Protest against censorship on Wednesday

G. Curmi

Mar 4th 2010, 14:29

@ K. Cassar

It is gratifying to read your comment, "I believe there should be classification and disclaimer warnings on anything that may offend or be unsuitable for any particular group/belief." You do realise of course, that in writing that statement, you effectively agree to a certain degree of censorship. That has been my point all along.

Societies routinely exercise restrictions on freedoms (a form of censorship) to protect their citizens. Consider the following possibility. Someone discovers an unexploded WWII bomb buried in your neighbourhood. The authorities, cordon off the area prohibiting anyone entry (temporarily restricting people’s freedom of movement) and evacuate all neighbouring residents from their homes (temporarily restricting homeowners’ freedom to enjoy their properties) until safe disposal of the bomb has occurred. Would you complain about those restrictions on your freedom? Amazingly, no one in Malta complains about a more intrusive form of “censorship” - the use of roadblocks at night impeding people’s freedom of movement. The point is that, whether we are conscious of it or not, we routinely accept certain restrictions on our freedoms for the common good.

Regretfully, I will be unable to continue this discussion because of a family emergency.

Kevin Cassar

Mar 3rd 2010, 11:15

@ G Curmi

I have read your post and agree. I still cannot understand though what your objection to my point was though. I have been debating all the time against CENSORSHIP and my view is exactly the same as Abigails - I believe there should be classification and disclaimer warnings on anything that may offend or be unsuitable for any particular group/belief. Censorship is not that. It is the power to decide over people and should never be granted to anyone. If that is your view too, then we agree.

G. Curmi

Mar 2nd 2010, 21:21

@ K. Cassar

Perhaps you might consider reading my posting below addressed "@ all detractors".

Kevin Cassar

Mar 2nd 2010, 18:17

@ G Curmi

"There was no misquoting. Your statement, “Anyone who accepts and thinks censorship is good is admitting that he is not mature/intelligent enough to decide for himself and needs BIG DADDY to decide for him” clearly labels anyone who disagrees with you on this issue as not being mature/intelligent."

No it does not. You're confusing things. Anyone can disagree with me - THAT'S THE POINT! If you censor, then you cannot disagree since you have no choice - no say on the matter. Again I repeat that all mature intelligent adults should be allowed to decide for themselves.

"Further, in responding to A. Grech you restate, “Secondly if you are not mature enough to decide for yourself what's right for you then my statement is correct. Who are you to decide who is mature/intelligent enough?"

That's exactly why I did not decide who is and who is not - the CENSORS on the other hand treat everyone as NOT mature enough to decide for themselves.

G. Curmi

Mar 2nd 2010, 17:09

@ J. Xuereb - Which of my comments did you consider shallow? Certainly, none of them compare in shallowness to your statement, “I am a man so I could not figure in Gera's fantasies, inspirations, etc.” especially since you gave short shrift to the possibility that a loved one could figure in such material. One would dare think that it would trouble most decent people if they were somehow publicly identified in material such as Vella Gera’s. Your statement that “such piffling matters” would not trouble you makes one wonder about your level of shallowness.

@ K. Cassar - There was no misquoting. Your statement, “Anyone who accepts and thinks censorship is good is admitting that he is not mature/intelligent enough to decide for himself and needs BIG DADDY to decide for him” clearly labels anyone who disagrees with you on this issue as not being mature/intelligent. Further, in responding to A. Grech you restate, “Secondly if you are not mature enough to decide for yourself what's right for you then my statement is correct. Who are you to decide who is mature/intelligent enough?

G. Curmi

Mar 2nd 2010, 16:53

@ all the detractors

Perhaps it has escaped your attention that more than once I stated, “As much as I am opposed to censorship …..” meaning that I too have an aversion to unfettered censorship. Every person has a right to write, create, read, or view whatever he/she considers comfortable. Equally important, no person ought to be free to force onto others whatever he/she considers comfortable. My objection was, and is, that students at UM were not afforded the opportunity to decide for themselves. They had Vella Gera’s piece thrust into their faces when they read a student periodical. That is the essence of my point – the publisher of the periodical ambushed unsuspecting readers. Thank you Abigail Muscat for acknowledging that, “it would have been wiser to put up a warning.”

Abigail Muscat

Mar 1st 2010, 17:34

@G.Curmi I cannot apprehend why 'Li Tkisser Sewwi' was 'involuntarily exposed' as you say to these poor innocent students. Unless the piece of fiction in question was read aloud to these students, I cannot see how it was forced down their throats. Anyone could pick up De Sade's 'Prison Letters' from the university library not knowing their infamy and be 'involuntarily exposed'. One chooses to continue reading, or are these students vacuous shells without will? Having read 'Fanny Hill', I genuinely cannot see much difference in 'erotic level' between Fanny Hill and Li Tkisser Sewwi. Perhaps Maltese being semitic and harsher offends you more Mr. Curmi? Perhaps the piece hit too close to home? Or perhaps you only dare call erotica 'readable literature' when the wiser-than-thou critics have deemed it so? I will grant you one thing. It would have been wiser to put up a warning. However, actual reaction that occurred was beyond ridiculous, and if one does not stand up for Gera's freedom of expression, one can at least stand up against the ludicrous actions taken against the editor Mark Camilleri.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 1st 2010, 13:24

G.Curmi. What a shallow comment. 'Li tista' ssewwi' is a work of fiction concerning an abusive heterosexual man abusing an abused woman. Very familiar scenario unfortunately. Whether Gera drew his inspiration from real life, personal experience and simply narrated a 'work of art' describing what actually goes on in real life - one must never assume anything of course - but in this case it is a 100% waterproof assumption. Which brings the debate onto me (as suggested by your very insightful self, G.). I am a man so I could not figure in Gera's fantasies, inspirations, etc. (that said, and does in no way implicate our author in question) you would be surprised G. how many men enjoy(?) congress - sweet euphemistic word - with a lady-friend but their fantasies wonder in all kinds of directions. Gera does not know me personally so I could never inspire him. And if I did (know him, ie.) and he did (use me, ie.), so what?! It's no skin off my nose. My identity is hardly shaken and stirred by such piffling matters. Sadly, you make it sound like it would trouble you greatly.

Kevin Cassar

Mar 1st 2010, 13:02

@ G Curmi

I never said I was an expert so stop misquoting me please. All I said was that, like any other adult in a civilized country I had the right to choose what to read or see. Again I have to repeat that I did not read Vella Gera's article and am not interested to do so. You are mixing up my argument against censorship with the Vella Gera article, which I cannot comment on since I have not read it.

@ A Grech

First of all dont ASSUME that I was refering to Orwell when I wasn't. Secondly if you are not mature enough to decide for yourself what's right for you then my statement is correct. You either do not understand what censorship means or if you accept it then you are acknowledging that someone has the power to decide for you since you lack the maturity. What's there to argue on this?

G. Curmi

Feb 27th 2010, 15:52

@ Kevin Cassar

Wow, another self-appointed expert enters the fray. This time, babbling pseudo-psychology and jumping to conclusions about my maturity/intelligence because of my disapproval of Vella Gera's trash. If reading erotic literature is a measuring stick of maturity/intelligence, rest assured that, having read books like "The Perfumed Garden", "Kama Sutra", "The Pearl", “The Oyster”, "Fanny Hill", Casanova’s “History of my Life”, to name a few, qualifies me to be at least your equal in maturity/intelligence.

Only difference is that no one forced them onto me. I sought them out, and unlike Vella Gera's trash, the books I listed are readable literature. Students at the UM found themselves involuntarily exposed to Vella Gera's trash when they unsuspectingly opened a copy of a student periodical.

A number of my family members are students at UM. Two of them are young ladies studying in the Medical School - meaning that they are well acquainted with human anatomy and with the functions and uses of its various components. They were revolted, upset, and offended to find Vella Gera's rubbish thrust upon them. So please, spare us your lecture that there were no victims and that no one was harmed.

G. Curmi

Feb 27th 2010, 15:36

@ R. Flores

Where is my posting did you read that I am playing God? My question was in response to the declaration in your posting .... "I have the right to read it even if it offends you... may your god forgive you for your sins, for they are greater than you think in face of his beloved creatures - humans" whereby you clearly invoke God for the sins that you perceive we/I have committed and which by your own declaration are greater than ..... It seems that you are the one playing God. This comes as no surprise, because it appears that you are your own god.

A. Grech

Feb 27th 2010, 15:06

@ Kevin Cassar

Your amateurish attempt at psychoanalysis stating that G. Curmi or anyone "who accepts and thinks censorship is good is admitting that he is not mature/intelligent enough to decide for himself and needs BIG DADDY to decide for him" reveals much about your presumed level of maturity and intelligence - apparently a miniscule ranking on the scale of both talents.

BTW, if you are referring to George Orwell, it is BIG BROTHER not BIG DADDY.

G. Curmi

Feb 27th 2010, 14:53

@ Annette Camilleri, R. Flores, J. Xuereb, K. Cassar

One wonders how enthusiastically any of you would have defended Vella Gera’s freedom of speech and expression, if without mentioning any names, he had included enough details in his piece to somehow, even remotely, identify you or one of your loved ones as a participant in his escapades. My wager would be that you would have promptly abandoned your pretentious defence of freedom of speech and expression as you explored every possible avenue to seek redress.

One might perhaps be tempted to turn a blind eye to Vella Gera’s feeble attempt at writing were it not so clearly misogynistic and riddled with poor spelling, syntax, and structure simultaneously butchering two languages, and if it had not been shoved into the unsuspecting faces of student at the university.

G. Curmi

Feb 27th 2010, 14:06

@ Kevin Cassar

Wow, another self-appointed expert enters the fray. This time, babbling pseudo-psychology and jumping to conclusions about my maturity because of my disapproval of Vella Gera's trash. If reading erotic literature is a measuring stick of maturity, rest assured that, having read books like "The Perfumed Garden", "Kama Sutra", "The Pearl", “The Oyster”, "Fanny Hill", Casanova’s “History of my Life”, to name a few, would qualify me to be at least your equal in maturity.

