Archive for May 2008

On Hold

By | Published Friday, May 16, 2008

I will be absent from this blog for the time being until my exams are over and done with. See you all in June.

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Thought Control Machine

By | Published Monday, May 12, 2008

War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength


The power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them . . . . To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies — all this is indispensably necessary. Even in using the word doublethink it is necessary to exercise doublethink. For by using the word one admits that one is tampering with reality; by a fresh act of doublethink one erases this knowledge; and so on indefinitely, with the lie always one leap ahead of the truth.


George Orwell - Nineteen Eighty Four


In Malta evolution is in reverse. The more countries progress socially the more backward and conservative Malta becomes. We are not 30 years behind everyone else. That means there is some form of linear progress albeit delayed. Even Texas may become more socially progressive than Malta. Thats saying something. Wikipedia says: "Every nation except Malta and the Philippines has legal divorce." Divorce is a difficult word, let alone a difficult concept, for the Maltese vocabulary. Mention the word and you're branded a Church hater. A corrupt human being that needs to be fixed, controlled and put in place. Room 101. Your thoughts manipulated and made to conform. Programmed to appease. Submission. Docile servant dog.


Gay marriage? Off to the gallows with you, pathetic scoundrel. Shame on you and your unchristian, unnatural thoughts. Homosexuality merits no existence. Shackled, beaten and broken. Destroy, erase, improve.


Less brutality and more transparency by the police forces? Don't you even dare discuss any ongoing investigation you pathetic, untrustworthy fool. The police force is the purest public entity of them all.


An environment free from the control and manipulation of construction lobbyists? No. Thats bad for the economy. Don't you want more discotheques, hotels, yacht marinas, shopping malls, supermarkets, villas and information technology centers you idiot? This rock will be the pinnacle of perfect human technology and no tree is going to get in its way.


More civic freedoms, a more free and unbiased press, the right to free speech? What's that please? I don't understand those words.


A State that will continue refusing participation in any military alliance? Neutrality is a dying concept. Globalism dictates the need for war. Peace is War. War is Peace. Partnership for Peace. Partnership for War.


Abortion? F**k you.


Behold Malta. A sacrificial race. A land of prophets and teachers who teach you to fight yourself. A land of censorship. A land of thought control and manipulation.


Compromise. Conformity. Assimilation. Submission. Ignorance. Hypocrisy. Brutality. The Elite.


All of which are Maltese dreams.

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Please Help

By | Published Sunday, May 11, 2008

I just donated $50 to Unicef in order to aid homeless children in Myanmar. I urge you to follow suit. Any little will do.

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Our Common Future

By | Published Saturday, May 10, 2008

In 1983, the Brundtland Commission addressed to the UN the growing concern "about the accelerating deterioration of the human environment and natural resources and the consequences of that deterioration for economic and social development." It is this same Commission that coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."


The issue of sustainable development does not only fall within the scope of the environment but, rather, to the independent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development as economic development, social development and environmental protection. Environmental sustainability is defined as the ability of the environment to continue to function properly indefinitely. This involves meeting the present needs of humans without endangering the welfare of future generations. The goal of environmental sustainability is to halt environmental degradation.


The issue of sustainable development is an issue of moderation and of balance. No state can afford to focus solely on the economy much to the detriment of a neglected working society and a diminishing environment. No state can afford to focus solely on society and social issues much to the detriment of the market and the environment. No state can afford to focus solely on 'green' issues without considering the needs of society and the economy. Therefore, a state which seeks to implement sustainable development needs to truly balance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of all, now, without compromising future generations.


It has emerged, that sustainable development is at the core of the Maltese government's program. This is commendable. Therefore, one hopes, that the government lives up to its promise much to the benefit of our common future. Malta is waiting. Malta is watching.

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Bound and Gagged

By | Published Friday, May 9, 2008


The mere and simple inspection of social networking domains and online journal blogs can reveal surprising realities in regard to the parochial and ever-present divide between Left and Right discourse.


When the left, most notably the MLP, speaks in terms of equality and respect between the two great political parties of this nation, especially in the light that it has the backing of half the people, the right is quick to quash such argument stating that no matter the electoral outcome, their party has won and in no way should the two parties be regarded as equals. Moreover, when the opposition performs its given duty to scrutinize the government in sectors where it has inadequately performed or where it has failed to deliver, or where it is turning its back on the people, or when it breaks a promise; the right is quick to depict such duty as inconsiderate, negative and unworthy. Basically, their premise is simple. The Left has no right to be considered equal, has no right to be consulted, has no right to criticize the government. The Left should not exist, or as things now seem, it is better if the Right dictates what the Left ought to be.


