Adrian Vassallo brands liberals 'pigs' and slams IVF
Dr Adrian Vassallo.
Labour MP Adrian Vassallo this evening hit out at the IVF Bill and branded liberals as 'pigs,' saying he was doing so because he had been described as a conservative 'dinosaur'.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr Vassallo confirmed that he would vote against the Bill on second reading, but would vote in favour of amendments which the Opposition would move.
Dr Vassallo said that many people thought that IVF was about using the egg of a woman and the seed of a man, mixing them up, implanting the embryo and, hey presto, a baby was born nine months later.
Alas, matters were not so simple. Few would argue about the end result, but the issue was about the means.
The process involved the implantation of several embryos with the hope that one would develop. This was not a natural process and in many cases, life which started in the dish or the test tube died.
Now much was being said about a new process - vitrification (the freezing of the woman's egg). However a report by US experts said that a more cautious tone was needed.
Ovary freezing was not some miracle which was always successful. Experts said that "the rush into vitrification has probably been immature."
Yet Malta wanted to introduce something which was still experimental.
Dr Vassallo said an issue which needed to be considered was age. The Bill did not establish the maximum age of a woman who sought IVF.
Furthermore, what would happen to frozen embryos if they could not be implanted, such as if the woman died? What say would the father have?
Could Malta have surrogate mothers?
UNMARRIED COUPLES
How was it that, through this legislation, Malta was to allow access to IVF for unmarried couples who were in a stable relationship?
Once there was divorce, those who wanted children could marry, and if they could not have children they could seek IVF. But to offer this process to unmarried couples when there was no obstacle to marriage did not make sense. Children born within marriage and a stable family had a stronger chance of a stable upbringing.
He feared, Dr Vassallo said, that such provisions in the Bill were an excuse for those who were gay to have children. He saw no other reason why unmarried couples could have a right to IVF.
The Labour MP insisted that this Bill did not protect embryos, despite what the government was saying. The way things were currently done in Malta showed that embryo freezing was already being done, when foreigners came to Malta for the purpose. One only needed to see how many twins were born on practically the same day.
Turning to risks, Dr Vassallo said that between 1990 and 2011 there were 196 births through IVF which were premature. Some were triplets, some were quads. 45 died. So where was respect for life? This was a haphazard operation.
Of the births, there was as a high percentage of children who suffered cerebral palsy, a high percentage who were born prematurely with lower IQ and a bigger risk of behavioural difficulties and ADHD. IVF babies had twice the normal chance of problems with language development.
A study in Japan showed that in twin pregnancies they had a 7.4% chance of cerebral palsy, impaired sight or congenital disease.
The risk of birth defects in the natural process was 5.8 per cent. In the IVF process it was 7.2 per cent and in vitrification it was 9.9 per cent. Malta, rightly, did not want embryo freezing. But then it was in favour of a system with higher risks. Was this ethically and morally acceptable to MPs? For him it wasn't.
Dr Vassallo said it was understandable that couples would do everything to have babies, but one had to see if the means were morally and ethically acceptable. To use such haphazard methods with a success rate of 30% while causing loss of life was unacceptable.
He had been called a dinosaur by the liberals because he was a conservative, someone who wanted to conserve what was right in society, Dr Vassallo said. The liberals did not believe in anything. It was case of anything goes, they had no respect for others or for themselves. If he was a dinosaur then the liberals were pigs. (At this point the Acting Speaker objected to people being described as pigs. Dr Vassallo said he had been described as a dinosaur and therefore he was describing others as pigs. The Acting Speaker said the term dinosaur was not used in the House)
Continuing, Dr Vassallo said the liberals were accepting what in the past was considered unethical and immoral. They did not want rules and wanted everyone to do what he liked without anyone shouldering responsibility to others and to God.
He could not put his name on a Bill such as this, but he would back amendments which the Opposition planned to move, especially because it was unacceptable that people seeking IVF had to seek authorisation before a Regulatory authority.
Dr Vassallo concluded by thanking Opposition leader Joseph Muscat for letting him express his views.
He said he would now await the insults of the pigs, with pride.
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178 Comments
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Alex Buds
Nov 13th 2012, 15:07
Even if I agreed with his message (which I do not), he would have lost me when he resorted to cheap insults.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 13th 2012, 12:16
DESPICABLE, beyond words, that we have supposed 'leaders' who use their position in Parliament to further divide the people! Disgusting, downright shamfeul. A country, a people divided even further, like never before and by this pezza ta' bniedem, who does this, to crown it all, in the name of God! Nothing can be worse than this! Nothing! Scraping the barrel. Fiha moralita' wkoll!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 14:15
It is silly to generalize and condemn all leaders as despicable simply because they cause divisions. The greatest, meekest and most enduring of leaders, Christ, predicted that his teaching would provoke divisions even within families but that did not stop him from teaching God's truth.
G. Cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 11:45
'Pig' and proud of it...after all freedom of speech (including freedom to ridicule and be ridiculed) is a liberal core value. I not sure if Dr Vassallo's camp can claim the same.
Let's not think too much of these comments; this was simply a rude, vengeful retaliation for what he perceived as on offence - rather than a self evident statement.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:35
The Roman Catholic Church has fought in many countries for human rights and freedom of speech. So please spare me any comments which try to depict Liberals as some sort of saviors. On the contrary; where conservatives fight for life, liberal fight for death. Where conservatives fight against vices, liberals fight in favor of people taking drugs!! Liberals in other words are nothing but anarchists!
G. Cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 13:22
Precisely what i meant,angry knee jerk reactions. If your argument was logical it would have been church hierarchy calling people in favour of IVF pigs.
It would be surprising for some that liberal, progressive minded people exist within most institutions including the church. If everyone within religious groups was in agreement with the orthodoxy, we would have been spared the enlightenment.
Peter Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 13:53
Proud to be a pig........honk, honk.
D Gatt
Nov 13th 2012, 11:40
After what he just said and ridiculed himself and the party, will he take the honourable way and resign and dis-associate himself from his former party?
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:07
Obviously since you disagree with him you want him to resign. Who cares that there are so many others that share his opinion!! Typical Liberal!!
Eddy Privitera
Nov 13th 2012, 17:50
D. Gatt: Adrian Vassallo has ridiculed only himself, not his party. Indeed, in GonziPN there are many more who agree with his views than in the PL !
m. borg (slm)
Nov 13th 2012, 11:16
".........to do what he liked without anyone shouldering responsibility to others and to God."
Dr Vassallo in your diatribe to show your rightiousness you have gone and made the big mistake of saying that liberals would not shoulder their responsabilities before GOD.
No one gets away with it before God, one might fool men but not GOD and that is were you are mistaken.
Franco Abela
Nov 13th 2012, 11:15
"This was not a natural process"
ALL MEDICATIONS AND ALL SURGERIES ARE NOT A NATURAL PROCESS! SO??
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:08
When something is for the good then yes it should be accepted and embraced. When something is for the bad, and indeed involves the systematic creation of life simply to terminate it then no, it is not acceptable and should be fought against!!
m. borg (slm)
Nov 13th 2012, 11:06
While Dr Vassallo is entitled to express his opinion I am surprised he has been so perturbed to the point of name calling, even thou he's been dubbed a dinosaur himself.
Dr Vassallo I would like to ask you , have you considered how many would be mothers would be ready to adaopt extra embryos that might be available.
Peter Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 13:51
They would not. Its not like being in a supermarket
Malicia Dabrowicz
Nov 13th 2012, 10:59
And one more thing to consider: not only the healthy people have the right to have offspring. And this is exactly what the whole ordeal is about. To you people with medical problems are lower class people, who should stand aside and watch. I thought that times of `undermensch` have passed. Have some respect for other human beings: be it gays, infertile couples, disabled. Why so much hate?
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 11:19
Because it is in man's nature to say - I'm OK so screw you jack. Especially amongst conservatives.
D Gatt
Nov 13th 2012, 11:28
Could not agree more.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:45
@Robert Agius
Indeed it is the other way round; LIBERALS never care about others; LIBERAL ONLY CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT NOW!! They do not care about the future, they do not care about others!! For example IVF ... they see only the rights of the couple that want a child but don't care about the rights of the unborn child.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:49
@Robert Agius
Conservatives on the other see the hardship of couples that cannot have children through the natural process, and ant to give them REAL OPTIONS, rather then one that forces them to select DEATH in order to have LIFE. They want REAL OPTIONS for EVERYONE so that someone who has faith will not have to go against his this in order to have a child!! That is REAL PROGRESS!!
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 15:41
Real option you yourself don't have to choose that is to say.....
To be honest, neither of most issues attacked by conservatives has any effect on me personally. Who is speaking for other here. Me? or you? Who is forcing YOU into anything. You have YOUR beliefs, you are FREE to stick to them. On the other hand, YOU are telling others what the 'real' options are(those that please you).
Malicia Dabrowicz
Nov 13th 2012, 10:52
You know folks, civilised society is where people are treated equal. And where those vulnerable are not described by a language of hate. Life writes many scenarios. people should be assisted to be able to make best choices for themselves. You don't agree with something fine, but do not deny the choice for somebody who longs for it, like having a child. Common sense!
Peter Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 10:45
Dr. Vassallo, I think you should heed the suggestions of some of the commentators below and retire peacefully. Let these so called Liberals wallow in their own environment. In the end Nature will overcome. It is the only unforgiving entity around.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 13th 2012, 10:24
Ryan Scicluna...Labour has always been a monolithic structure in the fashion of extreme socialist parties. There is no space for dissenters in their midst - remember Solzenitshin and other dissidents? Remember Boffa, how he was treated? Remember Mintoff being called Traditur? Enough said!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 13th 2012, 14:21
I also remember Franco Debono, JPO, Cyrus Engerer, etc etc. Political parties are all the same - whether made up of pigs or dinosaurs or a mix of both.
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 13th 2012, 10:20
Remarkable how no women have commented on the above. Perhaps, our fellow ladies are wiser
C Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 10:13
So, Adrian Vassallo is calling Joseph Muscat a liberal pig? As leader of the PL group does he have anything to say about it? I am interested in his thoughts on this. Maltastar did not report the speech.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 10:31
"Dr Vassallo concluded by thanking Opposition leader Joseph Muscat for letting him express his views." - I think that implies he does not consider him as so.
C Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 10:38
@aquilina
Lets use some logic here:
Joseph Muscat availed himself of IVF.
Adrian Vassallo considers those in favour of IVF as Liberal Pigs.
