Both Malta Today and its sister Illum newspaper have once again implied that I my decision to resign from the post of AD chairperson had to do with some conflict I had with moderate elements in the party led by Carmel Cacopardo. I want to make it clear that this is absolutely not the case.
Even though I had my fair share of ideological and strategic arguments with Cacopardo and other moderates in the party, this is something which I consider to be essential in any democratic party. Indeed, Greens are no exception, where radical and moderate factions are two sides of the same coin. Under my chairpersonship, and through internal democracy, the radical wing was often prominent, and this was and is the case in other Green parties – for example the German and French Greens under their present leaderships. At other times, for example during Arnold Cassola’s leadership between 2008 and 2009 (for the 2009 European Election campaign), the moderate wing was prominent. The same can be said as regards the German Green party when Joschka Fischer led the party. A party without diversity and without different voices is either a dictatorship or a fossil.
In my view the radical route was not only ideologically robust, but was also strategically vital - it was the only way how AD could increase its share of votes especially since most Maltese voters vote for Governments and consider a vote for AD to be wasted, and since it was clear for a long time that there was a consistent shift of voters who simply wanted PN out of power.
In previous blogs, I had already explained why I resigned from the post of Chairperson. One can read them here:
http://mikes-beat.blogspot.com/2013/04/to-ad-executive-and-activists.html
and
http://mikes-beat.blogspot.com/2013/04/stepping-down-unconditionally.html
This resignation does not mean that I will disappear from civil society activism (I have been doing this since 1994, and I truly feel at home here) and local council politics. As regards the latter, I owe my participation to Sliema residents who have elected me 4 times in the past ten years and especially since I got a record number of votes for a Green councillor this year.
Perhaps not everyone appreciates that having a prominent role in a small party of volunteers is no mean feat. I gave my utmost to the party during these years, but this had a toll on other roles I occupy in my life and left me worn out. In short, I needed to reclaim my life. To those persons who have appealed to me to contest the upcoming European elections or to join another party, I also make it clear that I have no interest in doing either.
From what I read in the press, no-one has offered to contest for the post of AD Chairperson, leading the party to postpone its Annual General Meeting. To those well-intentioned persons who would like AD to move on, my appeal is simple. Join the party and do your part. A party is only as strong as its members, and no party should ever be personalized. My suggestion to the party: Carry out an inclusive and open process wherein new faces can feel welcome, beyond top-down formalities.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Same-Sex Marriage Deniers: An invitation to resistance
Michael Briguglio
This blog appeared in Malta Today, 17-05-2013
http://maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Same-sex-marriage-deniers-an-invitation-to-resistance-20130517
Just as more and more countries around the world are introducing same-sex marriages, and just as more and more leaders including socialists (Hollande), conservatives (Cameron) and democracts (Obama) are joining progressives for the introduction of this right, Malta's own Public Policy institute has said that Malta is not ready for same-sex marriage, and that it would be 'one step too far' to introduce it. Which reminds me of those who some years ago said that Malta is not ready for divorce, anti-censorship legislation, and so forth.
So here we are. The Today Public Policy Insitute wants same-sex couples who would like to express their love through marriage to be content with civil unions. To me, this is nothing but discrimination.
It does not make sense to speak of equality in family and social policy while only allowing opposite-sex partners to marry. Such exclusionary practice effectively means that symbolic and significant aspects of marriage, such as being “husband” or “wife” can only be articulated, experienced and recognised if one marries someone of the opposite sex. It is indeed ironic that in a day and age of increased separations and divorce, couples who wish to marry are denied this right solely because of their sexual orientation.
If anything, recognition of same-sex marriages can lead to the strengthening and democratization of the concept of the family, through a process of social inclusion and recognition of different family forms.
Whilst I accept that same-sex marriage is not the be-all-end-all of LGBT rights, and whilst I also accept the fact that the Labour Party pledged to introduce civil unions and therefore is working accordingly in Government, I insist that this policy is discriminatory and based on evolutionist philosophy which holds that we Maltese are some inferior people who are not ready for certain rights.
As Michel Foucault, the great social theorist once put it, for every power there is resistance. I hope that the discursive power of the 'same-sex marriage deniers' gets the resistance it deserves. In a way The Today Public Policy Institute can act as an incentive for such activism.
This blog appeared in Malta Today, 17-05-2013
http://maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Same-sex-marriage-deniers-an-invitation-to-resistance-20130517
Just as more and more countries around the world are introducing same-sex marriages, and just as more and more leaders including socialists (Hollande), conservatives (Cameron) and democracts (Obama) are joining progressives for the introduction of this right, Malta's own Public Policy institute has said that Malta is not ready for same-sex marriage, and that it would be 'one step too far' to introduce it. Which reminds me of those who some years ago said that Malta is not ready for divorce, anti-censorship legislation, and so forth.