Ironically the government declared it will be a government for all the people and its apologists (the same people who are quick to dispose of and to ridicule anything the opposition says) are also quick in declaring their desires for a strong Opposition in the interest of democracy.


This ridicule and demonization does not stop at the MLP. It is also extended to other parties, NGO's and trade unions such as Moviment Graffitti; Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar; the General Workers Union; Alternativa Demokratika - The Green Party.


Thus, one cannot but argue that the rightist movement (or center-right to be more precise) seem to desire a voiceless opposition, one that is bound and gagged - a great infringement of the entire notion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

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Of Primaries and Super Delegates

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Today, the Malta Labour Party delegates, convened in an Extraordinary General Conference, will decide whether to ammend Article 1 of Chapter VI of the Party statute dealing with the manner in which the party leader is elected. The current method of electing a leader is simply at the discretion of the party delegates (approximately 900 - 920). The proposal that has been brought forward, however, suggests that all paid-up party members should be able to vote (approximately 19,000). This is the first time in the history of the Malta Labour Party that a motion like this has been called.


Let me say that I agree with the proposal but that I have some reservations. I agree with the proposal because it has more democratic impetus; the wider the voting base, the more democratic the election. It is a proposal of direct democracy (the people vote) over representative democracy (representatives of the people vote), which is admirable.


This is a radical change, the first of its kind in the history of Maltese party politics, should the motion be passed. You may say I'm a radical person by nature, speaking about divorce and abortion, and what not. Yes I believe that these issues need to be discussed but discussion takes time. Despite my 'radical' nature I believe that lengthy open discussions and debates for these issues, although heated at times, will lead to more rational conclusions. Therefore, one of my reservations, as you may have already guessed, is that the MLP and its delegates should take more time in discussing the matter rather than a mere 1 hour and a half.


I also suggest that ones studies the position of Primary Elections like those held in the USA. A primary election is an election in which voters in a jurisdiction select candidates for a subsequent election. In other words, primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the following general election. The Democratic Party of the USA also uses the system of Super-Delegates which will act as a check on ideologically extreme candidates and the general voters (in the USA they don't even have to be party affiliated) for the leadership election. In the USA If there is no clear winner after state primaries and caucuses, then the super-delegates -- who are bound only by their consciences -- will decide the nominee. In this way, both members of the party and both the delegates have a role to play.

One must wait and see what the future has in store for the MLP.

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Critical Situation: Myanmar

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Many of you may already know that Myanmar (aka Burma) was devastated by a strong tropical cyclone. Many of you may already know that it has caused catastrophic destruction and up to 100,000 people may be feared dead.

However not many of you may know that the Military Junta of Myanmar, a military regime accused of brutal persecutions of minority ethnic groups, opposition groups, students and human-rights activists, is denying foreign aid into the country, or to be more precise, it is doing a terrible job. In a situation like this any country should have the urgent response measures in force. The UN says that an estimated 1.5 million people have been affected by this cyclone and swift aid is of the essence. But the junta are not responding to foreign aid. Red Cross have at last started to fly in some emergency relief but for many it may already be too late.
Fact:


In a landmark legal case, some human rights groups have sued the Unocal Corporation, previously known as Union Oil of California and now part of the Chevron Corporation They charge that since the early 1990s, Unocal has joined hands with dictators in Myanmar to turn thousands of citizens there into virtual slaves under brutality. Unocal, before being purchased, stated that they had no knowledge or connection to these alleged actions although it continued working in Myanmar. This was a landmark case as this might be the first time that anybody has sued an American corporation in a U.S. court on the grounds that the company violated human rights in another country.

Another Fact:

Evidence has been gathered suggesting that the Burmese regime has marked certain ethnic minorities such as the Karen for extermination or 'Burmisation'. This has received little attention from the international community, however, since it has been more subtle and indirect than the mass killings in places like Rwanda.
Myanmar needs a regime change. Not through warfare, not through violence. The same response and heart-felt emotion the world had and still has for a free Tibet should now also be shown for Myanmar and its people.