Ergo Joseph Muscat = Liberal Pig (* Dr. Vassallo's words not mine)
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:10
@C Agius
Ergo you are wrong. He considers liberals as pigs, not those in favor of IVF. He has his reservation on IVF and is against liberals who want this tool of potential good into a tool of murder.
Alfred Falzon
Nov 13th 2012, 10:13
Who are these so-called Liberals?
Those who clamour for same-sex marriage, free excess to marihuana, cocaine, etc to drug addicts, adoption of children by gay couples, etc?
They call themselves "humanists" or "progressives" but see red and call names those who cross their path or attempt to defend moral values without which humanity is reduced to worse than wild beasts!
Alfred A. Falzon
Luke Lanzon
Nov 13th 2012, 10:33
No us liberals believe that every human is equal and so should be treated with equal rights, on the other hand you conservatives think that only the chosen few have rights, and those rights are chosen by the guy you believe is up there.
E Schembri
Nov 13th 2012, 11:19
@ Luke Lanzon
On the other hand conservatives respect nature and its ways, defends the moral fiber of society which is the family made up of FATHER, MOTHER and CHILDREN.
We protect unborn children, and promote stable relationships within marriage to ensure the right of every child to be brought up in a natural family.
Conservatives truly fight for human rights!
Luke Lanzon
Nov 13th 2012, 12:11
@ E. Schembri
Nope those are not human rights!!! Those are rights according to your bible, and as I said, are only chosen by the guy you think controls us like puppets.
rosanna ellul
Nov 13th 2012, 09:54
These are the days of anything goes so long as I get what I want........Trying to be THE CREATOR is an evils man way........All the comments will not change the FACT that it is wrong and BABIES are being used as guinea pigs to fullfil the desires of people who have no concern for HUMAN LIFE.....
Stefan Vella
Nov 13th 2012, 09:24
I think his points are justified
Hossam Helwani
Nov 13th 2012, 09:24
This Review by Dr Vassallo is highly professional and very frightening. I believe he is right , we are rushing into the obscure without considering that nature has the last word. We know little and the consequences are huge. I agree with Dr Vassallo because all his arguments are more than real. It is highly imprudent for parliament when most of them are inept to legislate such a complex law.
Mr l Azzopardi
Nov 13th 2012, 10:18
if you are not aware of international medical studies its not our fault Hossam!
Hossam Helwani
Nov 13th 2012, 10:51
mr i azzopardi
I am aware of international medical studies and I am also aware of their shortcomings. I am aware also that your comment is highly imprudent.
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 11:22
As you are aware of you personal convictions Hossam Helwani.
Mr l Azzopardi
Nov 13th 2012, 12:23
I would so love to reach the level of intensity and competence you have reached on this topic... but then again you are also an expert on social security, MEPs, Mintoff, Joseph Muscat, housing, the PN and hurricane sandy!!
Sure you are not out of your depth here Sir?
Antoine Zammit
Nov 13th 2012, 09:09
Why creating this hassle and panic now? You said you won't be contesting, and neither party I believe would allow you contest!!
So isn't this attention and glory seeking?? Retire in peace and leave us in peace! Or is the limelight you are after!
J Farrugia
Nov 13th 2012, 08:56
What's with Politicians and opinions, they are not there to give us their opinions, they are there to implement what the public demand. First we have the Pm talking about their own concious during the divorce debate now we have a LP minister calling people pigs.
Clearly we need to stand up as voters and tell the whole lot to get stuffed in the next election.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 09:16
Clearly you missed out what politics and political parties are all about!! Why do you think we call them "Socialists", "Nationalists", or "Liberals" ... come one take a wild guess ... oh can't manage?? ... let me help you ... BECAUSE THEY ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT SHARE THE SAME OPINION ON HOW THE COUNTRY SHOULD BE MANAGED!! To say "They are not there to give us their opinion" is nonsense!!
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 11:13
@ Joseph Aquilina,
And having said. Having only two major parties should be ample evidence of the intellectual poverty the island is infected with. Not to mention the charade of 'democracy'. It's but a huge marketing campaign. now tell me, where to morals lie in marketing campaigns?
Answer: $
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:15
@Robert Agius
The United States has a defacto two party system as well, and they are considered as the best democracy; the reason is very simple; it is not the quantity of parties, but how the different organ of the states work together.
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 15:45
HAAHAHAHAHAAH... U.S..... best democracy?!?!?! ahahahahahah. Best to shove democracy down other nations throats by a few elite you mean.
matthew tanti
Nov 13th 2012, 08:35
dinosaurs are extinct, pigs are not.... i prefer being a pig.
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 09:11
That's your choice but you cannot deny Dr. Vassallo his choice
matthew tanti
Nov 13th 2012, 10:01
jaghmel hu
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 13th 2012, 08:29
MPs are elected by the people and have every right, indeed it's their duty to express their opinion in the House. They don't need the permission of their leader. This principle applies in all parties with democratic credentials.The fact that Dr Vassallo had to obtain the permission of his leader speaks volumes and should be kept in mind when people come to cast their vote in the coming elections.
Steve Abela
Nov 13th 2012, 08:51
The problem with Dr Vassallo is as you said above he was elected by the people so he must see what is the need of the people who elected him not bringing his believes before the needs of the people he represent.