So here we are. The Today Public Policy Insitute wants same-sex couples who would like to express their love through marriage to be content with civil unions. To me, this is nothing but discrimination.
It does not make sense to speak of equality in family and social policy while only allowing opposite-sex partners to marry. Such exclusionary practice effectively means that symbolic and significant aspects of marriage, such as being “husband” or “wife” can only be articulated, experienced and recognised if one marries someone of the opposite sex. It is indeed ironic that in a day and age of increased separations and divorce, couples who wish to marry are denied this right solely because of their sexual orientation.
If anything, recognition of same-sex marriages can lead to the strengthening and democratization of the concept of the family, through a process of social inclusion and recognition of different family forms.
Whilst I accept that same-sex marriage is not the be-all-end-all of LGBT rights, and whilst I also accept the fact that the Labour Party pledged to introduce civil unions and therefore is working accordingly in Government, I insist that this policy is discriminatory and based on evolutionist philosophy which holds that we Maltese are some inferior people who are not ready for certain rights.
As Michel Foucault, the great social theorist once put it, for every power there is resistance. I hope that the discursive power of the 'same-sex marriage deniers' gets the resistance it deserves. In a way The Today Public Policy Institute can act as an incentive for such activism.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Marching against GMOs
Michael Briguglio - Malta Today Blog 15-5-13
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Marching-against-GMOs-20130515
Why should we oppose Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
First, because GMOs are modifying nature with unsafe consequences. Here, plants or animals are genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. This cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. In this respect, impacts on both humans and ecology in general are at best unclear, yet the process towards GMOs is irreversable. Hence, once a field comprises GMOs, one cannot revert it back to its previous format. Besides, cross-contamination from one GMO field to another can take place. No wonder GMOs have been dubbed as 'Frankenstein foods'.
Second, because the GMO industry is intensifying the proleterianization of farmers and agricultural workers. Basically GMO corporations are attemping to revert agricultural land to GMO land, making farmers fully dependent on material required for GMO production in the process. This comes at the expense of food diversity and autonomy of farmers on the land in which they work.
Third, because instead of encouraging local agricultural traditions, sustainable agriculture, organic methods, permaculture and other sustainable methods, agricultural land is industrialized for the profit maximisation of a few transnational corporations. Such corporations want to make us believe that GMOs will solve global problems such as hunger. What such corporations do not tell us is that such problems can be solved through more egalitarian, socially just and sustainable economic, social and political systems. Incidentally, GMO corporations want more neo-liberalism and global dominance of transnational corporations, and not more social justice.
There are various actions that can be taken against GMOs. One can choose not to buy products tainted with GMOs. Governments and blocs can impose strict labelling of products so that consumers can be clearly informed on what they are buying. GMOs can also be banned to give way for sustainable agriculture. Over 60 countries around the world including all EU member states, Japan and Australia, have introduced restrictions or outright bans on GMOs. Yet the GMO industry keeps lobbying for a free-for-all. In short confronting the GMO giants is ultimately a political question.
It is for this reason that I will be attending the Maltese version of the March against GMO giant Monsanto, on Saturday 25th May, 11am in Valletta. One can read more about this at the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/378836232225661/
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Marching-against-GMOs-20130515
Why should we oppose Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
First, because GMOs are modifying nature with unsafe consequences. Here, plants or animals are genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. This cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. In this respect, impacts on both humans and ecology in general are at best unclear, yet the process towards GMOs is irreversable. Hence, once a field comprises GMOs, one cannot revert it back to its previous format. Besides, cross-contamination from one GMO field to another can take place. No wonder GMOs have been dubbed as 'Frankenstein foods'.
Second, because the GMO industry is intensifying the proleterianization of farmers and agricultural workers. Basically GMO corporations are attemping to revert agricultural land to GMO land, making farmers fully dependent on material required for GMO production in the process. This comes at the expense of food diversity and autonomy of farmers on the land in which they work.
Third, because instead of encouraging local agricultural traditions, sustainable agriculture, organic methods, permaculture and other sustainable methods, agricultural land is industrialized for the profit maximisation of a few transnational corporations. Such corporations want to make us believe that GMOs will solve global problems such as hunger. What such corporations do not tell us is that such problems can be solved through more egalitarian, socially just and sustainable economic, social and political systems. Incidentally, GMO corporations want more neo-liberalism and global dominance of transnational corporations, and not more social justice.
There are various actions that can be taken against GMOs. One can choose not to buy products tainted with GMOs. Governments and blocs can impose strict labelling of products so that consumers can be clearly informed on what they are buying. GMOs can also be banned to give way for sustainable agriculture. Over 60 countries around the world including all EU member states, Japan and Australia, have introduced restrictions or outright bans on GMOs. Yet the GMO industry keeps lobbying for a free-for-all. In short confronting the GMO giants is ultimately a political question.
