Most countries always wanted to dominate the world. At one time, the more colonies you had, the more important you were.

It is true that now there are no colonies, but countries are still investing in armaments. Some even invest in nuclear power to boost their status.

This has to stop. Countries should be proud of their social services and not of their armaments. When someone important visits a country, s/he should not be subjected to a parade but taken to visit hospitals or old people’s homes, because these are things of which a country should be proud.

The army should concentrate on social issues and whenever possible should not be presented to the public carrying arms. Military parades should be banned. The budget of the army should be divided into two – one for salaries and everyday expenses and the other for new armaments. The latter budget would have to be approved by a referendum. Armament factories should not be private and if they do not make a profit, so much the better.

If such a system is introduced, the number one country in the world would be the one that has the best social services.

Josephine Gatt-Ciancio

KALKARA