We are in the midst of a political campaign, which like all other campaigns enhances in a big way our parochial culture and one-track mindedness.  This year I am an outside observer of the two political movements.  I follow online news and social media of the two and try very hard to empathize with all those people who believe wholeheartedly in one leader or another. 

Recently, whilst walking the corridors of Mater Dei, after visiting a dying jaundiced alcoholic patient in ITU who tried to convince me that he does not have an alcohol problem, something struck me! I understood why people end up turning a blind eye to the obvious.

They try to convince themselves that what is obviously and morally bad is in fact non-existent. Their idol leader remains the good hero – whatever and irrespective of everything..  It is all about insight.  

The same applies to the wife in a relationship who knows in her heart of hearts that her husband has affairs and continues to excuse him and convinces herself that it is all a figment of her imagination.  

One may ask, “why is it that something so obvious is rejected as untrue even by intelligent people?”  Each and everyone of us finds it very hard to move away from believing that those people and public figures who we have always admired have flaws, are human, make mistakes.  

To be sincere, most people have to believe in a superior being, a super human who can do magic.  Once that image fails them, they are at a loss.  They have no one to look up to, they feel chastened by the choice they would have made and find it near to impossible to humble themselves of their abysmal choice.  

To be sincere, not all!  Some will continue choosing badly because it suits them better.  Usually, this happens because of a monetary gain.  Others, however, do find the courage and dignity to admit that they made an erroneous choice, and feel compelled to rectify their past choice.

Just before general election day, the bishops of Malta and Gozo issue a pastoral letter (as is the tradition) to the Catholic faithful urging them to vote as a duty to our country and to vote after making an ‘informed’ decision. 

Today, I asked a young man what an informed decision was.  He fumbled something to the effect that it is a decision someone makes when he is in his right mind.  Laughingly, I said “so, anyone who is not drunk or delirious can make an informed decision?” 

This, of course, is far from the truth.  An informed decision is based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications, and future consequences of an action.  It stands to reason that if someone is infatuated with a leader as his superman, idol etc., it is next to impossible to make an informed decision.  Unfortunately, we are a nation that is not very fond of reading, researching and evaluating objectively.  Often, we just read newspaper or online headlines, follow specific radio or TV programs or blogs and follow decisions.   Very few of us, read, research and try to come to their own objective conclusion.

Al buon intenditor poche parole (a word to the wise is sufficient). To all others, good luck with your idol.

Joe Cassar was a former Minister of Health in the Nationalist government