Only difference is that no one forced them onto me. I sought them out, and unlike Vella Gera's trash, the books I listed are readable literature. Students at the UM found themselves involuntarily exposed to Vella Gera's trash when they unsuspectingly opened a copy of a student periodical.

A number of my family members are students at UM. Two of them are young ladies studying in the Medical School - meaning that they are well acquainted with human anatomy and with the functions and uses of its various components. They were revolted, upset, and offended to find Vella Gera's rubbish thrust upon them. So please, spare us your lecture that there were no victims and that no one was harmed.

Kevin Cassar

Feb 27th 2010, 04:03

@ G Curmi

The one common point that makes traffic laws, excessive noise laws, libel and slander is that their victim is SOMEONE ELSE. This means that you are denying someone else his rights which is rightly forbidden. Now tell me, who is harmed if I read some rubbish article? Who else is harmed if I watch porn? Who else is harmed if I dress as a priest in carnival? (hint - NO ONE) Anyone who accepts and thinks censorship is good is admitting that he is not mature/intelligent enough to decide for himself and needs BIG DADDY to decide for him.

G. Curmi

Feb 26th 2010, 17:03

@ Annette Camilleri, R. Flores, J. Xuereb

With the exception of freedom of thought, of imagination, to like, to dislike, etc., (intangibles), unfettered freedom is an ideal that is rarely fully realised.

Society accepts certain norms, and places limits on freedom of action to promote the common good. The alternative is anarchy.

Consider your reactions to the following scenarios …

Someone in your neighbourhood exercises his/her freedom of expression by playing music loudly at 2 am disrupting your rest.

Someone uses his/her freedom of speech and expression to malign your character verbally and in the media.

While driving your car, you encounter someone on the road exercising his/her freedom of expression by driving erratically at excessive speed endangering others.

Would you defend these exercises of freedom of speech and expression if you were on their receiving end? To protect us from such abuses, we have traffic rules and laws against excessive noise, libel, and slander. Similarly, society must defend itself from trash like Vella Gera’s. The point is that society places restrictions on freedom of speech and expression when it offends or harms others. Do you get the point now?

R. Flores

Feb 26th 2010, 08:44

thanks Annette Camilleri. You have spared me the trouble of answering Mr.Curmi... I just need to add this. In quoting you Mr.Curmi - ''Would they be the ones forbidden by the Creator, or are you now the arbiter of what is sinful and what is not?'' ... can't you see now? Now who is playing the GOD here? Who is judging right or wrong? You Mr.Curmi. You are in favour of censorship and i am in favour of freedom.

I rest my case ...

Annette Camilleri

Feb 25th 2010, 16:35

@ G Curmi

Oh dear God is it possible that you still do NOT get my point????

I DON'T CARE IF YOU LIKE THE STORY OR NOT! I DON'T LIKE IT EITHER!

But the point is that people should be able to read it freely and then voice their opinions whether like it or not! But if they cannot read it because it's censored, then NOBODY will be able to express their opinions.

At this point Mr Curmi, I will stop arguing with you because you're like a horse with blinders - the important thing for you is to stress your point and make us believe you're right. It's impossible to have a debate with you because you don't listen to other people - a typical feature of those who believe in censorship!

G. Curmi

Feb 25th 2010, 16:13

Oh come now Mr. Flores. You have just stated that in quoting Nietzsche you are “not questioning the existence of God.” Yet in your previous post you ask, “Does this quote offend any of you god lovers out there?” Further on in the same posting you write, ”... may your god forgive you for your sins, for they are greater than you think in face of his beloved creatures - humans.” Now what shall it be Mr. Flores? Please choose. Is there no God, or is there a God who, in your own words, may forgive us our sins and whose beloved creatures we humans are? Do you not see the inconsistency of your musings?

It is interesting that an atheist like you invokes the Almighty to forgive our sins. Pray tell, what sins would those be? Would they be the ones forbidden by the Creator, or are you now the arbiter of what is sinful and what is not?

G. Curmi

Feb 25th 2010, 15:52

@ Joe Xuereb

Oh my! Could you, in your self-ascribed intellectual superiority, find it in your heart to forgive the rest of us whom you clearly consider your intellectual inferiors (written with tongue in cheek)? It appears that your feeling of self-importance and self-attributed sense of intellectual superiority have blinded, dazzled, and deluded you into believing that others who believe differently than you are mere mortals who are too feeble-minded to “grasp and process” your pronouncements. Pray tell, where is the temple dedicated to you where others can come to bow in homage to you superior intellect? Your condescending display of arrogance is astounding and does not impress. Have you successfully completed the course “Critical Thinking 101” yet?

G. Curmi

Feb 25th 2010, 15:44

@ Annette Camilleri

Apparently, you believe that others and I are too intellectually inferior to you to understand your “point”. Let's review the events.

Vella Gera published a repulsive piece of trash, in which he butchered both the Maltese and English languages rendering it devoid of any literary merit. His sewer-like product offended the sense of decency of many people who expressed their objections.

You, and your kindred self-styled philosophers, eager to exhibit your self-appointed sense of intellectual superiority, defended Vella Gera’s right to publish his trash while you vilified others for exercising their rights to freedom of speech and expression. By what right do you claim to yourselves the right to deny others the same rights to freedom of speech and expression that you so dearly uphold for Vella Gera’s trash?

Those who voiced their disapproval for Vella Gera’s drivel, have as much right to voice their objections to it, as he had to publish it and you to defend it. THAT IS THE POINT! Do YOU get it? Your convoluted “opinions” and writings bring to mind the mental image of a snake swallowing its own tail.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 25th 2010, 14:01

Health Warning. Scroll down your eyes at your own risk.

What inspired Hitler is 'interesting' at least. What DID inspire him was a mistaken belief that goes against the grain of humans and their desire to survive. Survival based on, well, nothing much in fact, is not survival. It is nihilistic. Not unlike religion. And feeding 'wrong' thinking into the brain gives garbled outputs. A kind of madness if you like.
It's often claimed that the godless are morally deficient and sinful and of Satan. Wrong!! Bright spark further down smugly states that 'we have killed god but have we killed satan?' Speaking only for myself, as an atheist I claim, hand on heart, that 'killing god also dispatched Satan. Paradoxically, they are very much one and the same thing. This would be too advanced for tooth-fairy believers + talking-snakes (believers of, ie.). Too advanced to grasp and process such is their total investment. But that is their concern not mine. Ultimately, they do not have to read this. And talking snakes.
I said it and the world is still spinning. See, risk-taking works a charm. Not unlike a talking-snake.

Robert Flores

Feb 25th 2010, 08:22

In quoting Nietschze (who i took as an example) i'm not questioning the existence of God here. You got it all wrong. My point is that i don't want to be denied of this or any other view point in the first place. If i believe it or not is another case. My point here is that i don't want anyone to restrict me from having this opportunity. It could have been another story, hence view point. Maybe the bible offends me. I'm not questioning any beliefs here. I just want to be free to see the whole picture and make up my own beliefs.
And please don't give me this nonesense like - "Nietzsche is dead" - thus spake God. Haha. I can say then ... ''God is neither dead nor alive'' - thus spake Rob. Don't try to deviate from the point being made here - 'I may not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.' ... that is all. Live and let live.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 24th 2010, 17:51

@ G. Curmi

No Mr Curmi, you did not use the word 'assume' per se, you 'naturally concluded', which is worse!

You really do not get the gist of what we're saying. The point is not stating that God doesn't exist; the point is not saying that Vella Gera's story is the best story ever written in Maltese literature; the point is not condemning religion

The point lies in freedom of speech; the right to express oneself; that's the point Mr Curmi

And no, your 'big words' are only as big as a dead ant to me, so no explanation needed. But thanks, that was really very kind of you! :)

G. Curmi

Feb 24th 2010, 17:37

@ Annette Camilleri

Had you bothered to read carefully what I wrote, you would have noticed that I did not use the word "assume" anywhere in my posting. In attributing that word to me, you appear to be more qualified to complete the expression that you invited me to complete - in other words you have made an a** of yourself.

Your warning to parents about their children riding public buses is a disingenuous approach to muster support for Vella Gera's trash. Have you ever heard of the expression that, "Two wrongs don't make a right"?

By the way, if you are still having difficulty with my use of "big words", I'd be delighted to provide you with explanations.

G. Curmi

Feb 24th 2010, 17:22

@ Robert Flores

In 1882, Nietzsche declared that, "God is dead." He was wrong. It is a fact that since August 1900 "Nietzsche is dead" - thus spake God.

Nietzsche's anti-Semitic writings and his theories about Aryan superiority greatly influenced Adolph Hitler, who was a great admirer of Nietzsche, and who was responsible for the vilest atrocities perpetrated against humanity. That is Nietzsche's legacy.

One cannot help but be bemused by the statements that you and others like you post at this website. You seem to think that, in denying God's existence, you have attained some sort of intellectual and moral superiority over the many people, whom you clearly consider your intellectual inferiors because of their beliefs. How sad. Remember the wise Maltese saying, “Għall kull ħatba hemm il-mannara.”

Alex Ellul

Feb 24th 2010, 13:25

@Flores: We have managed to kill God, but we still have not managed to kill that satan of a devil.

Robert Flores

Feb 24th 2010, 12:30

''God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives ... '' Does this quote offend any of you god lovers out there? Well it's of one of the intellects of the 19th century, Friedrich Nietzsche. I bought his books in Malta (as i love his works) and also studied him in Philosophy... So? I have the right to read it even if it offends you... may your god forgive you for your sins, for they are greater than you think in face of his beloved creatures - humans.

Frans Attard

Feb 24th 2010, 06:16

I stick to everything I've written down here, I pray to The Lord to judge it and beg Him to forgive me if I've written anything wrong. I am Human and subject to mistakes like anybody else.

