I already said it; so let me say it again. I am one of those who dislike the way by which we seem to be dancing to the tune set for us from outside regarding any changes or otherwise in our laws and constitution. As the citizen of an independent country, I cannot stand the fact that we seem to be asking for the permission of foreign authorities for changes which we desire to do and that we are indeed angling for their foreign go-ahead before proceeding.
Do we admit that mistakes have been made in the governance of leading institutions? Yes. In which country have no mistakes been made? Should we consider improving the rules of internal governance to get them closer to the highest norms of democracy and the protection of human rights? Yes, too... So should we seek foreign advice about all this? Yes, why not?
But the idea that in doing so, it’s like we should get the full approval of the Council of Europe or one of its committees, or that we should fit precisely into what they tell us to do, like primary school children, for me is just too much.
***
MASKS
More than during Carnival, we are having to make time for masks.
There are the masks we wear ... to go shopping, to walk the streets... and not just in Malta. There are European countries where up to some weeks ago, Moslem women were obligated to remove the veil covering from their face and where now, the obligation is for all to go out wearing a mask.
Then there are too the masks which are being taken off.
Up not so long ago, some among us posed heartily as defenders of democracy and promoters of the struggle against corruption or the abuse of power. And they did this for the reason that they believed in an ideal! (Under a PN administration in previous years, they stayed deaf and silent...) Now, the time has come for a decision regarding how to roll back the measures deployed to contain the corona virus. One can see how all these people do their best to jump away from where the government has decided to lay the changeover.
They have found a way by which to politically polarize an issue that is vital to the national interest, even if in political terms, it should have scant resonance.
***
DISQUIET
One comprehends the disquiet felt by people who lead sports activities or participate in them, as they come to terms with the fact that the annual competitions which are part of their lives will this year have come to an abrupt end. On top of this state of affairs then, comes the edict that one must decide who will have “won” this or that championship.
Naturally in such circumstances, sentiments of rage, hopelessness, challenge and grievance against what is being experienced as an injustice will arise. And in the swell of dissatisfacton, hidden calculations will also swirl among those who will have complicated the story by indulging in financial speculations, some legitimate, others less so.
In the press of the congregated interests involved, it is hardly easy to arrive at clear decisions that will be acceptable to all. Which is why, so I imagine, the authorities having to decide one way or the other, took as long as they could before deciding. But by now, it was no longer possible to continue postponing a decision.