Our society needs progress and polishing, and the vilification step would be an unfortunate addition to the reality that the oath at the law courts now hardly represents the truth.

Blasphemy and bad manners have become the island’s perpetual influenza; temperatures run high, and the words “please” and “thank you” in both languages have become a collector’s piece.

When God and one’s belief are openly vilified, how can the nation expect its people to respect authority and its elected leaders? Or its search for an added touch of intellectual elegance or happier co-existence?

It should be noted that the last Pontiff was hard put to it for uttering a few words quite misunderstood by other religions, a clear indication that the island does not need brinkmanship, as unwanted repercussions will surely surface.

In this light, the fabric of our society being what it is, our Ministry of Education has indeed the highest hill to climb. It needs full solidarity and prayer; for in Malta today – let us make no mistake about it – Mount Everest is flat land compared to what real education the island sadly needs – in style and conduct, in its daily life, personal or as a people.

It is evident that opening doors implies invitation and we must not play with fire, let alone feed it or look out for it.