Ryan Scicluna
Nov 13th 2012, 08:59
Better ask permission then become a renegade wild card which divided a party. He only asked permission. He was not asked to agree with the party at all costs. Maybe you should think about that before casting your vote.
E Schembri
Nov 13th 2012, 11:40
@Steve Abela.
You are wrong, it is the other way round.
He has his OWN PERSONAL principals and beliefs and was elected by the people to promote them.
If the people don't agree with him, DON'T elect him.
But you cannot expect to elect someone to do as the 2000 people who elected him want as that would mean 2000 different opinions.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 13th 2012, 14:25
Briffa: please read properly. Vassallo 'asked' for permission - he did not have to obtain permission. There is a huge difference there. So stop spinning please or learn to read properly.
Valerie Calleja
Nov 13th 2012, 08:27
I agree absolutely with Mr Vassallo,I knew nothing about him or his politics. However his stand on ethics regarding IVFis very clear. The only politician who has had the courage to voice his opinion regardless of whether this will lose him votes. A man of principle, a man after my own heart.I know who will get my vote.
John Borg
Nov 13th 2012, 09:14
Agreed
Joe Fenech
Nov 13th 2012, 08:26
Adrian Vassallo, before stating that IVF is wrong,ask yourself "what the hell is wrong with me?"
Joseph John Camilleri
Nov 13th 2012, 09:54
Yes what the hell is wrong with US all. When we want to play God everything turns in its head. That's the trouble with the world today. Everybody wants to talk about rights, be it divorce, cohabitation, gays same sex marriage etc and we forget Gods plans in his creation. What God said 2000 or more years ago is still valid today because He is yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Joe Fenech
Nov 13th 2012, 23:08
So God - that almighty force - was around 2000 years ago? Interesting!
What does IVF have to do with gay marriage? So, when you have a tooth problem, do you just leave it be so you don't play with nature??????
D Gatt
Nov 13th 2012, 08:02
A main point to contend for conservatives is that what was working or maybe working before does not necessarily guarantee that it is the right option going forward. It is also important to note that when one is at such a level as to be a public servant one has to abstain from playground behaviour (name calling is one of them).
scott brown
Nov 13th 2012, 07:44
people guided by true christian values should be very cautious when casting their vote in the next election. frequent comments of ridicule by MLP leaders whenever spiritual leaders or a political person speaks in favour of our values should light a warning red light of things to come. unfortunately the great MLP liberal and progressinve moviment has no place for practicing catholics.
Brian Gatt
Nov 13th 2012, 09:06
PL's basis are Christian, however being a Democratic Political Party it accepts the fact that there are other people with different creeds, religions and even sexual orientations. In Malta the community has changed. Not everyone is Catholic and married. PL simply accepted that fact and is acting accordingly. PL looks at Diversity as a positive treat in the community
John Scerri
Nov 13th 2012, 07:36
IVF is being practiced in private clinics [ at a cost ] in Malta for at least 15 years yet there is nothing regulating the procedure.
The scope of the IVF bill is to regulate such procedures as well as introduce systems where IVF may be practiced in govt hospitals as another scheme offered within our public health care .
Why such opposition ? LIVE AND LET LIVE .
Alex Falzon
Nov 13th 2012, 07:34
Although I support the PN - I fully agree with Dr Vassallo on both IVF & Divorce ... I am against them fully ... our society will have repercussions in the years to come!!
m. borg (slm)
Nov 13th 2012, 11:09
I thought with the divorce the repercussions were immediate as you holier-than-thou people wanted us to believe, now it is ".... in the years to come"?
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 12:18
@m. borg (slm)
Go to any country that implemented free-for-all divorce and you'll see the repercussions. We had a chance to implement something good and thanks to lejber we finished implementing the same mediocrity that you find in the rest of the world!!
J Micallef
Nov 13th 2012, 07:31
There you go...political cockiness at its best.
The perfect "I know what's good for you so shut up" attitude that continues to alienate the electorate.
Well done to the voters who put their trust in Dr Vassallo...I won't dare let you choose the tiles for my bathroom!!!
Dan kollu forsi ghax tarawh "tabib tajjeb"? jew "tal kuxjenza"? Issa qed taraw kif inhu minn gewwa...u mhux ahmar...
Joseph M. Grech.
Nov 13th 2012, 07:28
As usual the messenger is attacked but not his message.
Please everyone instead of hurling insults all over the place why don't you try to counter his arguments with something that makes sense. It's useless trying to enforce what you say because that is how you see things in your persisting ignorance of the subject. So please LLD and others let's make some sense.
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Nov 13th 2012, 07:01
Do we have these cobwebs still in our much decayed House of Representatives ?
jason cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 07:15
hehe ghalhekk qatt ma gejt elett int sur Emy !!
Adrian Buckle
Nov 13th 2012, 06:55
"I am a liberal pig. "
I want to wear it on my T-shirt.
J Micallef
Nov 13th 2012, 07:27
Like!
Karl Consiglio
Nov 13th 2012, 15:04
I'm having it tattooed on my chest.
Tim Vella
Nov 13th 2012, 06:54
I think Dr. Vassallo was better suited with the PN... hand in hand with Tonio Borg.
Better still, he would have made an ideal priest/monk.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 06:16
Vituperation is acceptable only in one direction only, by the irreligious, by the humanists, the secularists against any trace of religious morality in others but not as a provoked reaction against the prevalent oppression intolerance and discrimination in the opposite direction.
