From Mr F. Farrugia
“No wonder educated Nationalists are so disillusioned. When we joined the EU we thought Europe was coming to Malta, instead we are trying to take Malta to Europe. It seems we are going back, becoming more rigid and fundamentalist and trying to take Malta to Europe.” (Marisa Micallef, TMIS, 29 May)
I usually have no time to read much of Ms Micallef’s writings since they ooze pro-Nationalist sentiments. However, I have been noticing that such sentiments have been evaporating fast of late, and she has been writing, shall we say, just a little bit more fairly these days.
What I have been saying for some time, after noticing what is happening in our insular society, was repeated in an eloquent manner by Ms Micallef. It is a stark fact that ever since we joined the EU, Maltese society, or rather, a small but vociferous section of Maltese society has joined in an orchestrated and well-planned effort to dig in its heels and go into conservative mode. This section of the population is certainly showing itself to be “rigid” and “fundamentalist” in the ideas being expressed in various media.
A few examples of this fundamentalism? The absence of the local Archbishop in anything that has to do with the life of the country, except for two matters – imposing a vow of silence on a religious priest long known for his unorthodox views on matters the Church considers sensitive, and a scandalous declaration about the effects on society as a whole if same-sex unions are accepted and blessed.
The constant stream of letters that appear in our media, as well as the way in which the media allows those who are in favour of this wave of religious, American-style fundamentalism, a media which at the same time is so disappointing for those who do not share this newly-found religious fervour, are another example.
Yet another example is this latest political way of alienating public opinion – the Nationalist Party’s latest crusade – is that of the anti-abortion clause in our Constitution, as if this island is being inundated by voices crying in favour of abortion!
More! The spate of letters condemning the Dominican priest I mentioned above is a signal that the Maltese Savonarolas are up and about! Some weeks ago, on Bondiplus, one of the island’s most outspoken Savonarolas appeared very hot under the collar because nobody else would agree with him.
The panic that is gripping some people when they see supposedly Christian values going haywire, is striking. I keep receiving e-mails to support Pro-life and other movements and join an army of people writing letters to newspapers in order to STIFLE – it’s the word that was used in a particular one! – the writers who are known for their liberal views.
As time goes by, people are feeling that the government’s ministers, instead of trying to run a lay country, are actually making it look like a Catholic Taliban country and this is a matter which all men of good will must stand up and counter.
Franco Farrugia
GUARDAMANGIA