Alex Ellul

Feb 23rd 2010, 21:44

Human society has three phases following each other in a cyclical pattern; barbarism, civilisation, degeneration, barbarism.....
we are now in the degeneration phase. I just hope the barbaric one will be short.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2010, 20:37

@ Annette Camilleri. I started to compose my comment and thought, if only she'd said both on the same comment, two shots at genius in the same breath sort of thing. I went back to copy and quote and, by a small miracle, there they were, on the one comment.
Quote: 'PERFECTLY portrays Maltese life and most Maltese men - not that I'm very proud of it, but it's true'. Nor am I Annette, nor am I!

Quote: 'they (the children on Maltese buses ie) might get confused if they see a statuette of Holy Mary, Jesus, werqa zebbuga, and then hear the bus driver offend all of them, their families and most probably yours too'.
Annette, I am not one to kiss women - if you get my drift - but I would kiss your face by way of accolade. Or I could proffer you a werqa zebbuga or a werqa randa, whichever you prefer. I am a fair man my dear, I always give a choice.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2010, 18:21

@ G.Curmi

And Mr Vella Gera would of course be immune from legal proceedings in Malta, if he was not the one to publish the story on the newspaper.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2010, 18:16

I guess most people are against this story because it PERFECTLY portrays Maltese life and most Maltese men - not that I'm very proud of it, but it's true.

Please you responsible adults - keep kids off Maltese buses, they might get confused if they see a statuette of Holy Mary, Jesus, werqa zebbuga, and then hear the bus driver offend all of them, their families and most probably yours too.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2010, 18:13

@ G. Curmi

No Mr Curmi, it is NOT only natural to assume that he resides in Malta just because he is published in Malta. Your reasoning does not make any sense at all.

Please finish the saying: When you assume, you're only making an ...

Joe Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2010, 02:53

@ Frans Attard. Think of God before you do 'it' if you must. Think of God after you do 'it' if you must. But whatever you do Frans, you must NOT think of God while you are doing 'it'. Because as sure as God created this ridiculous method for humans to multiply, it is as sure that you will lose it. I promise.
Frans, I don't know how worldly you are. But may I get one message across without once using a four-letter world. The last time I looked, doing 'it'- euphemistically known as making love - looked exactly like two animals at it. If you cannot grasp my meaning, try looking at any basic ponographic film. You may actually learn something. You may actually grasp what I am saying.
Frans Attard, I can assure you I am no filthier than you are, no less moral. It's that, I tend not to invite God into my boudoir. His presence would be there as you would say. But that is His business if He wants to watch over me while I am in doing it.
Thanks Frans Attard. You're an inspiration. You really are.

A. Grech

Feb 22nd 2010, 17:08

@ Chris Fenech

Drinking water in Malta is accessible from a myriad of taps, faucets, etc. in every home and public eating facility across the entire nation. Applying the same kind of "logic" that you expressed in your latest post in support of Vella Gera's third-rate filth, should someone decide to contaminate Malta's drinking water supply with sewage, the authorities should look the other way, do nothing about it, and simply warn all Maltese to refrain from using the water supply indefinitely.

We ought to consider ourselves fortunate that you have no authority over such matters in Malta.

G. Curmi

Feb 22nd 2010, 16:48

@ Joe Xuereb

As much as one admires some of Mascagni's work - Cavalleria Rusticana in particular - one must be careful not to hold up Mascagni as some sort of good example. As one can see if one follows this link (http://jcarreras.homestead.com/RRMascagniMussolini.html), Mascagni was an unscrupulous, self-promoting man who had no qualms supporting Benito Mussolini and his fascist regime.

G. Curmi

Feb 22nd 2010, 16:43

@ Annette Camilleri

Since Vella Gera's "contribution" appeared in a publication attributed to students at the University of Malta, it is only natural to conclude that he resides in Malta and that he is a student at the University. One wonders why the publishers of a publication presumably by UM students for UM students would even consider publishing the kind of trash Vella Gera produced. Perhaps Vella Gera is so smug about having his trash published in Malta because he feels that his residence abroad provides him with immunity from legal proceedings in Malta.

Joe Fenech

Feb 22nd 2010, 14:29

What's wrong with porn if it doesn't involve violence and children?

Joe Xuereb

Feb 22nd 2010, 13:47

Hawn nies li tant ghandhom investment qawwi f'dak li jemmnu li hlief lehinhom ma jisimghux. Ghomja ghall-idejat ta' haddiehor assolutament. Dejjem jaghtu widen biss lil lehinhom, bhal eku dejjem jidwi u jwennes u ma jasal imkien hlief mnejn beda. Meta ser jifhmu dawn li l-bniedem qatt ma tista' tisfurzah jara u jaqra. Il-bniedem dejjem ghandu ghazla. Nammetti li hemm nies, u tfal, li teghlibhom il-kurzita` u jiddeciedu li jaraw, jaqraw, jerfghu materjal. Dik affarihom u suggett iehor. Li nistghu naghmlu hu li nuzaw l-ixkaffa l-aktar gholja. Soluzzjoni sa' certu pont. Ghax dejjem hemm l-Internett. Dak min ser jikkontrollah? Min ser jikkontrolla l-kurzita' li twassal il-Bniedem mill-aktar gholi sa' l-aktar baxx? Ghalhemm mehtieg it-taghrif biex nikkumbattu l-Kundizzjoni Umana. Kundizzjoni li qatt u hadd ma jista' jahrab minnha. Punto e bast.

Skuzawni l-izbalji imma ili nofs seklu boghod minn arti.

Robert Flores

Feb 22nd 2010, 13:28

''I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.'' Voltaire (1694 – 1778)

Having said that, censorship is a basic human right and no one can deny it, not even you bunch of frustrated puritans. Face it. Jesus was silenced and put to death on your beloved cross because he practised free speech, in his time, which was against authority and the religious hypocrits who believed they were rightous in the face of God. How many of you still are going to say you see and think you are godly? You are more anti-christ than ever in denying the liberty of expression.
This is a good protest for human's sake. Censorship ought to be abolished. Grow up and smell the curry.

Franco Rizzo

Feb 22nd 2010, 12:59

@ Frans Attard, Joe Xuereb (not to rebut your argument but for further reference) and other commentators

http://www.latinapictures.com.mt/latinapictures/anchor.aspx?id=20

Ramon Casha (on 21/1/10)
@A. Sciberras: Thanks for pointing out what the actual law says. As written, all crime novels are illegal. All horror films are illegal. Anything depicting cruelty and violence is illegal. Under this law, the film "Passion of the Christ" was illegal on all counts - yet the censorship board saw fit to give it a rating of 12!!

Jekk daqshekk mohhna fit-tfal ta' taht l-eta', interessanti kif setghu thallew jaraw film vjolenti bhal dak...

Chris Fenech

Feb 22nd 2010, 12:45

Annette Camilleri

Feb 22nd 2010, 09:29

@ Frans Attard The concept that you don't seem to grasp is that it is irrelevant what type of literature the story is, or what type of play Stitching is, or any other thing that is censored. You have your opinion, which is great - but do not impose it on others. The point of this protest is not to publish pornography on anything that comes along, but to have freedom of speech, which after all, is a human right. I don't impose my opinions on you, so please do not impose your opinions on me.

Frans Attard

Feb 22nd 2010, 06:26

Dak l-artiklu Sur Fenech ibaxxi id-dinjita' tal-bniedem ghal-livel ta' annimal, jekk mhux ghar, jaghmel ghajb lill min kitbu, ippublikah, u ccirkulah.
Li kieku jien kont wiehed minn dawn, kont nisthi nidher quddiem nies u mhux norganizza protesta biex nipprova niggustifika ruhi.
Dawk l-anqas id-dicenza juruh lill membri tal-familji taghhom ma kellhom, imma kellhom li-wicc jipprezentawh lill ulied haddiehor. Imisshom jisthu.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 22nd 2010, 02:27

I contacted Mr. Gera wanting to know his piece. We exchanged e.mails responding like with like. His piece was IN THE FIRST PERSON, and therefore, a piece of verismo literature. In verismo, anything goes. We had such a laugh! Some of his spelling, some of his grasp of the Maltese language, was painful (we're both Maltese, living abroad, but I am a stickler for my native tongue). Not the end of the world. What I did not like was reference, by the said man in this 'realistic' fiction, to the drooping body parts of women of a certain age. That is sexist and ageist. But this is literature in first person narrative. That is verismo. Mascagni in Cavalleria Rusticana did it a hundred years ago in then a very Catholic Italy. But Malta, with its piety, wants to inherit.....il cielo.
Children should not be made to see this stuff. Too young to process. By the same token, children should not be made to see bloody, lifelike, lifesize statues of a man and when they cringe, they are told he loves them. By their daddy, on whose shoulder they are perched to see better. This confuses them. This is blatant child-abuse.

Chris Fenech

Feb 21st 2010, 20:16

Frans, pornography can be accessed from any device which is capable of connecting to the internet. Even if we ignore the internet, people everywhere around Malta at any given time are having sex or pleasuring themselves in acts which some religions (including the Catholic church) deem immoral.

One needs to understand that not all people hold the Catholic Churches values, although one may still have a lot of one's values in common with those of the Church, however, possibly, for different reasons.

One cannot expect that all people in Malta are to adhere to the Catholic Church's dogmas. Adults should be free to choose for themselves and cannot let the state dictate what to see and read in an effort to impose a type of morality (example the church's doctrines about sex) if this goes against their rights of freedom to hold different personal beliefs and freedom of expression.

Whilst I agree with you that children should not be exposed to pornography, adults have the right to choose what to see and do in private. If you deem the short story penned by Vella Gera to be pornographic, you have the right not to read it.

Frans Attard

Feb 21st 2010, 19:18

Pornography causes a lowering of the moral atmosphere of the individual, thus the community as a whole. It gradually destroys the values of that community.
And that is precisely what the vast majority of the population in this country do not want to happen!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris Fenech

Feb 21st 2010, 17:00

@ Frans Attard

One has to keep in mind that we're living in a secular state. In a secular state what is immoral according to a religion is not necessarily illegal in the State.