Brian Gatt
Nov 13th 2012, 09:13
So now you are branding people Dr Saliba...what next call back the Spanish Inquisition. I am personally against meddling with the nature however who am I to judge or impose on others who want or actually need to.
I cannot in clear conscience (even though like I said I am against meddling with nature) think that anyone should interfere with the chances of a couple to have Children.
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 13th 2012, 10:19
"NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... Our *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... Our *four*...no... *Amongst* our weapons.... Amongst our weaponry..." courtesy Monty Python
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 10:42
@BrianGatt
Stop twisting my written comment. I am not branding anybody. My comment is against hurling insults and branding by anybody, not selectively only in one direction. I do not ask you, nor do I ask anybody else, to judge or to impose on others. Again, it is you, not I, who are dragging in the Spanish Inquisition. Could you make the effort to be relevant and correct, please?
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 11:37
An 'auto da fé' against heretics and apostates (a.k.a. irreligious, humanists and secularists.)
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 14:23
@RobertAgius.
May I remind you, please, since you appear to be in a confusional state?
In this case the simulated auto de fe is being carried out by those take pride in being without "the faith" and actually by the prideful "irreligious, humanists and secularists"
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 15:49
Nope, you and your kind are free to take all the decisions, or lack thereof, you want. As far as I'm concerned, you may even burn the heretics within your own circle, as long as it leaves those who don't want to have anything to do with certain institutions in peace.
Robert Agius
Nov 13th 2012, 05:36
You know what kills Dr. Vassallo, Stress, I don't see any of you pigs (read Politicians) working hard to ease any of it for the common tax payer. You know what also kills - Pollution. Again, the miserable performance and record both parties have is appalling. So, You object to a less than 2% defect rate through IVF, so how about NO births at all since we live in an overpopulated nation? Save 5%..
C. Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 05:25
Everybody seems to want to have their say it seems except for infertile couples.... I haven't heard a word from that area...
Joseph Zammit
Nov 13th 2012, 05:23
It was far better if Dr Vasallo to limit himself to explain why he opted for his position. We accept different opinions but we dont accept insults. We dont need people like Dr Vasallo leading us in this country. Well done to Joseph Muscat that allowed him to give his point of view so that we know which candidates we have to choose in the next general election...
Alex Buds
Nov 13th 2012, 02:11
Manners make the man. Politicians are a dime a dozen, but evidently statesmen are in short supply...
James Catania
Nov 13th 2012, 01:30
"He feared, Dr Vassallo said, that such provisions in the Bill were an excuse for those who were gay to have children. He saw no other reason why unmarried couples could have a right to IVF."
What about people, who couldn't get married because of more than one reason (brining in divorce does not mean one can get married no matter what). This is a stupid comment and a homophobic one at that.
Joe Grech
Nov 13th 2012, 00:16
There's a LOT of sense in what this M.P. declares. Pity that the so called ''liberals'', intent only on pressing forward their own personal agenda, do not, or rather WILL NOT appreciate the reasoning behind this speech by Adrian Vassallo M.P.
But then I am not surprised as Malta is going to the dogs socially and morally.
Karl Consiglio
Nov 13th 2012, 00:12
If I was Lou Bondi I would definately invite this guy on my show.
Karl Consiglio
Nov 13th 2012, 00:11
Is this the same guy who was against Porn TV available in hotels when there is internet anyway?
Hossam Helwani
Nov 13th 2012, 09:28
what is the big deal with porn? it is policies with real vision that is needed not porn! I am sure that you are not going to wait for porn legislation. What a waste of time commenting to such ridiculous and absurd contributions!
Karl Consiglio
Nov 13th 2012, 14:16
Simple yes or no answer please
Andy Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 23:38
Personally I would never use a term which refers to any animal to describe liberals ....it is unfair on any animal.......I would simply INVITE LIBERALS to CONTINUE to wallow in the MUCK and MIRE of their INIQUITY.........I believe it is more tactful, diplomatic and sensitive ( to animals, that is,) .
David Caruana
Nov 13th 2012, 07:58
At least pigs are still with us and very much needed for nutrition .
Dinosaurs, on the other hand, are extinct - a thing of the past. The same will be said for the conservatives in a couple of generations.
Us pigs will make sure that social conservatism gets its place in the history books, sooner rather than later.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 08:46
@David Caruana.
You "pigs" (as per your admission only) should not waste time insulting opponents as "dinosaurs", provoking a retaliatory "pigs". Better to devote your time to the failed attempt to consign "social conservatism" (meaning Christian morality) to the history books because after two millennia there is no sign of the campaign succeeding. What results is Christ's promise of permanence.
Mr.W Cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 09:14
Wouldn't your time be better suited to the perusal of proof that there is a god? Francis
Since there is still is no proof he exists.
Hossam Helwani
Nov 13th 2012, 09:34
@ david caruana
pigs will always be pigs and I think morality is much needed in a society like ours where an eerie new breed of society is looming. Society without values takes our lives back to the dark ages where no one is safe. It is important to respect human dignity. Pigs will never be any better even if they wear perfumes and it is imperative we live the life of humanity than pigs.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 10:50
@WCassar.
I am completely satisfied through my faith and my reasoning powers that God exists. I do not need more proof and therefore I do not need to follow your gratuitous and irrelevant advice. My wisdom is different from your "wisdom" and I do not intend to exchange it with yours.
