If they are to go places, certain economic sectors first need to attract people who decide that work in them offers sufficient prospects and personal interest, apart from providing good or adequate remuneration. For this to happen such sectors have to acquire or promote for themselves a prestigious aura among the people at large. We have seen this happen almost automatically these last years in the field of computer technology and the same development occurred more recently in the area of artificial intelligence.

There was a time when manufacturing in Malta benefitted from a similar dynamic. That was when it provided new forms of income for many young people, giving them financial independence. On its basis, they learned new skills. Interest in manufacturing and an enthusiasm for it were extensive and this became an important factor in the social modernisation of Malta.

That time is long past. Today the prestige attached to manufacturing stands no comparison with what other sectors enjoy. The contribution of the sector to the economy has  dwindled. Almost the majority of workers are foreigners. To make matters worse, the significant technical progress that has been achieved in the management of various enterprises is less than well known. I would think that if this progress is well projected to the public, the popular prestige of manufacturing would improve greatly.

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CLIENTELISM

The American political system features what are known as “spoils”. They relate to the usage, practically the right, for the victorious party in an election to a significant political position to offer employment in the public seervice related to that charge to helpers in the campaign. This is justified in a rather sensible way, though as is always the case, exagerration can take it well outside acceptable limits.

So, the argument is that in a democracy, political parties surely need people to run election campaigns. It is true that preferably they should act on a voluntary and personal basis, given their political commitment. However such motivation carries its own bounds.  The claim is that it is better if at the end of a successful campaign, volunteers are gifted with public jobs rather than allow political campaigns to be overrun by staffers who are engaged and financed by private firms.

Spoils arrangements are not the same as clientelism which to be sure, is also practised in the US!

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PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

At the moment, major (if discreet) efforts are being made to help convince President Joe Biden follow the example of Lyndon Johnson in the 1960’s and drop the idea of running again for US President. He is too old for the job and Donald Trump is successfully mobilising too much support.

The calculation is that if Biden withdraws and the Democrats field a “new”, more youthful candidate, they will place Trump – considered by many as a grave threat to American democracy – at a big disadvantage so that Republicans will not support him any more.  

The problem is that if Biden withdraws, which Democratic candidate could quickly obtain the required backing to receive the Presidential nomination without creating rifts in the party? And what assurance will there be that if such a fellow can be found, Trump would be forced to withdraw? – or that if he does not, it would be such an easy matter to defeat him? How all this will pan out remains to be seen.