Recently I listened to a radio programme which from beginning to end spewed out a continuous string of negative views on local social conditions and in particular on poverty in Malta. Participants who phoned in, without exception, added dark pigments to the overall picture of doom and gloom. A truly pessimistic and depressing programme. Not a word of hope for the weary ear. Yet such programmes are necessary.
Still I believe that, thank God, we are living in a progressive country. Although we have no natural resources, our social benefits are among the best in the world. This thanks to our governments, past and present of whatever colour. Most of our politicians have been brought up in families ingrained with strong Christian values and this is no doubt one of the reasons why we have a minimum wage which at least guarantees a basic income, benefits to the unemployed, help to unmarried mothers, allowances to the handicapped, free education, stipends to University students etc. etc. Moreover, every single Maltese citizen, irrespective of his social status, is given free medical care by first-class dedicated doctors and nurses in first-class hospitals; not to mention modern and clean homes for the elderly - also free of charge.
It may be well to remember that President Obama is struggling to introduce free medical care to a larger section of the population. Not to all, mind you. And this is the United States of America, the land of wealth and opportunity! Let us be grateful to our leaders who made all this possible.
Unfortunately, the poor will always be with us and it is our duty to strive to eradicate poverty and to highlight the need to do so through radio stations.
Please carry on but let us present a balanced picture. Part of the problem is that unfortunately some individuals do not know how to manage money, how to allocate their available funds with prudence giving priority to necessities, budget their expenditure, avoid borrowing money at usury rates of interest, avoid gambling, limit the purchase of Super 5 tickets.
Most importantly we must all accept the fact that some things are beyond what most of us can afford and understand that like our forefathers, we can still live happy frugal lives in modest yet clean homes.
Dispersing despair without doing something about it is not a Christian value. Let us stop cursing the darkness, and instead light a candle.
In these turbulent times of recession and crisis, we are indeed lucky to be living in Malta. Thank you, Oh Lord, for the gifts which we receive from Thy bounty from day to day.