect help next time you ask for it!!
Margaret Richards
Nov 8th 2009, 10:48
My good i can't believe what i'm reading!!! Not donating blood because it might go to an immigrant?? I can't believe this??? Will this person go to mass this morning perhaps sitting on the 1st bench to show how holier than thou he is??? I sincerely hope that I will never be in a position where i'll need his blood!!!
Peter Paul Sacco
Nov 8th 2009, 10:25
I assume Mr Spiteri will today be attending mass and receiving holy communion!
Emanuel Cilia Debono
Nov 8th 2009, 10:09
I wish to congratulate the management of the Blood Bank for its prompt and correct response.
The attitude shown by the person who approached the Bank is not only racist and discriminatory but also lacking in humane and Christian values. In my opinion the person should be told without hesitation that his comments are a disgrace to the society we belong to.
Blood is there for all who need it irrespective of colour, race , religion or belief or civil status. Saving human life is a foremost priority.
Well done Blood Bank!
Emile Cassar
Nov 8th 2009, 09:30
Of course... next time I donate blood I will demand that it is not used to save the lives of moronic people. I'm joking by the way. Hahaha.
Adriano Spiteri
Nov 8th 2009, 09:15
Naturally, I replied back that my simple question as to whether one can donate one’s blood to pre-selected recipients remained unanswered. And again I reiterated that I am unwilling to donate my blood under these generic conditions. I should be granted the right to know who can and who will benefit from my donation.
And there, the matter stands.
Adriano Spiteri
Nov 8th 2009, 09:15
I am determined not to donate blood unless I am assured that my donation would be used on pre-selected recipients and not on illegal citizens. The Government accepted them and gave them par rights. The blood bank is also being equalitarian in sharing its limited blood supply with ALL. One has all the right to disagree with me on this issue. Nevertheless I feel I am in my right to refuse to donate blood if the bank goes on acting this way.
The blood bank’s chief gave me a succinct reply “The role of the Hospital Blood Bank is to issue red cell units for patients in need of transfusion.” This shows the hospital is concerned solely with the technical side of this problem. It is unconcerned with the political, ethical and more importantly, the safeguard of the legitimate population.
Adriano Spiteri
Nov 8th 2009, 09:14
An illegal immigrant was recently given blood during an operation he had to undergo, after he was attacked by other immigrants. He suffered several blows with a pointed object, presumably a knife.
Now, I wrote to the Mater Dei blood bank chief, reminding him of numerous appeals for blood since supply was critical. One readily understands that the bank is only able to operate because people are willing to donate their blood to those in need.
I continued in my letter that this uncontrollable influx of immigrants which our Government is allowing is exacerbating the problem of blood insufficiency. In this regard, which you are directly responsible for, I would like to check whether the blood bank is able to store blood for pre-selected recipients. I, for one, am not willing to donate blood if this is going to be used on undesired illegal citizens.
Pam Bonello
Nov 8th 2009, 09:05
The racial hatred in this country never ceases to amaze me! Wahda ahjar mill-ohra!