Democracy can be dangerous as recent events have shown in North Africa. We in Malta are fortunate that we shared in governing ourselves for many years before gaining independence. But democracy can cause harm to our islands if not handled well, so I would like to see media education in state schools, which is already taught in Church schools. I would also like to see a more independent media. Even if not independent, it should be truthful. It should seek to be critical, to ask, to probe and look for the truth. It is truth which sets us free, Jesus said.
That's why I am really happy that Archbishop Scicluna has broken with the past and spoke his mind in favour of the natural environment and giving reasons why. It was exhilarating hearing him say that hunters have to choose when to be conservationists and when to be hunters, and when he spoke out against building the American University if Malta on ODZ. He showed himself to be truthful when they tried to dirty him with the accusation that there were two applications for church schools on ODZ. I am not saying the Church leaders of the past were not good; they were good for their times. Mgr Scicluna is the optimum choice for these times.
And Joseph Muscat should stop being a downright liar. Like a witch, he thinks he can turn out magic potions forever without being caught out. I expect politicians to be truthful and keep their word. And the Opposition should break with the past and declare itself in favour of the natural environment and keep its word if it is in government in the future. It should tell us clearly how it will deal with the natural environment.
Do we really believe we are making Malta better if we continue using ODZ as a safety valve? We will ruin Malta for ever if we are not careful. We should channel the hungry construction industry into restoration.
Educating to live in a democracy means that we build on trust and on discussion and not on pique. The environmentalists are up in arms against hunters and trappers and vice versa, and the political parties are playing a game of trying to keep the two happy. The result is that these two factions hate each other's guts. I know common people who have at heart the natural land but can't stand the environmentalists. And they have a grudge against planning and Mepa because it was heavy handed in their regard. This augurs badly for how these people will vote and whether they will speak out when the natural environment is in danger.
We must realise that our natural land is the most precious thing we have and we must look after it, and if needed, rehabilitate it.
Joe Portelli
Nadur