As was to be expected, the publication of the second tranche of the Panama Papers was followed by a lot of huffing, puffing and spinning in an attempt to divert the attention from the two-headed albatross hanging around the Prime Minister’s neck.
The strategy of the government side was as simple as it was foreseeable: muddy the waters, confuse the issues, be economical with the truth and blur important distinctions. Financial intermediaries giving a legitimate service and others shadily excogitating corrupt strategies are to be equated.
Though there is a world of a difference between private persons and politically exposed ones, for the scope of this exercise, they were to be considered as if they were geese and ganders.
The strategy was to ignore the disclaimer that users of the site of the International Consortium of Concerned Journalists had to sign in to be allowed to access the site. It stated that as there are legitimate uses for offshore companies, the ICCJ did not want to suggest that those included in the list had necessarily broken the law or acted improperly. Since government strategists knew that their side had not one leg to stand on between them, they did their best to tar and feather everyone with the same brush.
They organised a small group of internet elves to ‘populate’ Facebook and the news websites with their spin as soon as the ICCJ website became accessible. Each elf probably had multiple personas. The directive strongly urged the hydras for a second time: remember to downplay political persons but emphasise other owners, even past owners. Throw in as many technical terms as possible. People get confused and lose interest. Cedoli in Malta were to be treated as if they were shares in secret companies and trusts in shady jurisdictions. Pietà had to be equated to Panama.
The first assault was essential to create a climate of confusion, the dictum being ‘confuse and rule’. But more had to be done. More huffing and puffing was needed.
Mix in a dash of character assassination. Photos and video footage showing people that had nothing to do with the verbal text about the scandal were used abundantly to create the perception that the innocent were guilty. Generously sprinkle innuendos in the comment boards and in the headlines, the strategy manual stated. Manipulate to the full the lack of knowledge many people have about such matters. People will then miss the wood for the trees.
Mission accomplished?
One must get involved in politics even if it may be ‘dirty’, frustrating and fraught with failure
This strategy could enhance the morale of the core supporters. But at the end of the day the stark truth is very clear: there is only one albatross. There is only one stinking elephant in the square. Independent of crafty strategies to silence it, truth has its canny ways of making itself known to those who want to know it. Besides, lies carry within them a self-destruct seed.
This strategy probably confused some people. It probably demoralised several as it became more difficult to believe that is-sewwa jirbaħ żgur (what is right and decent will prevail). People who labour under the false impression that the victory of is-sewwa can be achieved with a lucky throw of the dice, can be demoralised. Fortunately, those made of sterner stuff do soldier on knowing full well that sweat and perseverance are the only way forward.
The above strategy can have short-term positive results for its users but even in the medium term it will turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory as it will increase cynicism and decrease the credibility that politicians ‘enjoy’.
It would be a great pity if honest people on all sides of the political spectrum keep on losing their trust in politics and politicians. It would be a disaster if more people metaphorically move away from party structures and like the supporters of Gaius Gracchus in Roman times and the opponents of Mussolini in more recent times, do an Aventine.
Pope Francis on more than one occasion strongly appealed against such an attitude.
He spoke strongly and clearly during a homily at Casa Sancta Martha in September 2013:
“None of us can say, ‘I have nothing to do with this, they govern...’ No, no, I am responsible for their governance, and I have to do the best so that they govern well, and I have to do my best by participating in politics according to my ability. Politics, according to the social doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. I cannot wash my hands,” Francis said.
The Pope continued: “It is not true that Catholics should not meddle in politics. A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself.”
Last year he addressed members of Italy’s Christian Life Community. He said that one must get involved in politics even if it may be “dirty”, frustrating and fraught with failure.
The Pope pointedly asked: “Do I as a Catholic watch from my balcony?” He emphatically answered: “No, you can’t watch from the balcony. Get right in there!”
Francis is realistic that the world of politics can be tough especially when there is so much corruption. “It’s a kind of martyrdom,” he said, where one carries the cross of the ideal of the common good every day “without letting yourself be corrupted”or discouraged in the midst of failure.
Francis acknowledged that it is difficult to be in the middle of it all “without getting your hands or heart a little dirty”. This should not discourage one: “Ask the Lord to help you not sin, but if you get your hands dirty, ask for forgiveness and keep going; don’t get discouraged.”
Strong and inspiring words indeed for all those honest people who militate in different political parties. The struggle so that is-sewwa jirbaħ żgur is tough but the alternative is disastrous.
joseph.borg@um.edu.mt