While the whole world faces monumental problems and could go up in flames any time soon, we in Malta get lost in discussing what a wonderful - or wonderfully godawful - song for Europe we have.
Currently, thanks to the Trump administration, Europe is battling one of its worst crises since World War II. Here in Malta, we too face a problem which concerns our liberty, our life, our justice. Yet here we are discussing whether the singer chosen to represent us at the Eurovision should have used the word "kant" and whether she should have got into her tight-fitting outfit.
If only the same level of interest shown in the song were to be shown in national and international affairs. Affairs which impact our way of life, our democracy.
When can we get people to discuss, show indignation, or consent, on those levels in areas connected to our future?
Discussing what Trump, Musk and their other officials are doing - even if it will ultimately affect our life and liberty - might not be too relevant in the big scheme of things. Little that we say or do in our tiny pond of a country could change, stop or delay what Trump is setting out to accomplish. But it should be of huge national interest because if Europe, especially the EU, is weakened, we too will suffer.
However, what we say, do, or not do about Malta and what is happening to this country can make a big difference.
While people were heatedly discussing whether a woman on stage shrieking the C word - even if rendered in its more acceptable K version - is good or horrific, our local pariahs, the people in government were hurriedly working on something to diminish our democratic credentials.
A few of us care. A few good men and women spoke about these new measures being discussed in Parliament, but on the whole we, the nation who never stops blabbing, zipped it. A few organisations also spoke up. A few; always a few. Never the majority or, as should happen in such circumstances, all organisations.
The law as newly formulated by the Labour Party stooges will hinder everyone from trying to get justice. Even two former Chief Justices have come out strongly about the changes being contemplated. One of them actually declared that the law as proposed will "fatally sap the rule of law."
What higher authority can be found than that to make government realise they are taking us down the path of ignominy? Such statements show that, if anyone was still in any doubt, the way forward under a Labour Government is downward.
We are on the way to become a former democracy; or rather a democracy in name because we hold elections. We are on the way to become like Orban's Hungary, Erdogan's Turkey, and even, as things stand at the moment, Trump's USA.
The mantra all these authoritarian leaders shriek out is: the people are behind us, we win elections, so all else is irrelevant.
The law as proposed will guarantee more impunity for the few, for the corrupt, for the ones in power who should be held in check. The new law will open the door to less checks, more obstacles to achieve justice, more power to the powerful who abuse their position.
Malta has heard a few people - a few good people - speak out. But this is very far from enough. Is it possible that, of all the retired members of the judiciary, only a couple find it in themselves to speak up? The Chamber of Advocates spoke up; but can more lawyers individually speak up? And what about the students, the unions, the constituted bodies? A few had the temerity to point out the horror of this law. Where are the others?
Where is the PN? Yes, individually and in parliament they have spoken; but where are the marches, the protests, the constant - if need be daily - demonstrations to show the anger of the people?
Where are the people? Yes, a protest organised by Repubblika, held on Sunday, was attended by what was termed "a sizeable crowd" but was it objectively sizeable? Or was it just big in relative terms because no one else - not even the official opposition party - has organised anything? Where were our youths in that crowd? Where was the anger of the multitude that does not want our liberties curtailed?
Where are the Labourites who, deep down, still hold dear the idea of democracy, decency and full justice?
We live in a land of fools and all things foolish give us energy. If Miriana Conte were to win the Eurovision Song Contest there would be one of the hugest crowds ever gathered, all celebrating and shouting out in unison: "Kant". Even the ones who think that her song is vulgar would sing in glee.
Because we as a people unite in anything base, unimportant and ultimately trash.
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