David Caruana
Nov 13th 2012, 10:54
Dottore, I was referring to social conservatism, why are you putting Christianity in the middle of this?
I know of many Christians who agree with same-sex marriage and who believe that life does not begin at conception.
You might call them 'bad Christians', but then again, who are you to say that you are not the bad one after all?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 14:32
@David Caruana.
I did not call anyone "bad Christian" so why the malicious insinuation that I might call them so?
Joseph Fenech
Nov 12th 2012, 23:27
WELL SAID AND DONE DR. VASSALLO . TRUE PRACTISING CATHOLICS SHOULD STAND UP AND BE COUNTED AND VOTE ONLY TO THOSE CANDIDATES WHO UPHOLD OUR CATHOLIC PRINCIPLES. A PITY THAT DR. VASSALLO HAS DECIDED NOT TO CONTEST THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION.
Bernard Mallia
Nov 12th 2012, 23:21
Here you go ... mine goes first, even though it is not the expected insult, as taking your your IQ levels into consideration it should be more of a compliment: you are a bigot and an imbecile; an unquestioning lecca cul* of the Vatican and an outright moron.
Fortunately the time when you will be consigned to the dustbin of history - just where you belong - is just around the corner.
Mr.W Cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 07:44
100% agree...
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 08:55
If "ad hominem" insults could ever replace logical arguments then it would be possible to "100% agree" with Bernard Mallia. But insults do not persuade any intelligent human being who actually uses his brain rather than crude base emotional outbursts.
Raphael Dingli
Nov 12th 2012, 23:20
He had been described as a conservative 'dinosaur'. His statements in the above story prove the accusation - I would only add that the dinoosaur head is firmly buried in the sand................
D Fava
Nov 12th 2012, 23:06
Insulted? Hardly. I don't take insults from idiots anyway. Of course Dr Vassallo is entitled to his opinion, and I accept that, although I disagree with every argument he makes.
Henry S Pace
Nov 12th 2012, 23:03
Well said Hon Vassallo.
No one can compromise with God.
The country is in the doldrums.
J Micallef
Nov 13th 2012, 07:34
Henry S Pace, please note your God is a different one from mine.
Matthew Grima
Nov 13th 2012, 09:33
God is an unknown entity that has no place in our state issues.
If you're so against what seems unnatural... stop using medicine and do not seek medical help when under the weather.
anthony brincat
Nov 12th 2012, 22:41
kulhadd irid jindahal xihnu hazin li kopja lima jistax ikolla tfal tuza ivf biex ikolla kulhadd jinqieda b alla imbierek il lejl it tajjeb lil kuldadd tuba
John Cassar
Nov 12th 2012, 22:32
Pigs represent a living evolution of life, dinosaurs died millions of years ago.
Suggest that if Dr Borg does not make it to the EU, Dr Vassallo could be a worthy runner up (sic!)
Ethelbert Schembri
Nov 12th 2012, 22:32
Oink Oink !!
Anthony Grech
Nov 12th 2012, 22:29
I for one do not agree with the Hon. Vassalo views. But he has every right to speak his mind and his heart. If his conscience dictates so than let him speaks up.
Remember 'Zmien is-sarima ilu aktar minn hamsin sena li ghadda u mar.'
Francis Attard
Nov 12th 2012, 22:29
That's what I call, a man of principle. Liberals are destroying humanity.
P Borg
Nov 12th 2012, 22:20
Labels aside, I think he has made very valid points, particularly the one about marriage (the same thought had crossed my mind when the details started emerging). A child should be born in an environment of commitment. A wedlock is no guarantee, but it is a strong sign of commitment. On the other hand, a couple that is not willing to marry is not exactly sending a message of total commitment.
Paul Ellul
Nov 12th 2012, 22:17
Dr. Vassallo. Freedom of speech promotes tolerance to accept the other persons's opinion/s. It certainly does not mean that one should have to resort to 'name calling'.
The term dinosaur is a reference to one being extinct, out of date, old. The term pig is a reference to one being filthy, unclean, unhygienic, without values, etc
do you have be condo sending in your reply? Of course not.
Mark A. Sammut
Nov 12th 2012, 22:15
What is really interesting is that the PN, which should be DemoChristian, is being attacked for not being Christian anymore.
Ultimately, the implication of Dr Vassallo's words is that the PN has become post-Christian.
PN supporters should take note of the fact that the PN is being accused of no longer embracing Christian values.
laurent caruana
Nov 12th 2012, 22:10
Oink oink!!! get a grip Mr.Vassallo we do not live in a world of your own
M Grima
Nov 12th 2012, 22:08
I am totally fed-up with politicians in this country claiming to know the mind of an imaginary creator of the universe and then forcing their mind-reading fantasies on the rest of us. Also, why on earth isn't he in the PN? He's virtually Tonio Borg's clone.
jm busuttil
Nov 12th 2012, 22:07
Franco is not running for election on party orders, Jesmond and Jeffrey will not be contesting the next general election all spoke a lot against their party and the PN is being accused of being divided.
Adrian Vassallo is not running for election and is doing the same to his party like the above does this mean that the PL is divided.
I suppose so like with like.
Mr Joe Borg
Nov 12th 2012, 22:05
I'm a 21 year old DINOSAUR. AND PROUD.
