With so much terror and sadness going on around the world, from Russia to Gaza and from Cambodia to Libya, this week I experienced the irresistible urge to bury my head in the sand and block it all out.
The frustration came not only from the sad situations themselves but also from the reactions or rather lack of, of our politicians. And, knowing that issuing public statements about these atrocious acts would be practically useless, just added salt to my open wound.
As always it is the children that suffer the most in such situations. They are the most vulnerable, the ones whose lives will be scared for life, either physically or psychologically, and yet, here we are, lucky to be safe on this idyllic island, arguing about futile issues.
Most people I know have children, some are already in their teens, and it is when I meet those who have hit this awkward age that I start thanking the heavens that I never had any of my own.
In Malta, one of the most dominating issues that parents face is the question of money. What’s acceptable pocket money for a teenager nowadays? In my time it used to be Lm2 to Lm5 a week, but I guess today it could be anything between €10 and €50.
I have no idea, not the slightest clue, but I do have a philosophy – one, which admittedly stems out of the sheer luxury of never having had to be implemented. My philosophy is that children’s lifestyle and spending power should always be relative and in direct proportion to that of their parents.
In essence, if parents can afford to travel three times a year, buy branded clothes and spend money on alcohol and cigarettes, then it is only fair that they afford their children branded clothes, holidays abroad, and the latest video game. On the other hand, if they’re living off welfare and can hardly put food on the table, then buying branded clothes for a 13-year-old is a a bit much, regardless of the tantrums they might throw. This might sound obvious but my observations have me thinking otherwise.
Prince George turned one today, and his parents had insisted that they did not want him to be showered with gifts. But celebrities, politicians and regular people from all around the world didn’t take heed.
Our very own Prime Minister sent little George a silver breakfast set, which according to the UK’s Sunday Times topped the list in extravagance. But rumour has it that a silver breakfast set was exactly what the Prince wanted. Apparently it was at the very top of the one year old’s wish list, and of course Joseph Muscat just couldn’t resist making that poor child happy.
Pope Francis was just as generous and sent the little Prince a very useful precious stone globe with a cross.
President Obama on the other hand turned his cheap on, and (shock horror), sent the Prince a baby blanket!