Although it seems that the majority of the people on this island embrace a measurement of what is good or bad based on the Catholic faith, this certainly cannot be said of all Maltese citizens. The Front Against Censorship is based on the principle that the State shouldn't be used to enforce a certain type of morality on the individual.

In Malta we have people of different beliefs and one cannot impose his/her religious dogmas upon other people.

Franco Rizzo

Feb 21st 2010, 16:55

@ Frans Attard

If you really value every human life and would like to introduce religion into the equation, I would like to address to you again this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8522039.stm

Frans Attard

Feb 21st 2010, 16:41

Pornography degrades the act of sex. That which God said is pure in marriage (Hebrews 13:4) is degraded to the level of animal actions.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 21st 2010, 15:47

@ G. Curmi

Alex Vella Gera lives and works abroad - surely he does not need a University stipend or our taxes to get through every day life.

Know your facts before using big words

Annette Camilleri

Feb 21st 2010, 15:45

@ Frans Sammut

The point is not giving pornography to children. I too did not enjoy reading Vella Gera's story, not because I was offended by anything in it, but just because it's not the style of literature I enjoy reading. But the story was left at University, for adult students to read. But things can easily spread around - just as 'The Sun' newspaper can be easily bought for underage kids to look at page 3. And who are we to make a decision for all the nation? I didn't like it, so I did not finish reading it. As simple as that. I don't need any rule to tell me what I should and should not read.

My family raised me free enough to be able to read and criticise material as I deem responsible. Most probably, in your eyes, they've done a good job if I read Vella Gera's story and I myself decided that it's not to my liking. But I never went to ask them if I can read it or not. What are we, kintergarden students?

Franco Rizzo

Feb 21st 2010, 15:44

@ Frans Attard

I would like to address to you again this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8522039.stm
How's that for pornography?

Secondly, you just stated you don't know Mr Vella Gera, so why the assumptions and theorising? They are merely judgemental of a person you haven't even met, spoken to and therefore have no idea of! If I were to play by your theorising and assuming, what if he's married and is a father? Maybe Alex Vella Gera is a nom-de-plume after all, and as far as we're concerned he could actually be a she.

Thirdly, it is unfortunate that the Realta' story has been transformed into a cause celebre while other incidents are being left out of the picture, even though the spokespersons have been reported to mention these other incidents! The naked mannequins case can be considered as another example of exhibiting something of a pornographic nature, because the shop owner wanted to make a statement on sex trafficking. There is also the question of public morals that is common with all incidents concened with censorship.

G. Curmi

Feb 21st 2010, 15:23

How interesting that the self-styled "literary genius" Alex Vella Gera and others are offended by the "censorship" directed at Vella Gera’s self-described “masterpiece”. The product of this "genius" is a jumble of disconnected sentences peppered with grammatical and syntactical errors and overflowing with a mixture of vulgarities, obscenities, and blasphemies (btw the proper Maltese spelling is dagha) that reveal a hate towards women.

A poorly educated guttersnipe is capable of producing such trash. Vella Gera has shown himself undeserving of the university education and stipend that he receives at public expense. The tax-paying public has a right to condemn unacceptable material produced by those whom it financially supports. Vella Gera’s story offends our collective sense of decency and it humiliates us internationally. Our nation is undeserving of such humiliation. As much as I am opposed to censorship, in this case, the story produced by Vella Gera richly deserves the condemnation and the censorship that it has provoked. Perhaps decent Maltese people might consider a public protest condemning such trash.

Kevin Cassar

Feb 21st 2010, 15:01

@ gaffarena joseph

Glad we agree on the tabernacle issue. We also agree that pornography should not be given to children. I too do not want my child to read "filth" with a qualifier. I will not allow my child to read this because he is not mature enough to form an opinion on it. When my child becomes an adult, he will be mature enough to have an opinion and might even (like you) dismiss it as filth. I have not read the publication and don't care to, but as a mature adult I have the right to read it if I want and decide for myself if it is filth or art. Nobody can deny me that, not the Church, not the Government, none. The fact that you call it filth, proves that you are a mature adult and can read things like that and have an opinion on it. There are many things I don't like or find offensive. Yet unless they are forced on me and do me harm, I do not have the right to ban them and would not want to.

Robert Callus

Feb 21st 2010, 14:48

@Frans Attard
I do not know Mr Vella Gera, however I know Mark Camilleri, the editor who is being filed criminal charges. To he honest asking him if he got mummy's permission didn't cross my mind. Probably it's because I know he's 21 years old.

I also know that unlike some disgusting accusations against him, Mark is a firm believer in gender equality and hates all types of discrimination. Had the literature he agreed to publish been aimed to show disrespect to women rest assured he would have refused it. It does not. It is a PARODY of a sex-obsessed male. If there is anyone who is entitled to feel offended it is a person who thinks of women the way the fictitious character does, snce he is protrayed as an object of ridicule. And to be honest, I don't really care if SUCH people get offended

Francis Attard

Feb 21st 2010, 14:47

@Annette Camilleri
I am 58 years old. My mother died when I was 15 and although it's been a long time since her death, I still remember my consulting her before I used to do anything and I am proud of that because she was always ready to give me good advises and circulating pornography wasn't surely one of them.
During my life I worked with many kinds of people and there wasn't a single one of them who ever admitted that he would accept pornography in the hands of his children.

Chris Fenech

Feb 21st 2010, 14:33

@ Frans Attard

1. Vella Gera is about 35 years old, doesn't need the "go ahead" of anyone to publish something, and isn't even a university student. He has published 2 fiction novels, apart from the short story published in Ir-Realta', which you can find in bookshops allover Malta.

2. People have a right to read or not to read something. The individual decides for him/herself.

3. The proposals of Front Against Censorship have nothing to do with the merits of any work of literature, but with the rights of people to publish and read artistic content, and then exercise their right to freedom of expression by criticizing the artistic work and give their opinion about its artistic merit.

4. This protest was not prompted solely by the censorship of Vella Gera's work of fiction, but by at least six instances of censorship during the year 2009. All cases involved the hindrance or the threatening of artistic or symbolic expression.

Ernest Vella

Feb 21st 2010, 14:27

@ M.Brincat - religious freedom is one thing...altough there are certain limits that cannot be excessed...kellu bzonn il-qassisin ghadhom ibezghu bin-nar tal-infern...kellu bzonn nerga nghid...but offending others faith is not permitted...for it insults

@ Lou Bondin - hemm mod u mod kif tghid kelma li tkun razzista...wahda cara...u l-ohra billi titfa l-gebla u tahbi jdejk...kif kultant jew gieli jaghmlu jew ghamlu certu gurnalisti biex imexxu agenda personali taghhom jew ta partit...hawn jiena qieghed nghid...le mhux accetabli li xi hadd joffendi 'l Alla u 'l Madonna....ghax jiena ma offendejtlux il-mejtin u l-familari tieghi...jew ma niktibx hmieg fuq ulied haddiehor...Li tikkritika qassis mod li tidghi b'Alla u l-Madonna hag'ohra.

Jiena min hawn nisfida lill-editur tar-realta u kull min qed jaqbez ghalih biex jekk ghandu l-hilajikteb bl-istess mod imma flok lill-Alla, l-ostja u l-Madonna jsemmi l-profeta Mohammed u r-religjan izlamika....m'ghandux il-gazz imma...ghax nafu x'jigri...allura le, jattakka lir-religjon u l-morali nisranija ghax jaf li dawn ghandhom vangelu jzommhom...vera nies bezziegha

Annette Camilleri

Feb 21st 2010, 14:16

@ Frans Attard

Your last comment does not make sense. Just because my mother doesn't like something I do, doesn't mean it's not ok to do it! Dario Fo, who is considered by the Vatican to be one of the most blasphemous artists EVER won the Nobel Prize, Salman Rushdie wrote 'The Satanic Verses' and won lots of prestigious awards and considered one of the greatest writers, Philip Roth writes some of the most 'pornographic' (i.e., if you read it) material and is at the very top of American writers, with lots of awards behind his name.

How old are you Mr Attard, if you run to your mummy for permission before you do anything? Don't you have a brain to think for yourself? Your argument is very babyish.

Frans Attard

Feb 21st 2010, 13:38

@Chris Fenech
Now I ask you a question, and I expect an answer.
First of all I wish to state that I do not know this Vella Gera. Now, are you in a position to tell me whether this Vella Gera, before publishing his article, has shown it to members of his family, namely his parents and brothers and sisters, if he has any? If he did, what were their reactions? Did his parents tell him: "Well done my son, go ahead with your literature. You will surely make a name for yourself that would make us proud. Who knows, you might even bring the first Nobel Prize for Literature to our country."
And Mr. Fenech, if you are not in that position, you can always consult this Vella Gera whom, I presume you know well.

Chris Fenech

Feb 21st 2010, 12:46

@ Frans Attard

Vella Gera's short story falls under fictitious literature. You have every right to call it rubbish and to criticize the short story, but what you don't have the right to do is stop others from reading it or writing and publishing fictitious stories.

The Front Against Censorship believes that it should be the individual who decides the merit of a literary piece and not the State.

Next Wednesday, the Maltese public will have the opportunity to express whether to opt for a mature society which is open to debate the cultural works it produces, or a repressive society which does not allow space for debate and where one cannot speak about things which are considered to be taboo without being threatened with a court sentence.

gaffarena joseph

Feb 21st 2010, 12:05

Re Kevin Cassar
As far as Im concerned that newspaper was shown not only to adults, but also to school children.Every one had the possibility to go and take one.If you hear the press conference that he
gave to this newspaper, pornography was first on his agenda.Tell me what good arose with that story coming in my opinion from a sick mind.
Sure I, agree with you about spending 51,000 euros. For me that was a scandal,,and the church authorities have to do something about that, or they will continue to loose their support from their faithful.
What I, want to explain is simple.I, do not want my children to read such filth coming from a sick mind.
Last you referred to me as my church, be sure that If it was my church,I, will melt that tabernicle,and give the money to those in need.