Joe Xuereb
Nov 12th 2012, 22:01
Yes, and pigs might fly over Iran where birds fly freely, until this man sees them.
Afterthought. Butter would not melt in this man's mouth with its honeyed, dulcet tones. Like not!
Alfred Cassar
Nov 12th 2012, 21:44
Some people pretend that they have all the right to speak their opinion as openly as possible, but then they do not give the same right to others, including Dr Vassallo to do the same.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 22:22
To speak your opinion, is a right. But for a member of parliament to insult Maltese citizens ... is quite another thing. It is disgusting, despicable and downright scandalous! There is no difference between Pn and Pl in the shameless way they harbour zealots within them!
Kenneth Cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 07:09
It is always funny when someone complains that others do not give a person the right to speak...beneath a whole article that does just that.
Matthew Grima
Nov 13th 2012, 09:32
Everyone is able to speak their opinion. Everyone is also able to criticize and ridicule certain opinion. What's wrong with that?
Robert Cassar
Nov 12th 2012, 21:38
Such a nice person....
Lawrence Attard
Nov 12th 2012, 21:37
Naqbel ma hafna mill punti validi li qajjiemt Onor. Vassallo. Hasra li ma hawnx aktar MPS li jitkellmu bmod car u tond dak li jehmnu. F pajjizna sar hawn hafna nies jew taghdi taghhom jew jajghruk. Anki jekk mhux dejjem naqbel ma dak li tghid.Naghmira l fatt li fejn tahseb li l affarijiet immoru kontra twemmienek lest li tohrog ghonqok. Hasra li mhux rega hiereg ghal politika.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 22:24
Iva? Taqbel ukoll mal-fatt li jghajjar lil Maltin hutu 'hniezer'? Eh? Tapprovah dan il-kliem? X'fih 'onorevoli' dan il-pezza ta' bniedem? Tahseb int li qed jimpressjona lil xi hadd jew lil Alla li halqu li qed jghajjar lil hutu bnedmin 'hniezer'?
Mr l Azzopardi
Nov 12th 2012, 21:28
U are a shame to science and medical studies and years of painstaking work by your fellow colleagues. Only to be binned and thrashed and sent back thirty years by this gentleman.
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 05:55
Why a shame? Why can't you accept clear natural thinking? Why does it hurt you? Is the world getting better results with liberalism? All we see is mayhem all around us, everywhere we look.
M Sciberras
Nov 12th 2012, 21:27
I am proud to be a PIG. PROUD.
Bernard Pollacco
Nov 12th 2012, 21:25
i don't agree with the comments below !! he has a right to state his opinion ! if its out dated or not why tell him to resign on something HE believes is right ? isn't that what makes malta a democratic country at the end of the day !
Franco Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 22:26
Does he also have a right, as a member of parliament, to call fellow Maltese citizens 'pigs'? Don't you think it is donwright shameful? Or just because you feel you are not one of the 'pigs', it's ok? Is that the extent of your decency?
I don't think that Vassallo is in any way showing love for democracy, because in calling 'pigs' those who do not agree with him, he is trying to shut ppl up.
Bernard Pollacco
Nov 13th 2012, 21:20
@franco
fair point, however it does not mean he can't speak his mind...
Franco Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 21:25
'Pigs'? Vassallo, it takes one to know another! Remember that!
John Grima
Nov 12th 2012, 23:02
likewise it takes one dinosaur to know another
Mark Anthony Fenech
Nov 12th 2012, 21:21
Porcine and proud! :D
Jesmond Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 23:30
Aren't you a dinosaur?
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 05:57
That's your problem
Joseph Apap
Nov 12th 2012, 21:20
Well said
One must believe in principles
Malcolm Seychell
Nov 12th 2012, 21:17
I do not agree with his views. However he has every right to say what he wants. Calling liberal pigs is actually an insult to pigs.
Jo Meli
Nov 12th 2012, 23:47
Oink Oink !
Peter Bonnici
Nov 13th 2012, 00:17
And of course, you fail to see the contradiction?
Robert Callus
Nov 12th 2012, 21:17
Pig I can live with. But not without morality like Dr Vassallo is saying. I consider myself liberal but that doesn't mean I have no morality and anything goes. Far from that. For instance amongst many things I consider immoral is hunting. I believe it should be illegal and wouldn't dream of shooting a bird for a million Euros.
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 05:58
Don't stray from the subject: what is your opinion on IVF?
Joseph Borg
Nov 12th 2012, 21:15
Mur gib dawn il ligijiet fis sittinijiet meta kien hemm iz zijju ta Gonzi ara x'kaos kien ikun hawn fil pajjiz kontra il partit laburista ta dak iz zmien. Fejn jidhlu il voti addio il moralita u Alla. Il partit nazzjonalista ma nafx kemm ghandu jibqa jghid li hu partit demokratiku Kristjan meta il valuri Kristjani ghebu mill ideat tieghu. Issa IVF wara l-abort u l-knisja tibqa cassa u halqa maluq
M Borg
Nov 12th 2012, 21:14
Well said. What is being proposed goes against nature.
It takes a real man to speak like this .
G G Debono
Nov 12th 2012, 21:51
OK so treament of meningitis with antibiotics goes against nature too ?
Just let them die - ----- and just let childless couples remain childless and long for children till thir dying day.
