Anton Caruana Galizia sent this open appeal for publication. These are times when different people from different walks of life have been shaken into action. At this moment the reflection is on what to do and how to do it. Anton’s appeal includes that of small acts of engagement. It is definitely a first step to which all of us can subscribe.
I venture to state that it is in the little things that we find answers to the big questions that democracy asks of us. The simple act of becoming aware of truths we find unsettling. Taking the time to gather information on which we can voice a point of view. Summoning the confidence to enter into a conversation, however quietly. Discovering that others share in our perspective or cause us to shift it, (for we are none of us all-knowing). Taking that first step towards a place where we gather together. Casting a vote.
From our fictions of political life we expect soaring rhetoric from a polished podium, or a prophet to emerge ragged from the wilderness. We expect others to provide the answer that we might follow. I don’t consider that a reasonable expectation, however often we indulge in it. If it is answers we want then we must participate in finding them. We must share in their creation. I suggest that this is achieved through small acts of engagement: sharing, listening, reflecting, participating.
I urge you not to succumb to cynicism. I hold the view that the people of the Maltese islands are capable of rational discussion and reflection. That as citizens of the Republic of Malta, we can recognize an attack on the liberties we claim as fundamental to the operation of our democracy. That our claim to those liberties and our aspiration to uphold them can serve as a source of unity.
From what I observe, unity won’t simply appear by summons or appeals. It is not, to my mind, a spirit that responds to incantations and wild emotional gestures. It must be demonstrated and articulated. And for this to occur, I would suggest that there must be a broader understanding of what it is we aspire to, an understanding that it is incumbent on each of us to cultivate for ourselves and to share with others. There is hope here, for this is happening already, and has been happening for some time. I want to encourage all others involved in this enterprise to broaden their conversation. To engage more people in it.
I venture to state further, that the rational response to an attack on liberty of expression, is to make more intensive use of that liberty. And to hope and strive for justice.
Anton Caruana Galizia
5 replies on “Acts of engagement: an appeal”
100% agree.
First of all Anton, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am sorry for Malta’s loss. In a weird selfish way, I so wish I could go to Daphne’s blog to read her take on what’s happening among Maltese people right now. It’s not just Maltese people in Malta. All of us, near or far, feel this moment of history, of tragedy really, very strongly. I cannot tell you how many people at the university where I work in Melbourne have sought me out to discuss what happened – Did I know the journalist? What are my views? Did I see this coming? Not to mention the humiliation (similar only to when I worked for the EU and Dalli was forced to resign) of seeing my island in this sort of spotlight. When I heard of the horrendous murder, the first words that came to my mind were Yeats’ words: ‘All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born’ – lines he wrote as he was dealing with the Easter 1916 uprising. I do think that Malta has now changed utterly – time will tell if it is for the better. I thought about posting those lines on Facebook, then I wondered – who will I reach with these lines? Instead I wrote a little poem in Maltese. I love your line – ‘I urge you not to succumb to cynicism’ and your call for people to broaden their conversation and engage more people in it. Well, it seems to me that there are two parallel conversations happening out there – and one is in Maltese and one is in English. I also deeply fear that the majority of those conversations are not about engaging with others but about replicating the convictions in our heads resulting in an echo chamber. I shudder to think that there are people in Malta who are currently not in mourning. I fear that is the case. Why do people feel this way? We need to get to the bottom of that because they must have a reason and for as long as that reason is not unearthed, it will be hard to reach the place where we can gather together. So I suppose the only way to work towards that unity is to step out of the echo chamber of like-minded people. We need to talk to those who do not share our views, to those with whom we would usually not engage with and to have a truly national conversation.
I fear that there is a sizeable proportion of the Maltese people for whom Daphne’s death was an eye for an eye, and therefore reasonable, or at least understandable.
I do not have your faith that all people will hear reason when gently expressed.
The attitude to the law of most Maltese people is that it is for others to observe, but for them individually their civic behaviour is governed one consideration only: can I get away with it?
It is a cliche to say that greed is at the root of all this evil, but cliche or not it is true. Malta, from the time of the Phoenicians and before, has been a nation of traders, and they have always been very good at it. They still are. But they are losing sight of what they are trading for.
David, I can understand where you are coming from with this. I’m sure many others do as well. But I also think the people of Malta can prove you wrong, and I look forward to seeing that proof at the demonstration today at City Gate, Valletta, from 4pm.
My condolences to you Mr A CG and to Peter, Andrew, Matthew and Paul together with Daphne’s family and friends. We are all at loss as we are loosing to share her contribution to journalism. Many do not understand when integrity is shattered by atrocities and more a sacrificed life. Our prayers are with your family and Malta who lost allot. Perhaps those who never lived overseas do not understsand how being Maltese away from home feels like at this time of sorrowful sadness grief of loss. I agree with Anna Maria and it is hard to give answers that migrated Maltese cannot give to questions. One must look at each othet firstly that every citizen is MALTESE regardless of political conviction or otherwise. Empowerment and Education must be excercised to give the opportunity of equal access to knowledge and then one can make up the personal opinion. At this time no media programs should be televised or broadcasted with personal comments about the victim. It is does not matter who forgave or didn’t forgive. Its not the time for journalists or others to discuss the past experience with the victim. It is now the time to support and acknowledge that there are family and friends who are grieving and mourning and others are trying to do a job.
To honor the sacrifices every one must cooperate and pull together regardless any personal feelings about the issues.
Our prayers for your family and the Maltese Islands. KURAGG!