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Hear no Evil. Speak no Evil. See no Evil: Maltese Television

By | Published Thursday, May 8, 2008


Upon reading a local journal it has come to my knowledge that curse words are not appropriate for Maltese television even though these are bleeped and that the show in question is aired at approximately 11:30PM and is certified age 18. The Paladins of Virtue and Righteousness at the Broadcasting Authority have won the battle. Congratulations. The comedy series 'Teletubi' has been stopped by the producers because they were losing money in fines. They have made this statement:

"Peress li ghad hawn persuni li jridu jiddeciedu ghalikom x'taraw u x'ma tarawx fuq it-televizjoni, hassejna li jkun ahjar jekk il-programm jieqaf hawn minflok nibqghu nhallsu l-multi"
What happened to the viewer's choice to simply change the channel with a click of a button if they do not like what they see? What happens now in the attempt to formulate Maltese entertainment albeit shocking and "in-your-face"? I wonder how many Maltese people watch foreign comedy series such as South Park, Family Guy or The Simpsons. Yet they are disgusted by the same attempt at comedy made by Maltese people. What happens to the freedom of expression? This satirical show makes fun of people, yes, perhaps in bad taste but not in bad faith. But in Malta it seems perfectly all right to embrace people in bad faith as long as you don't say a naughty word! Hush now, don't disturb the public peace and the good moral order of the family. It is very fragile indeed.

When will we grow up? When will the mentality change? Here is a clip for your viewing pleasure:

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WANTED: Transperancy! Two Acts that will Save the Country

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Didn't you ever dream about knowing all the cunning and mischievous doings of your government or your employer? Didn't you ever dream about publicly telling them off and exposing their nasty little deeds without fear and hesitation? Without losing your job and your social integrity? My friends, this is possible with the immediate enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act.


What is a Freedom of Information Act?


Freedom of Information legislation are laws that define a legal process by which government information is required to be available to the public. In some countries this freedom to access information is a Constitutional guarantee but it requires other law to support it. The very first article of the UK's Freedom of Information Act 2000 states:
(1) Any person making a request for information to a public authority is entitled—
(a) to be informed in writing by the public authority whether it holds information of the description specified in the request, and
(b) if that is the case, to have that information communicated to him.
The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law ensuring public access to U.S. government records. FOIA carries a presumption of disclosure; the burden is on the government - not the public - to substantiate why information may not be released. Upon written request, agencies of the United States government are required to disclose those records, unless they can be lawfully withheld from disclosure under one of nine specific exemptions in the FOIA. This right of access is ultimately enforceable in federal court.

 Enacted in 1966, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that establishes the public's right to obtain information from federal government agencies. The FOIA is codified at 5 U.S.C. Section 552. "Any person" can file a FOIA request, including U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, associations, and universities. In 1974, after the Watergate scandal, the Act was amended to force greater agency compliance. It was also amended in 1996 to allow for greater access to electronic information.
FACT: Albania, Armenia, Belize, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Georgia, Pakistan Trinidad & Tobago and last but not least...Zimbabwe ALL have a Freedom of Information Act! Malta does not.
What is a Whistleblower?


The whistleblower typically is an employee or former employee or a member of an organization such as a government agency who reports misconduct to the appropriate entities that have the power to take corrective action. Generally such misconduct is a violation of the law or a threat to the public interest such as fraud, health and saftey violations and corruption. With a Whistleblower Protection Act, such persons that expose misconduct are guaranteed protection from victimization and dismissal. The whistleblower DOES NOT have to be involved in the misconduct.
FACT: Paul van Buitenen was a Dutch whistleblower that led to the collapse of Jacques Santer's Commission (European Commission) after he revealed to a Member of the European Parliament the irregularities, fraud and mismanagement within the Commission in 1998
. These two acts are sorely needed in this country if we are in want to boast of having a transperant public administration. Without the necessary legislation and protection the alert public cannot scrutinize the administration's misconduct and this will remain unhindered. Fraud and Corruption will be the order of the day without our knowing or without it being punished. We don't want to keep a watchful eye on the government simply for making its life harder but to ensure that the public interest, our interest, is given the greatest protection.



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Two Questions: Why? and When?

By | Published Wednesday, May 7, 2008


In 2006 a measure was introduced by the government that encouraged families and business to purchase energy efficient appliances whereby a rebate of €116.50 (Lm50) was given to them. This was a good initiative on behalf of the government that, at the end of the day, was environment-friendly. But as of the 31st of May 2008 this rebate shall, in all effect cease, in light of a notice on the Government Gazette despite the government's electoral promise (#159 on the electoral manifest) to maintain this rebate:
"159. Jissoktaw ukoll l-iskemi ta' rebates fuq xiri ta' appliances li jahlu inqas energija."
The government also promised a drastic reformation on the workings of MEPA so that these will be made more transperant and less corrupt. We imagined, at the time, that all illegitimate development would cease under the careful control and responsibility of the Prime Minister himself. Yet, it has already emerged that the Prime Minister and his government made a secret deal on election eve promising to legalize the illegal boathouses of the Armier squatters. Moreover it has quite recently emerged, thanks to the NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, that several applications have been approved which ignored regulations on the scheduling of buildings and went against MEPA policy. EDIT (8:51PM) MEPA denied these claims saying a house in Amery Street was not scheduled and that development at Windsor Terrace had been rebutted. However, no other claims made by FAA were denied.

So I cannot but ask:
Why remove the rebate on energy saving appliances and When is MEPA truly going to be reformed?

For more information visit
  1. GonziPN's Secret Deal on Election Eve
  2. NGO Claims 'Irregularities' at MEPA - MEPA denies
  3. End of Energy Subsidy Scheme Draws Criticism
  4. PN Dumps Electoral Promise

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Unite the Clans!

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There seems to be a genuine plea for a Joint Leftist Movement by certain organizations and individuals. This revelation has come to light when I read certain comments on Labour in Labour and a press release made by Zmienijietna


“Malta requires a united left movement which aspires for governance in order to bring about the necessary changes so that Malta will be more equal, socially just and ecologically sustainable. We therefore urge political parties and NGOs on the left-side of the political spectrum to increase their collaboration and form alliances. We also urge Malta’s trade unions to bridge their differences with the hope of forming a Trade Union Council”


I personally believe this is a very interesting proposal and one which should seriously be considered. Of course, not all political parties and NGO's on the Left of Maltese politics coherently agree on all matters. But in diversity I believe that we all have a set of common goals. Unity is strength and the stronger we are, the more success there is in bringing about much needed change for this country.

How such an alliance can take place, if at all, is certainly food for thought. But attempting to build bridges and to openly discuss the matter, in my book, is a a step in the right direction.

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Progressive Malta: The Beginning

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The purpose of this blog is simple as it is complex. In the wake of the Malta Labour Party's third electoral defeat or, rather, the Nationalist Party's third successive win since 1998, there seems to be a growing need for a new kind of politics in Malta. The serious revelations that Malta is becoming more corrupt and that freedom of expression and press is dwindling is alarming. The political ploy of consigning oneself to the rules of the game, i.e. to constrain what the politician(s) truly believes in due to the fear of damaging his party or of losing votes does not auger well. This leaves a considerable amount of people who desire change unrepresented. This blog is therefore the antithesis of the current rules of the game. Here liberal thought and expression are not only allowed but highly welcomed as long as they do not trample on the rights of others. That is my only restriction. Eugene Ionesco once said:
"Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together."
And who are we if we are void of all hope and dreams? As a progressive I dream about the following changes for Malta:
  • A secular State where the Freedom of Religion is endorsed and whereby it is wrongful to have a particular belief imposed on the citizen.
  • A radical division between State and Party
  • A free and inclusive society where citizens, by working together, are able to determine their own lives.
  • A nondiscriminatory society of equals regardless of being black or white; male or female; straight or gay; Christian or atheist; pro-choice or pro-life; young or old; of sound mind or mentally infirm; working class or middle class; and the list goes on.
  • A society which promotes peace and combats injustice and oppression of freedom and civil liberties
  • A State and society that oppose the destruction of nature at all costs and highly promotes the use of alternative and clean sources of energy
  • A State where the best Health care and Education are free for all
  • A State based on meritocracy; which rewards hard work and guarantees job security
  • A society where women are more involved with work and have a higher representation and participation in the political sphere
John Lennon once said:
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will live as One."
Welcome to Progressive Malta!


NOTE: 'Progressive Malta' was the original name of my blog. Youthful delusions of grandeur aside, I ultimately personalised the name because it was not my intention to blog about progressive politics alone. 

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