Frans Attard

Feb 21st 2010, 11:58

And if my writing against the free circulation of pornography makes me UNEDUCATED I declare that I am proud of being UNEDUCATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Frans Attard

Feb 21st 2010, 11:46

Mr.Bondin and Mr.Camilleri, I am still waiting for your reply to my questions. I am sure that there exists some kind of an answer. You can take your time to formulate your answer, I'm in no hurry. You can involve Dr.Owen Bonnici if you wish to formulate an answer that would make me regret my putting 'fingers to keyboard' to ask you those questions, I don't mind.
Until then here is what a certain Herbert W. Case, a former Detroit Police Inspector revealed: "There has not been a sex murder in the history of our department in which the killer was not an avid reader of lewd magazines".

Franco Rizzo

Feb 21st 2010, 11:28

@ Frans Attard, gaffarena joseph

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8522039.stm

...oops.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 21st 2010, 10:46

Oh, and while we're at it, let's raid Exotique and see that all Almodovar films, Betty Blue, and films of this sort are banned, maybe put in a bonfire and people can dance around it, while they hear 'SIN' burning in hell!

And maybe ask the government to make Amazon, Play and all other online-buying websites illegal too - you never know what these kids might bump into while searching for The Holy Bible!

Kevin Cassar

Feb 21st 2010, 10:26

@ gaffarena joseph

First of all nobody is claiming that he wants to publish pornography in newspapers. The publication that was banned is only issued to an adult audience and nobody is forced to read it. You say that the only reason for pornography is to make money. Well that places it with the list of almost everything else on the planet including your Church. I wonder if you've read the recent news that a church in Gozo has just bought a new tabernacle for 51,000 euros while the children you claim to want to protect from pornography are dying from hunger in third world countries. We all protect our children from adult material just like we don't let them see violence, hate etc.

Chris Fenech

Feb 21st 2010, 10:12

@ Frans Attard - You are talking about the etymology of the word Pornography. The etymology of a word is not its definition. The etymology of the word pornography, as found on wikipedia is:
"The word derives from the Greek πορνογραφία (pornographia), which derives from the Greek words πόρνη (pornē, "prostitute" and pornea, "prostitution"), and γράφω (graphō, "I write or record," derived meaning "illustration," cf. "graph"), and the suffix -ία (-ia, meaning "state of," "property of," or "place of"), thus meaning "a written description or illustration of prostitutes or prostitution." "

Therefore the word pornea, in the Greek sense, does not even mean "filthy", but means "prostitution".

Also, there is a problem with defining filth as "Anything That is Unclean in God's Sight", especially when the case is in the context of artistic expression. You also cannot deny that not every Maltese citizen believes in a god or gods, so your definition is not universal.

The crux of the matter seems to be that many people do not seem to understand the role of art and literature in our country. This is a clear sign that the educational system in Malta is failing.

R Muscat

Feb 21st 2010, 09:32

Ladies prepare your Burka!! as it will only be a matter of time before we will have the religous POLICE patrolling our streets just like one sees in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Aceh. Theie job is to ensure that there is no immoral behaviour in public including couples holding hands, women showing hair, censorship etc etc.

gaffarena joseph

Feb 21st 2010, 09:27

So, the main issue that Mark want to change is pornography.What will we gain if we open the
door to this issue.Do Mark want us to read in our daily newspapers the filth that he expressed
in his newspaper.Come on,talk some sense,and be proud that up to now Malta is still free from
this shit,that is good only to those who promote it , for the only reason to make money,
I, am not a saint, and do not pretend to be one,but I, traveled to different countries,that promote
such filth,and you can easily come to the conclusion that we are better the way we are in protecting our young ones of becoming victims of such suckers that their only aim is to become rich,of such pornography.

Annette Camilleri

Feb 21st 2010, 08:30

What next? Go to all bookshop shelves in Malta and remove Houellebecq, Roth, Sade and maybe also Macchiavelli and Dante too? Or maybe we can just put them on the top shelves - funny thing is, shop attendants in Maltese bookstores do not even know what books by the above mentioned authors consist of, so whether an adult is having a look at them or a child, doesn't matter. Should we close all bookshops? You know - just in case an underage person manages to get through to them!!

This country is pathetic!

Charles Alamango

Feb 21st 2010, 07:35

I am all against excessive censorship, but then let's imagine our local TV stations decide to start airing hard core pornography at any time they like, or decide to create a film of the magnificent 'Li Tkisser Sewwi' I'm sure all TV households with kids around would be locked up good and tight. I challenge any reader to read the sweet article "Li Tkisser Sewwi" to his children as a bed time story, or maybe read the article to your mother when she's in bed at hospital!! We all agree that there are limits and most of us have been through it all and are amused at these incidents but to expose innocent teenagers to filth and degrading articles is beyond belief.

Joseph W. Galea

Feb 21st 2010, 07:24

So then, because there is the internet, all hell should break loose and we should write and publish anything and everything, regardless.

Maybe we should also show pornography and other trash on all Malta TV stations, then we will be able to show the world how much we are, as they say, 'with it,' and how much we have progressed in the last 2 or so decades.

Maybe the ones who are protesting that they are not allowed to have a free for all, should channel their energy to much more important factors plagueing the country. Then they will be applauded, at the moment all they are is a nuisance.

In fact the media should ignore them and not further their agenda by giving then a platform.

Karl Farrugia

Feb 21st 2010, 06:20

@Marco Spiteri
My name is Karl, not Kurt....
Anyway, I won't have children until I am ready to have one, as I understand that it is a great responsibility. And it's a responsibility that one should take as a parent knowing all the hardships it brings with it. If I am at a stage that I need the government's assistance to ban "adult material" to ease my job, then I'm definitely not a stage to be ready to be a parent. It's not an easy job, and anyone going into it should know it beforehand. I feel that this might not be the case with yourself. I don't know you, so maybe it's just a wild guess from my side. But the group on Facebook seems to prove my point.
Besides, I know at least one of the admins of your group personally, and I am certain he does not have children. Maybe you should involve people who have children before speaking? You know, practice what you preach?

Christian Sciberras

Feb 21st 2010, 03:15

Karl Farrugia - Don't you think you're being plain selfish? Can't you see the expense on society for what YOU do?


George Sykes - So you think we'd have a healthier society if everyone thought "pornography" each watching someone of opposite sex? Because that's what you get teaching explicit material to children/teens. I'm pretty much sure the editor of Realta got himself informed before writing the story. Ask HIM whether he feels any more civilized with that knowledge.


Admittedly, I only read a part of the script, till I dismissed it as contextual rubbish; you get what you do, always.


Raymond Cachia - I'm sure that you wouldn't mind a couple in front of your door having intercourse. Freedom of expression, no?

Joe Xuereb

Feb 21st 2010, 02:32

Refusing divorce, for instance, is a form of censorship. And this is wrong. Divorce would be wrong if it were compulsory. But people ultimately have freedom of choice. They can stay married. And they need not force themselves to read anything they find offensive. How can I know if something is offensive? I hear people say. I have to read it to attack/disagree with it they say. In fact, they do not have to do anything. They must not get curious. They do not have to read 'filth'. In the same way they do not have to divorce their spouse. And certainly, they do not have to pay good money to see a play like Stitching. We've always got a choice. And practice of religion has to be private. After all no community is 100% anything. And even if it were, there are always differences between people of the same faith. So, just pray and shut up. Be at peace with those around you.
Using emotive language to make a point is futile. Example, the freedom to deny the Holocaust. There are laws in place against that kind of thing. And don't forget. Something good will last, censorship or not.

colin stanley

Feb 21st 2010, 00:57

@ Mr. George Sykes. and people who reason like you.,who think that Malta is like Bejing because most of us don't mind some sort of censorship,and you are glad that you have left the island, please do us a favour and come back,we can't live without people like you lot, I think our goverment will give you all a job, to tell him how to run the country.If some of you call this sort of rubbish ART. I hate to think what trash is.

Frans Attard

Feb 20th 2010, 23:41

And if you need a definition of Pornography, here is 'ONE' :
The word Pornography can be broken in two parts: "Pornea" meaning Filty, and "Grapha" meaning To Write. Therefore Pornography literally means "The Writing or Depicting of Filth" One can define Filth as Anything That is Unclean in God's Sight, or in other words "SIN".

Marco Spiteri

Feb 20th 2010, 23:11

@kurt farrugia

Don't speak before you have your own children my friend.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=255280441887&ref=ts

Roderick Micallef

Feb 20th 2010, 22:42

I am just amazed at how ridiculous certain people and situations are, what is the fuss about censorship? Whether we like it or not censorship has ceased to exist the moment any one has access to internet, so in Malta that was back in 1995.
It is pointless to keep debating something that really and truly no longer exists, this is just because on the biggest network the planet has ever seen any one can find anything. Whether it's offensive language, whether it's making a comedy out of any religious belief, pornography and much much more is available on internet 24hrs a day, 7days a week by any one having access.
Of course there will always be some kind of degree of censorship, like for example no one is allowed to swear in a law court actually not even in public, in some areas like for example churches a certain level of dress code has to be adhered to etc. etc.
But other levels of censorship are simply a result of stupidity and outdated laws which should be adjusted to reflect the reality we live in today. If any one is offended simply don't watch it, don't read it!

Karl Farrugia

Feb 20th 2010, 22:11

@Marco Spiteri
Quoting the Facebook group you posted:
"Let us not contribute to exposing our children to more obscenities and pornography"
Dear Mr. Spiteri, are you thus considering yourself such a bad parent, that you need a law to teach your children what is good and evil? If adult content is allowed, it would, of course, have an 18+ rating. It's then up to your parenting to teach your poor, fragile children that watching 18+ content when you're under 18 is not a good thing.
In the meantime, can the rest of us entertain ourselves the way we want? I'm not a child, I don't think my choices should be hindered to accommodate a bunch of incompetent parents. I believe I have the required intelligence, as an adult, to make a choice. I don't need the government's assistance, thank you very much.