All this for out-dated "principles" based on religion or backward thinking.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 13th 2012, 00:04
So is flying in an aeorplane against nature. If God wanted us to fly, he, she or it would have given us wings. Is that not your submission?
Kenneth Cassar
Nov 13th 2012, 07:05
All medicine is "against nature".
Matthew Grima
Nov 13th 2012, 09:30
Please refrain from using reason to correct M Borg. It's useless :)
Karl Consiglio
Nov 13th 2012, 14:57
You cannot go against nature, because when you do, go against nature, that's part of nature too.
David Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 21:13
a man in the twilight of his career as a politician. no need to heed anymore.
funny he studied and practices medicine. his predecessors (scientists) we persecuted to the death by people (inquisitors) who reasoned just like him.
Malicia Dabrowicz
Nov 12th 2012, 21:07
Adrian Vasallo, give up your seat. You have disgraced yourself enough. You have no tact and honour to represent anybody. People here want to live in a normal way. Imagine, normal civilised way!
Jesmond Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 22:19
Miss Dabrowicz:
May I remind you that the Hon Dr Vassallo is acting within the law by expressing his disgust in parliament, at the disparaging comments made by Cecilia WIKSTRÖM in the name of the Alliance of Liberals & Democrats for Europe and the Swedish Folkpartiet liberalerna on national television in Sweden.
Jesmond Farrugia
Nov 12th 2012, 22:21
....As a seasoned advocate of abortion, WIKSTRÖM will have been well aware that abortion is a criminal offence here, punishable under all circumstances.
John Grima
Nov 12th 2012, 22:58
If you want to live in a normal way then have babies in the normal way not by using IVF
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 06:03
What's normal civilised way to you, this mayhem that you call modern liberal society, that is incapable to shoulder responsibility and thus succumbs to escapism: how sustainable is this mayhem?
carlos ellul
Nov 12th 2012, 21:06
I hope that the PL will show him the door now.
jesmond zammit
Nov 12th 2012, 21:43
f moviment l ideat jista jkunu ma jaqblux radikalment imma l ghan ikun wiehed.
Mr Evan Camilleri
Nov 12th 2012, 22:11
I hope not! Just like the PN needs to accept liberals, the MLP must embrace conservatives! Then we will truly build an inclusive society!
Or an inclusive society is one which is monopolistic by liberals and their ideas?
S. Vella
Nov 12th 2012, 23:23
@Jesmond Zammit
This is not a movement but a political party. You can't have the PL calling itself Progressivi, moderati u liberali in one breath and a Labour MP branding the PL itself as 'hniezer'.
This is ludicrous beyond belief.
Jesmond Farrugia
Nov 13th 2012, 07:58
Well said Evan.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 13th 2012, 10:23
@Mr Evan Camilleri
Lejber and the word "embrace" never went hand in hand!!
roberto bordino
Nov 12th 2012, 21:05
dinosaur? this an insult to dinosaurs. they had more inteligence! This a very sad article
Mario P. Sciberras
Nov 12th 2012, 21:05
My God.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 12th 2012, 21:01
I am glad to be one of the 'pigs'. At least I do not beong to a species of animal that is extinct. No doubt and nothwithstabding his use of such language, this man thinks he is a Christian.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 12th 2012, 20:59
It's almost experimental with these sort of people. They want to impose their views on everyone else. Nobody is forcing them to udnergo IVF. He does not even recognise the right of unmarried couples not to marry. He wants to tell the what to do and how o organise their lives.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 13th 2012, 00:01
'Almost' should read 'aways'.
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 06:06
I think you are mistaken: the people voting for the IVF law are telling us what to do and how to organise our lives. Just like JPO did with the divorce law.
Patrick Zammit
Nov 13th 2012, 07:52
J Sammut
Pigs are not forcing you to undergo IVF or divorce.
However Dinosaurs, want legislation to impose their views on others as they have always done throughout history.
robert pace
Nov 12th 2012, 20:56
ADRIAN UPDATE OR RESIGN YOU ARE TOO OUTDATED MY LORD.....OK EXPRESS THE WAY YOU LIKE BUT LIFE DOESNT STOP BECAUSE YOU LIKE IT SO , EVERYTHING CANGES AND WE HAVE TO
LEARN HOW TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT AMBIENCE.
Clive Gerada
Nov 12th 2012, 20:56
Dear Dr.Vassallo,
Kindly remember that Dinosaurs became extinct long time ago! :)
Joseph Sammut
Nov 13th 2012, 06:09
Dr. Vassallo does not call himself a dinosaur; others that can't bear to listen to reason do so. That's their opinion of course, which cannot be taken as correct.
Ruben Mifsud
Nov 12th 2012, 20:47
Calling spade, a spade!! Well done Hon.
Mary Pace
Nov 12th 2012, 21:20
I second you Ruben, Dr. Vassallo is the only one who is regarding the welfare of the unborn child. Even if all go against you do not let them stop you from expressing your concerns Dinosaurs are extinct but still regarded as the mightiest creatures that ever roamed the Earth.
Mr T Zahra
Nov 13th 2012, 06:42
Dinosaurs were also the least intelligent....Adrian Vassallo you have the right to your opinion, but to insult your own electorate and call them pigs is unacceptable...you must be spending too much time with Franco...it seems to be rubbing off.
Please choose the reason of your report below: