If I attempted to explain the state of poverty in Malta, based on my acquaintance of some families, I would be making a partially informed statement. If I tried to describe the state of wealth in Malta, based on the lack of space in a restaurant I like to visit, I would be making a sweeping statement.
Any journalist has the duty to obtain his/her info from numerous reliable sources. The matter of poverty in Malta has been addressed by Caritas, the President of the Republic, Eurostat, Eurobarometer and others.
The Times editorial of December 11 makes an indirect reference to this state of affairs by relating it to the pay rise to Cabinet (€2,400 per month compared to €4.64 for the common citizen) stating: “The announcement of what to the man in the street appears to be a very generous rise comes in the wake of a small allowance across the board to make up for the cost of living.”
Over the past years, debate on the social soul required of a country’s politicians hit the headlines of socio-political enthusiasm to the point that past party leaders have felt the need to be energetically reinvolved. Reference to Christian Democracy has drastically decreased as everyone seems to be hugging social democracy – at least in proud policy declarations.
One positive result of this massive pay increase to ministers and a more moderate increase to MPs is the improvement of democratic practice in Malta. Indeed, the voter will have more candidates to choose from in the next election as politics becomes an increasingly attractive profession. At the same time, MPs do deserve a good salary, especially if they have one full-time parliamentary job.
Reality verging on perception
I have seen a Malta Union of Teachers’ justified reaction to an Education Division circular of December 9 related to literacy. This encouraged me to read the circular and search in vain for compatibility between literacy, administrative finesse and the strange language used in this circular. Let me quote:
“Personnel who are identified as still exhibiting uncertainty or reluctance will be strongly supported to evaluate the actual consequences of their current professional practices and to consider more effective alternatives.” I must say these words scared me as they reminded me of the Soviet Union rather than the European Union. Watch it or you will be identified as still exhibiting uncertainty or reluctance and you will be strongly supported.
Imagine if a teacher is identified and accused of exhibiting both uncertainty and reluctance resulting in being twice as strongly supported. All my life I have thought that the word “support” was very positive. Suddenly it has started to produce a certain fear in me. It’s because we have all sorts of historical re-enactments going on but not yet one about the Holy Inquisition.
Cardinal reality
It is said that the late Archbishop Michael Gonzi was asked to be cardinal by the Vatican and he refused. I do not know the reason for this refusal but maybe he wanted to remain close to the Maltese. It seems as if the present shepherd of the Maltese was about to make this cardinal point too. But the real point is that we like to say that we are 98 per cent Catholic – which may mean each individual is 98 per cent Catholic or that 98 per cent of the Maltese are Catholic. In spite of this, we have very rarely been asked to be cardinals while other countries that are much less than 98 per cent Catholic have loads of cardinals. This matter must of course be investigated before an RAC (Religious Accounts Committee). I am sure many Maltese ignored in the past would have made excellent cardinals, especially if these are not necessarily chosen from among the clergy – as it once used to be. Probably we all know someone nowadays who would make an excellent cardinal.
Perception of honesty
Some people like to say: “To be honest…”even if they are honest anyway.
Reality verging on reality
An old lady is attacked and left for dead in the heart of a busy town. Nobody intervened. When you suggest an increase in the number of police, you are told: “Oh no! This is not a police state.”
Superman’s perception of strength
Actor Christopher Reeve gave a clear opinion about the possession of power and strength. He surprised many people when he declared: “I became superman after the accident, on the wheelchair.” This gives courage to others in the same situation. Hopefully, it will influence those who put others in a physical, psychological or financial wheelchair. They have not been victorious; they have suffered defeat.
Dr Licari is a researcher in multiculturalism.