Frans Attard

Feb 20th 2010, 22:10

Mr.Bondin and Mr.Camilleri, have you discussed the subject behind the closed doors of your homes with your respective families, before going public? If you did, what were the reactions of your dear ones? Are they going to be present during your protest?
I suggest to you that if you want to publish that rubbish you circulated at the university, without being punished, you can do that freely at your and your followers' homes amongst the members of your respective families and make sure to take the particulars of those who are going to participate in your protest so that you can mail them your future literature. Nobody will surely know what you would send to them.

Marc o Spiteri

Feb 20th 2010, 21:49

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=255280441887&ref=ts

Yes for censorship if it offends, Yes for censorship if it promotes porn as art and literature.

George Sykes

Feb 20th 2010, 20:37

Welcome to Beijing... i'm sure you all feel at home my Maltese friends. i thought Malta has progressed, but progressed in what exactly certainly still living in the dark ages as far as censorship laws are concerned. i am glad i don't live on the islands too many do's and don'ts for my liking. i'll will return when the Maltese authorities will pull their socks up and fall in line with the rest of us europeans, in the meantime keep taking the tablets and sip your daily cod liver oil (still remember from my earlydays at school in Malta in the early sixties when my old man was in the RAFs.

Robert Callus

Feb 20th 2010, 20:35

Even worse than the censorship itself are the criminal charges against the editor. And the hypocricy surrunding this issue:

http://robertcallus.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/censorship-vulgar-words-and-li-tkisser-sewwi/

V Battistino

Feb 20th 2010, 20:24

I keep on repeating this with every news item on this issue....the Realta article issue is not about cebsorship at all....it is about the responsibility of the editor who let this paper loose, free for all in a public place without any warning that it contains explicit material......now if this is correct, I invite anyone with the possibility of a media tool to repeat the reading of this article or the printing of it on their own programme ! or better still read this out during a lecture or maybe to his sons and daughters and wives and husbands...if they don't and I will agree with them its because they would be exercising their right to decide since they are warned of the material.....that is all...

now that we know that Realta can contain trash, we just need to exercise our right and not read it or else take a copy and enjoy it...but we are now warned.

Even XARABANK opted to censor the article.....it literally massacred the article because it used its discretion and knowledge of the article itself ...and opted to show tame parts of it.....and it exercised its right !

colin stanley

Feb 20th 2010, 20:23

@ G.Vella.if you don't like our religion, fair enough,it's your choise,but why is it people like you have to offend people, who want to believe in it,why don't you be a hero, and insult some other religion, according to you ,it's your right to say what you want. as long as it's not against immigrants, for example.!! as for Mr. Bondi, I don't blame him,that he is against censorship because for him it's good for his show, on television, maybe next week.

Karl Farrugia

Feb 20th 2010, 20:18

I stand in AWE at the magnitude of stupidity in this country. I cannot believe any sound person, with at least a primary level of education would compare freedom of expression against religions with the Holocaust.
Criticising a religion, and, why not, ridiculing it for its more-often-than-not nonsensical teachings is NOT equal to the massacre of millions. Are you offended if I ridicule your God? Well, that's your problem not mine to be honest (I believe Jesus used to hit back at his critics with well-put intelligent answers, not punishment). But are you seriously comparing the offense of your morals equal to gassing you for your religion/race/alignment?
So yes, ban censorship on largely harmless activities, like the arts, but the strong arm of the law should punish and prosecute any movement or creed that allows, or even suggests violence of any kind. You never know, they might ban Christianity and Islam for this reason...

Jason Borg

Feb 20th 2010, 19:36

What another protest?! Don't these people know that if they protest they will scare away investment and more jobs will be lost....... mamma mia!!! Ara jaqtaghha din l-editur ghax jahsbu riklam ghal dak ir-restaurant f'' Ta' Xbiex.

Mhux kummidja li tipprotesta skont il-GRTU.....kummidja meta tajt li ha tella hamsa u int tibqa l-art!!!

Chris Fenech

Feb 20th 2010, 19:21

@ vince a.azzopardi - nissuġġerilek taqra l-proposti tal-Front u l-liġijiet antikwati li l-Front qed jipproponi li jiġu aboliti jew mibdula. Dawn il-liġijiet jirrestrinġu u jheddu l-artisti b'multi jew ħabs, filwaqt li jippropagaw l-idea li l-arti hija velenuza.

Ma nistawx noqgħodu kwieti meta f'temp ta' sena kellna dawk l-inċidenti kollha, li kollha kienu jinvolvu artisti jew espressjoni simbolika. Ma nistgħux noqgħodu kwieti meta l-artist iħossu mhedded mill-istat meta l-arti hija waħda mill-affarijiet essenzjali għal kultura ta' pajjiz, u meta Malta qed tipprova tingħaqad ma pajjizi li azzjonijiet ta' ċensura bħal ma kellna hawn Malta iqisuhom bħala ksur tad-dritt tal-espressjoni li kull bniedem għandu jkollu.

Nhar l-Erbgħa insemmaw ir-rabja tagħna u nagħmlu pressjoni biex dawn il-liġijiet nawzeanti jiġu riveduti jew aboliti.

Raymond Cachia

Feb 20th 2010, 19:19

Those who write here against freedom of expression are actually regressing back into the times of the Dark Ages!

It is perfectly sound, in fact it is incumbent on the authorities to ensure a healthy exchange of ideas, that all ideologies, whether they be religious, political or cultural be put under the microscope, criticised and/or discussed openly, in order to safeguard freedom. This is the hallmark of Civilization. All other cultures that failed in this one regard all atrophied and failed to contribute much to human progress.

It is important to note that ideologies should not be confused with persons or people, therefore hate speech directed against a person or a group of people should be prohibited. In other word, I should be free to criticise what I see as shortcomings in a people's culture or religious belief, but not spew hate against the people themselves.

Ideas, Laws, Religions and Philosophies are human creations and should never be beyond criticism, for humans are their masters and not the other way around.

And please do not resort to 'ad hominen' tactics such as the one about Lou Bondi, he is as Maltese as the rest of us.

Andre` Schembri

Feb 20th 2010, 19:19

@vince a.azzopardi ... xi tridu jigri ikun hawn in-nies immorru bil-machine gun?

Robert Agius

Feb 20th 2010, 19:00

@vince a.azzopardi

They deserve respect just for doing something. We enjoy many of our liberties thanks to our forefathers BLOOD. If there is anyone who i downright DISRESPECT is ppl who just complain and do nothings but expect that good things will come their way (always at others peoples effort of course) If you don't agree with changes being made then just keep silent. Or better still, enlighten them with what is 'something better to do is'.

Matin Cassar

Feb 20th 2010, 18:55

In Today’s Times of Malta I have just read this news item:
Indian state confiscates 'blasphemous' textbook.

Authorities in a Christian-majority state in India's remote north east have confiscated all copies of a primary class textbook that carried pictures of Jesus Christ holding a can of beer and a cigarette.
Ampareen Lyngdoh, education minister of Meghalaya state, said she is "appalled" and condemns the portrayal of Christ in the textbook which is meant for young children.
Ms Lyngdoh said that the government has seized all copies of the textbook from schools and bookshops in Meghalaya.
The controversial textbook was published by a New Delhi-based publisher and was being used by a chain of privately run primary schools in Meghalaya. More than 70 per cent of Meghalaya's 2.32 million population are Christians
Please note:India’s population is equivalent to the population of both Europe and the USA altogether and probably India is also one of the oldest democracies in the world and soon (within maximum a decade or so be among great industrlized nations. Is there any thing wrong the above?
Between lines one could also understand that freedom of expressions and democracy neither western monopoly nor western’s invention.

ct busuttil

Feb 20th 2010, 18:54

I'm afraid you are misunderstanding the meaning of censorship. A couple of decades ago my generation resisted censorship by holding/attending public meetings at personal risk, since even whispering your own opinion was risky. You expressed your opinion in newspapers under the disguise of a nomedeplume; plurality in broadcastig did not exist; internet/computers were not available; TV was limited to half a dozen stations. This only some 25 years ago. That was deliberate CENSORSHIP, another word for control. You cannot possibly imply that we have this state of affairs. No, you are not free to lambust your literary taste upon the general public and your actions confirm the need for censorship. But I do admire your will to resist. Put it to good use.

George Pace

Feb 20th 2010, 18:46

.
@ those against censorship.

Try going to the hub of freedom of expression, Speakers' Corner, Hyde Park , London.

Try to speak out and insult the monarchy and/ or the queen.

See what happens, then tell us all about it.

.

Lou Bondi

Feb 20th 2010, 18:43

Re Joseph Schembri - Bondiplus was the only programme in Malta which a few years discussed the Islamic world's violent reaction against the Danish cartoonist who made fun of Mohammed. In that programme I took a position that the Islamic reaction was unacceptable in a European democracy and I openly supported the cartoonist. The former Chief Justice, and - even more ironically - a former judge at the European Court of Human Rights, Gogo Mifsud Bonnici, argued in favour of censoring the cartoonist.

Kevin Cassar

Feb 20th 2010, 18:35

To all who want to deny us even the FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT to protest I have only one thing to say - DEAL WITH IT. Like it or not it is happening. We may or may not get the results we shall be protesting for, but no one has the right to stop us from protesting. You would protest too if your rights were being denied.

vince a.azzopardi

Feb 20th 2010, 18:16

KEMM QIEGHDIN SEW HEHE, KULL MIN MA JAQBILX MA XI HAGA JAGHMEL MIEXJA TA PROTESTA. U HALLUNA . FIND SOMETHING BETTER TO DO

Christopher Grech

Feb 20th 2010, 17:58

It is better to have rubbish or immoral literature at times, then having censorship. In Malta we had that sort of thing with the Inquisition, and with the Knights of Malta. Even books where censored then.

Holding a public protest is NOT censorship, but the ultimate freedom that freeman can possess, unlike communists and nazist dictators.

If censorship seeks in, then from a little, it can seep in too much, and then from a country with certain freedoms, this freedom can be slip away from our fingers.

Better to have rubbish thrown at you, rather than freedom taken away.

The "rubbish" was directed at specific readers, whilst freedom is for everyone, never forget this important point.

K. Pullicino

Feb 20th 2010, 17:34

By the way, doesn't holding a protest against censorship make their arguments a bit, well... let's put it this way...

If, allegedly, there's censorship in the country, then they wouldn't be able to demonstrate, would they?

Joseph ( Joe) Grima

Feb 20th 2010, 17:28

Our problem as a nation, where free speech and freedom of experession are concerned, is tantamount to coming to terms with just one word out of an entire vocabulary. We need to face up to the exercising of tolerance. How far are we to tolerate free speech in a democracy before that democracy itself becomes threatened ? The question was put in Parliament many years ago by none other than Dr Mario Felice.That question has guided everything I have done ever since. Indeed, how far? The answer should be: As far as one possibly can. As broadcasters, addressing mass TV audiences, we have a duty to push the envelope of national tolerance as far as humanly possible, clashing unavoidably with straight-laced authority and naked power, permanently in support of a convenient status quo. If our democracy has been solidly built, it should be strong enough to withstand any onslaught. Hard, tough and offensive as free spech may sometimes be, it should never be considered as an onslaught on democracy. The opposite is true. Thwarting free spech and free expression is thwarting the very essence of the democratic process. Censorship, a living anachronism, does just that and shoudl be unceremoniously buried.

Franco Rizzo

Feb 20th 2010, 17:22

@ Joseph Schembri

Then by your reasoning, it is OK to issue fatwas on whoever criticises or pokes fun at Catholicism.

c.caruana

Feb 20th 2010, 17:16

will be there of course!!

C Zammit

Feb 20th 2010, 17:15

@Randolph Peresso

'Would you allow the publishing of a writing in favour of child pornography? or insulting one of the world's religions? or in favour of terrorism? '

- Who am I to allow it or not? If it is written and it is against the law, let the police handle it.

If it offends you, than don't read it.

But it doesn't mean it should be censored.

Joseph Schembri

Feb 20th 2010, 17:14

Spot on Lou Bondi. But now put your money where your mouth is and produce a programme that pokes fun at Islam and their Prophet. Let's see if you have the guts to do that.

If it is OK to make fun of the Crucifix - it should be OK to make fun of the Koran. But I find that people like you Mr. Bondi are just liberal only when it is safe to be so.

As much as I agree with you I cannot admire what you say.

Franco Rizzo

Feb 20th 2010, 17:08

@ Matthew Agius

I always knew the Board of Stage and Film Classification were the ones behind the ban of Issue 8 of Realta', that's why Mark mentions them...

...wait a second?

Aaron Attard

Feb 20th 2010, 17:06

Freedom of speech is not racism. Freedom of speech is giving the right for a person at expressing his thoughts with his means. Censorship keeps this right with a very strict limit, especially with subjects upon religious views. I definitly agree with the reform of it.

I would also like to point out that I accept the thoughts of others that dont, as it would be immoral at not doing so.

And please don't put hate speech within this contest. Saying what you belive in is experession and though this may not be what others would like to hear, it does not list itself as hate speech for defence.

Anthony Mizzi

Feb 20th 2010, 16:43

The way forward ffor Malta from the 19th into the 21st century.

-----------------------------

The radical of one century is the conservative of the next. The radical invents the views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them.

- Mark Twain

joe vella

Feb 20th 2010, 16:43

@ Lou Bondi I try to follow your logic, that we all have a right to protest for less censor. It seem to be a fair and simple conclusion the way you put it.
However Mr. Bondi as a person of influence, if you heard a person who in the past said: 'Canada is his second home', now he says: 'he is a European to the core!' Would you not say this person speak as it suit him? Do you consider this freedom or opportunity and manipulating for his own glory?
I myself prefer in part Iran with limited freedom of expression then European Freedom with its disgusting materialism,openness my foot, go on faceback and see how low this FREE Europe went to make mayhem of Jesus Christ to give as an example.

Karl Consiglio

Feb 20th 2010, 15:09

I'm looking forward to this.

J.Cuschieri

Feb 20th 2010, 15:03

@ M. Cassar

Seriously? Iran? I mean I understand trying to compare our laws with the USA or a prominent european country like France but IRAN where they can't even elect their own goverment anymore?

What you people can't seem to get through your head is that there is a difference between hate speech and free speech. I saw no one raising protest when we critisize the muslims for the way they treat women. Is that not within our right AND duty to do so ? No one said "no religion is off limits and we might offend their sensibilities". If something is wrong it is wrong no matter if its religion, politics or personal.

Matin Cassar

Feb 20th 2010, 14:58

@ Lou Bondi
‘People have a right to be protected, ideas, symbols and beliefs do not.’

Should such right of protection be unlimited?

Can I establish a business that print and sells stickers reads ‘I LOVE HITLER’ or ‘I AM A FASCIST’? Or a sticker read Can I have any of such stickers on my private car windscreen please?
I am European to the core and could never be counted as a Holocaust-denial-my question: would MEPA give me a permission to establish a Kebab outlet with business trade mark [Shoah]?. Such exercises are prohibited across Europe and are very much welcomed in Iran. Shall I take it Iran is a step forward were freedom of expressions is concerned?

paul mizzi

Feb 20th 2010, 14:53

@ C.Schembri

check this out mate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RJHZ-2uAs8

Edward Vella

Feb 20th 2010, 14:48

there should be no censorship, people are allowed to post what they want, if it is aimed to attack an individual then the poster will be then taken to court.

Dominic Fenech

Feb 20th 2010, 14:03

I never thought I would live to see the day that I would find myself in agreement with Lou Bondi. Then again, maybe it is he who agrees with me.

J Farrugia

Feb 20th 2010, 13:58

Ejja nwaqqfu din l-anarkija ta' erba li jahsbu li ghax ikunu vulgari u oxxeni jahsbu li jistghu jiddettaw lill-poplu malti kollu. Jiena se nkun hemm imma.........biex nipprotesta kontra taghhom, kif ghandhi dritt naghmel.

Andrew Sciberras

Feb 20th 2010, 13:53

Moroever, the European Court of Human Rights interprets Article 10 (Freedom of Expression) as follows (excerpt taken from the judgment Mueller & Others v. Switzerland):

" In this connection, the Court must reiterate that freedom of expression, as secured in paragraph 1 of Article 10 (art. 10-1), constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society, indeed one of the basic conditions for its progress and for the self fulfilment of the individual. Subject to paragraph 2 (art. 10-2), it is applicable not only to "information" or "ideas" that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb the State or any section of the population. Such are the demands of that pluralism, tolerance and broadmindedness without which there is no "democratic society"

Daniel Vella

Feb 20th 2010, 13:51

@adrian zahra

Probabli l-unika raguni li waslet ghandek huwa l-fatt li ghamlu ghageb daqsekk kbir fuq l-artiklu.

Jien naqbel li titnehha c-censura. Sakemm m'inti twegga' lil hadd fizikament, kulhadd ghandu d-dritt joffendi u jigi offiz.

Peter Korsten

Feb 20th 2010, 13:51

"Any body knows of a censorship-free country please?"

The Dutch constitution explicitly forbids censorship by the government. It also provides freedom of expression, "under the provision of everyone's responsibility to the law". This means that you can say anything you like, but you may be prosecuted as a result of that (which mostly happens when people make discriminatory remarks).

The Dutch constitution doesn't rank one freedom higher than the other. There's also freedom of religion, and this may clash with the freedom of expression. It's left to a judge to decide in each case.

Even though there is no absolute freedom of expression (which is what you're talking about), but that's not the same as censorship. Censorship means that the government decides that you can't express something for starters. For example, if the police decide they need to vet lyrics at a rock concert.

Now there is no official censorship in Malta like there is in communist countries, but it's a fact that freedom of expression is more repressed here than in some other EU countries.

Andrew Sciberras

Feb 20th 2010, 13:50

Here is an example of foreign legislation (source: The Racial and Religious Hatred Act of the United Kingdom - 2006):-

"A person who uses threatening words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred."

However...

"Nothing in this Part shall be read or given effect in a way which prohibits or restricts discussion, criticism or expressions of antipathy, dislike, ridicule, insult or abuse of particular religions or the beliefs or practices of their adherents, or of any other belief system or the beliefs or practices of its adherents, or proselytising or urging adherents of a different religion or belief system to cease practising their religion or belief system."

Randolph Peresso

Feb 20th 2010, 13:34

Would you allow the publishing of a writing in favour of child pornography? or insulting one of the world's religions? or in favour of terrorism?

If your answer is "NO", then you are not against censorship.

Matthew Agius

Feb 20th 2010, 13:31

Front Kontra c-Censura hijacked by MARK CAMILLERI.....

Pity I am not in favour of censorship the way it is being depicted, but I cannot feel at ease with this front, as it is being hijacked by Mr Camilleri and his case.

Randolph Peresso

Feb 20th 2010, 13:27

The price of freedom of religion, or of speech, or of the press, is that we must put up with a good deal of rubbish. - Robert Jackson

G. Vella

Feb 20th 2010, 13:21

sur vella, hate speech l ghan taghha hu li tincita mibgheda li tista twassal ghal vjolenza. thawwadx! li tikkrita, anka bmod umoristiku u artistiku, lil xi religjon jew istituzzjoni hija haga differenti, u pjuttost healthy ghal socjeta. hemm bahar jaqsam bejn sempliciment toffendi u tincita mibgheda kontra.

u sur zahra, qabel ma tkun tista tikkumenta, informa ruhek.. ittra? x'ittra hi?? meta ha titghallmu li kienet STORJA FITTIZJA?
l awtur xtaq jikteb dwar din il problema reali, u ghazel li jikteb bdak il mod. dak kollox.

Franco Rizzo

Feb 20th 2010, 13:15

Jekk daqshekk kontra din il-protesta, ghax ma taghmlux dimostrazzjoni favur ic-censura?

Eric Gahn

Feb 20th 2010, 13:15

@ adrian zahra, ernest vella, c schembri:

I READ (have you) Vella Gera's piece in Ir-Realta and while I did not like it, I did not find it offensive either for the simple reason that man like the one depicted in that story unfortunately exist. As do women. It was crude and rude but real.

