In complete disparity to what we have written above in our main leading article, we will now touch on the generosity of the Maltese people.

Yesterday, Boxing Day, was the day for the Strina campaign. All around Malta, people organised charity events to raise money for the sick, poor, disabled and unfortunate people who have fallen on hard times.

We saw people swimming in frigid waters, divers setting up Christmas trees underwater, cake baking, dog walking, running… the list is endless.

The Maltese people have shown time and time again that when people are in need, we can deliver. We can overcome our differences and pitch together to make a difference. By the time of going to print, the various charity drives were already raking in the funds. One hopes that by the end of the drive – at midnight – we would have managed to raise enough money to make a real difference to people who really need it.

We are not talking about the people who cannot afford the latest mobile phone or trainers… we are talking about people who are in real and desperate need of help. We are talking of those that have thousands of euro in healthcare bills, children who might get a new lease of life by being given a new wheelchair, older people who are stuck in their homes, battered wives and children, ill people, those below the poverty line, those who have journeyed across the sea… these are the people that deserve help.

It has become so difficult to write about unity – as illustrated above. But we Maltese, true patriots and servants of our countries, are the real heroes. Not the politicians or so-called leaders. It is us, the men and women (and children) of this tiny and unique nation that make us what we are.

When it truly matters, we can band together for a common cause. We do not need our ‘dearly beloved’ leaders to tell us how to do it. We can do it ourselves. At a time when the nation is furious at the hiked utility bills and shockingly badly timed and thought out massive increase of MPs’ salaries (shame on you again), we have managed to get out onto the street and do our bit. People have sacrificed their own time (and money) to give to charity and help those who need it.

It is Christmas time and everyone is saying that, at least, for this time of the year, we should put our differences aside and just be Maltese… all of us. Well, what if we stopped listening to the propaganda and lies that our ‘beloved leaders’ keep shoving down our throats and really become a united people? Just imagine what we could do – all year round. Everyone (yes, we concede this one, even the politicians) who took part in fundraising this year is a hero. Let us strive to be a better people. Let us strive to open our minds. Let us strive to gain some independence of thought. That should be our aim for 2011.