Emulating the giants of Lilliput

When Jonathan Swift wrote his infamous book, Gulliver's Travels, he was actually comparing his literary ideas to the political and social life in his own time. His greatest talent was managing to expose the wrongdoings of his government by creating extraordinary fables so simple people living in his time could understand better who was responsible for the harsh realities that were wrecking their livelihoods.

Presently in Malta we have more or less the same pathetic political situation. Many of our governments' parliamentarians seem to be just content warming their comfy parliamentary seat while positioning themselves literary as gods of Malta. And what does that make us then? Well, that makes us nothing more than a population of helpless elves who roam this tiny rock, day in day out. Alas, many are still trying to salvage this pitiable scenario from blowing out of proportion. However, the government is ignoring the dangerous factors threatening our delicate environment and now even our own health.

Today, we are clearly being shown that the people's well-being is considered as the biggest of all issues. The big, fat man may laugh, joke and even try to ridicule whatever comes out in the newspapers but what he cannot comprehend is that he is just a useful tool in his party's hands. The man is programmed well to keep them happy and in high spirits.

Things need to change and fast. Swift's fable shows us that even a community of tiny insignificant people managed to bring down a towering human being. However, Malta is what it is and cannot be compared to any other country inside or outside the EU. There are two big differences here. One is that our islands are roamed by more "giants" than one and, secondly, and this is the saddest part, instead of being commonly united, our community is politically divided.

The latest stunts in Parliament showed that, after so many years in power, the "giants of Lilliput" have mastered their astute plan, which they trust will keep them in power until the end of days. We have seen proof of this during recent parliamentary sittings when the public clearly watched a supposed no vote for the government. Even so, things were twisted in a way that suited once again all the king's men. Parliamentary gags such as these are just placing the word "democracy" in a very delicate position. And that is not all.

Because of such manoeuvres, the people of this country are now eyeing the party in power as purely unfit to govern in a democratic society. All they see now is a bunch of old political bullies and their acolytes trying to hold on to power at all costs.

The situation has now reached a very delicate stage. The people can take onto them so much but, ultimately, they will never endorse such irresponsible decisions that will affect their daily lives directly. Ultimately, we are one population and not two separate ones. Some really sad policies are being implemented right in front of our eyes. I'm not just referring to the high utility tariffs, or the higher prices of fuel or gas, or the ridiculous pile of money thrown at bus owners or into other dubious projects, but to the type of apathy by which this government is running roughshod over laws and over the people of this country.

The government's actions and decisions are driving this country dangerously through a risky tunnel where many jobs, opportunities and, now, even a number of EU funds are being put on the line. But as much as it seems that there is nothing left to do until the next general election, I say we can always continue to build up the pressure by shouting out the truth in the face of those trying to conveniently hide it. Today, we are already feeling the roughness of some heavy decisions, which will practically leave us financially breathless each passing month.

The truth is that, after a quarter of a century in power, these giants have managed to create a dynasty. The last thing this Administration wants to see is their precious monument being broken down to pieces and taken away from them. But if that were not enough, we are reading articles and letters by many government apologists who are only trying to justify the implementation of such laws and irresponsible decisions, which will hurt the ones who thought that this Administration valued the lifestyles of hundreds of Christian families. I honestly wonder what happened to all the pompous rhetoric uttered by Nationalist leaders about the sound morals and principles of the Christian Maltese family.

They now know that respect has been lost and has, sadly, been replaced by anger, pride, dirty vices and a plethora of illusive hopes and dreams.

So, dear government apologists, the good news about this article is that the author has no hidden political agenda whatsoever. I consider myself as the voice of truth and reason. I am not seeking applause, some national recognition or some fat bonus promotion. I only came in the name of truth, to reveal the nasty habits, the fat arrogance and the true lies which are pulling our beloved country deep down a hole of fiscal and cultural ruination.