What I do find offensive is people like yourselves crying and pining for censorship. What makes you afraid of free thought and speech? Eternal damnation? A flood? Censorship was/is the Roman Catholic's Church primary weapon together with fear. The Church (and most religions) stand against learning and scientific and social advancements.

C.ZARB

Feb 20th 2010, 13:13

You're right Mr Schembri. We were better off in the middle ages when morals where monitored by religion and state, where we?

Andre` Schembri

Feb 20th 2010, 13:08

@adrian zghara ..,.. l-ewwel haga dik mhux itra imma storja ... it-tieni xiggiefiri tigi int tindahal LILLI jekkx nistax naqra strorja bhal dik , anka kieku stess pornografika (li mijiex) u fiha id-daa fahxi int minn int biex tindahali jekkx huwiex accetabli li neccita ruhi bi stroja jew naqrax id-daa fahxi ? ...

@Ernest Vella ; hemm diffferenza bej toffendi persuna (billi tkun razzist) u toffendi ir-religjon tieghu u wisq iktar hemm differenza bej tkun religjuz u tkun fondamentalist tar-religjon ; ezempju kristu ma nahsiebx li jghidlek prova itfa in nies il-habs ghax jilbsu tieghie fil-karnival imma jghidlek ahfer lill proxmu tieghek ( mad dan kollhu nammetti li jiena mhux midhla tal-bibja) ... u infakrek li anka pappiet gew iccensurati fil-vatikan u malta bil-modd il-modd qed tispicca ticensura affarijiet iktar mill vatikan ghax biex taxxaqa ghandna l-isqfijiet li ma irridux jidrhu moderni ...

@c.schembri ... ehe vera hawn klikka ta nies qed jghamlu li irridu ; qed jimponu fuq ic-citadni l-ohra xjistaw jghamlu meta huma jghamlu l-ikbar oxxenitajiet bhal jiehdu officini ta organizazzjonijiet ohra fl-universita bmodd ingust.

Robert Agius

Feb 20th 2010, 13:04

part 2

However I am one who has faith in mankind and freedom. I think that censorship will only lead to more frustrations and reasons to push certain limits further. After all i would rather have an honest person speaking out his mind than just saying what one is allowed to. Its more Honest that way. Since we are talking about freedom of expression I will defend the anyone's right to speak his mind. The only form of censorship I would allow is the protection of those who are not adults. I am not going to comment of the text which caused a stir since I don't know the whole story (how it was distributed for example or what precautions were taken in making sure it does not come into hand of any minor). The point here is that the laws should be changed, and yes, I am in favor of such changes. The rest should be handled in a court depending on the case.

Matin Cassar

Feb 20th 2010, 13:00

‘The people should have the freedom to say something shocking and not be silenced.’
-----------------
Any body knows of a censorship-free country please? The USA.France,Iran ...where?

I sometimes fail to comprehend people’s appreciation of democracy and freedom of expression. Absolute democracy and absolute freedom of expression never existed anywhere in the world at any given point of time. All democracies have fangs (Laws) for self-protection and to protect the society. If anybody think otherwise then dwelling in illusion I am afraid!

Having said that may I ask why do we have laws that prohibit circulation of pornography materials? Can I choose to kill someone? Can some peoples choose to be treacherousness to their country?
Perhaps our comments too pass through timesofmalta.com’ editor for scrutiny and censorship if necessary. What’s wrong with this?

To all liberals favoring or permitting the unlimited freedom of actions and freedom of speech would you take the challenge to overtly criticize the Holocaust or dare to write few lines that may appears to others as Anti-Semitism? Personally I wouldn’t take such challenge not to end up behind bars! Laws exists every where including jungles. Wake up and smell the coffee!

joe Vella

Feb 20th 2010, 12:57

@Adrian Zahra, I salute
''SPOT ON''
I could not have worded better myself. It is a credit we still have people like you.

G.Schembri

Feb 20th 2010, 12:54

@ adrian zahra - Jekk din il-gazzetta giet f'idejk sinjal li fitixtha. Ghidli naqra kemm il-darba giet f''idejk din il gazzetta qabel inatat daqsekk popolarita fil-Media. Jien ilni xi sentejn naf biha u gieli qrajtha imma dejjem tlabt lil xi hadd biex jidubali koppja.

As an adult I do not want anyone to tell me what to read and what not to read. After all if you surf the net you will find worse things, We should protect our children, but there again more importantly we should teach them to use their heads and choose what is wrong and what is right. The more books you read the more the probability of meeting with such literature.

Lou Bondi

Feb 20th 2010, 12:54

Re Ernest Vella. The fact that you and many others do not understand the fundamental distinction between hate speech, like racism and sexism and speech which criticises, mocks or even attacks a religion is precisely why this protest is necessary. Whereas hate speech incites violence against persons, all speech, ideas and artistic expressions 'against' religion have a belief or a symbol as a target, not a person. People have a right to be protected, ideas, symbols and beliefs do not. If someone incites violence against a priest, or prevents him from saying mass, I would be the first in line to defend him. But the same priest has no right to seek protection against criticism or mockery of what he believes in or practices. Freedom, especially in art, is the bedrock of civilised living, the foundation of democratic existence and the very essence of what it means to be European.

Robert Agius

Feb 20th 2010, 12:53

I respect what people commented, however I want to give a piece of mind mind regarding the topic.

The more interesting issue to me would be why do people write such [horrible] stuff, or why would people read such [vulgar] in the 1st place (i put them in brackets cause i think that its always up to a persons discretion or taste).

This might seem out of context but I think it has the world to do with human behavior. I was living in Moscow about 2 yrs ago and i was shocked and sickened at the amount of flashy people (considering the many poor that struggle surviving in such climate). If you think about it however its not hard to comprehend. These were people who couldn't own anything under communism. Hence a beast was unleashed and now they feel that buying whatever they please gives them some sense of pride. Same goes with censorship, if people fear that there will be abuse, maybe it is just because of such repression. And maybe that might just happen.

cont.

K. Pullicino

Feb 20th 2010, 12:40

If we want order in this country we need to learn to respect each other's beliefs. Removing censorship just so that a couple of so-called "artists" can have their go at pompousness over everyone else is just asking for a lot of trouble. No one is stopping you from criticising the government, religion or any other establishment as evidenced by the multitudes of newspapers, tv programs and media present in the country. But, there is a limit to how you can do or say something.

Our country is being "hijacked" by foreign ideas which not only will they simply not work for our society but have totally failed in other countries. I implore everyone to keep a level-head and use some reason to see that in Malta we already have ample freedom of expression and any more constitutes unchecked liberties.

M.Brincat

Feb 20th 2010, 12:35

@ E. Vella

Religious processions and their hypnotic singing offend me. They're allowed.

Priests scaring children of the fires in hell offends me. That's what being taught in public schools.

Caps reversed backwards gangsta style offend me.

Never be scared of criticism and offense because the integrity (if any) of beliefs and principles is tested under siege.

H Zammit

Feb 20th 2010, 12:32

Some people think that they can write what they want, offend the morals of others on the basis of freedom of speech and yet shudder if someone writes in the same way on them or their relatives or their principles. Censorship is necessary to protect the citizens from such filth. I wonder how they dare call themselves artists and I thought university students had better things to do.

George Pace

Feb 20th 2010, 12:28

Spot on,Ernest Vella

typical of them...........they want to abolish censorship...........where it suits them.

they want to keep it ...............where it suits them.

they will fail.

.

adrian zahra

Feb 20th 2010, 12:19

qabel ma wiehed jkun jista jikkummenta fuq ic censura huwa mehtieg li wiehed jara dik l ittra l inkitbet fl universita ta malta. meta taqra tinduna l hammallagni li tezisti u allahares m hemmx ic censura. huwa vera li bniedem il fuq minn 18 il sena kapaci jaghzzel x jrid jaqra imma dik m hix xi haga li tista tigi ppubblikata lanqas. tal misthija lill minn ippubblika u qassamha biex jarawha. jien per ezempju qatt ma mort l universita pero xorta giet f idejha il publikazzjoni u bhall ma giet f idejja setghet giet f idejn minorenni wkoll. tal misthija. ic censura qeghda hemm u ghandha tibqa tezisti , insejna x jigifieri rispett lejn haddiehor.

Ernest Vella

Feb 20th 2010, 12:14

Insaqsi jien, jekk dawn qed jghidu li "they were against any form of hate speech, such as racism and sexism." kif umbat jittoleraw u jiddefendu lil min joffendi r-religjon ta' haddiehor...din mhux ukoll forma ta razzizmu u intolleranza lejn min jimxi fuq it-twemmin religjuz tieghu. Li tiddefendi min iwaqqa ghac-cajt lil Kristu, jew bi kliem oxxenn isemmi u jinsulta t-twemmin ta haddiehor, jew li jitkellem fuq abbuzz sesswali b'mod oxxenn...dan ghandu igi accettat u ddifendut?

Ic-censura f'pajjiz civilizzat hija bzonnjuza ghas-semplici fatt li jezistu nies bhal dawn, li waqr li jippriedkaw kontra r-razzizmu u favur l-ugwaljanza mil-banda l-ohra jaslu biex jinsultaw u joffendu it-twemmin religjuz ta' poplu bi kwalunkwe manjiera, u jinhbew wara l-ghajta tal-liberta...din mhix accetabli f'pajjiz hekk imsejjah modern u serju. Bl-iskuza li m'ahniex fil-medju evu jaslu jiddefendu affarijiet umbat fl-istess nifs jikkontradixxu lilhom infushom...Ma naqbilx li jitfghu nies il-habs imma lanqas naqbel li certu materjal jigi ppubblikat jew muri. Riforma fil-ligi iwa, li titnehha c-censura le.

C. Schembri

Feb 20th 2010, 12:09

Sirna pajjiz fejn kulhadd jahseb li jista jaghmel li jrid, kif irid, u fejn irid.

Another word for Total Freedom is Anarchy...