It is for this reason that I will be attending the Maltese version of the March against GMO giant Monsanto, on Saturday 25th May, 11am in Valletta. One can read more about this at the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/378836232225661/
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
March against Monsanto!
I will be attending this march, on Saturday 25th May, 11am in Valletta. I have been actively campaigning against GMOs and the frankenstein-food industry for over a decade.
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/378836232225661/
In the words of the organizers:
"On May 25, activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto.
Why do we march?
Research studies have shown that Monsanto’s genetically-modified foods can lead to serious health conditions such as the development of cancer tumors, infertility and birth defects.
In the United States, the FDA, the agency tasked with ensuring food safety for the population, is steered by ex-Monsanto executives, and we feel that’s a questionable conflict of interests and explains the lack of government-led research on the long-term effects of GM products.
Recently, the U.S. Congress and president collectively passed the nicknamed “Monsanto Protection Act” that, among other things, bans courts from halting the sale of Monsanto’s genetically-modified seeds.
For too long, Monsanto has been the benefactor of corporate subsidies and political favoritism. Organic and small farmers suffer losses while Monsanto continues to forge its monopoly over the world’s food supply, including exclusive patenting rights over seeds and genetic makeup.
Monsanto's GM seeds are harmful to the environment; for example, scientists have indicated they have contributed to Colony Collapse Disorder among the world's bee population.
What are solutions we advocate?
Voting with your dollar by buying organic and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies that use GMOs in their products.
Labeling of GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier.
Repealing relevant provisions of the US's "Monsanto Protection Act."
Calling for further scientific research on the health effects of GMOs.
Holding Monsanto executives and Monsanto-supporting politicians accountable through direct communication, grassroots journalism, social media, etc.
Continuing to inform the public about Monsanto's secrets.
Taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won't take these injustices quietly.
We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. That’s why we March Against Monsanto".
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/378836232225661/
In the words of the organizers:
"On May 25, activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto.
Why do we march?
Research studies have shown that Monsanto’s genetically-modified foods can lead to serious health conditions such as the development of cancer tumors, infertility and birth defects.
In the United States, the FDA, the agency tasked with ensuring food safety for the population, is steered by ex-Monsanto executives, and we feel that’s a questionable conflict of interests and explains the lack of government-led research on the long-term effects of GM products.
Recently, the U.S. Congress and president collectively passed the nicknamed “Monsanto Protection Act” that, among other things, bans courts from halting the sale of Monsanto’s genetically-modified seeds.
For too long, Monsanto has been the benefactor of corporate subsidies and political favoritism. Organic and small farmers suffer losses while Monsanto continues to forge its monopoly over the world’s food supply, including exclusive patenting rights over seeds and genetic makeup.
Monsanto's GM seeds are harmful to the environment; for example, scientists have indicated they have contributed to Colony Collapse Disorder among the world's bee population.
What are solutions we advocate?
Voting with your dollar by buying organic and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies that use GMOs in their products.
Labeling of GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier.
Repealing relevant provisions of the US's "Monsanto Protection Act."
Calling for further scientific research on the health effects of GMOs.
Holding Monsanto executives and Monsanto-supporting politicians accountable through direct communication, grassroots journalism, social media, etc.
Continuing to inform the public about Monsanto's secrets.
Taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won't take these injustices quietly.
We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. That’s why we March Against Monsanto".
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Il-Wirt ta’ Thatcher fl-Ewropa – Diskussjoni Pubblika
Il-Wirt ta’ Thatcher fl-Ewropa – Diskussjoni Pubblika, organizzata mnn Zminijietna Lehen ix-Xellug
Kelliema:
Peter Mayo; Ranier Fsadni; Michael Briguglio; Sammy Meilaq.
Imexxi d-diskussjoni Michael Grech
Data: Sibt 8 ta' Gunju 2013
Hin: 9.30am
Post: Dar l-Ewropa, Triq San Pawl, Valletta
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/241763819298334/
Dhul f'Dar l-Ewropa jirrekjedi li wiehed juri il-karta ta' l-identita'.
Grazzi
David Pisani - Segretarju
Ghal aktar informazzjoni: zminijietna@yahoo.com jew 7953 6914
Kelliema:
Peter Mayo; Ranier Fsadni; Michael Briguglio; Sammy Meilaq.
Imexxi d-diskussjoni Michael Grech
Data: Sibt 8 ta' Gunju 2013
Hin: 9.30am
Post: Dar l-Ewropa, Triq San Pawl, Valletta
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/241763819298334/
Dhul f'Dar l-Ewropa jirrekjedi li wiehed juri il-karta ta' l-identita'.
Grazzi
David Pisani - Segretarju
Ghal aktar informazzjoni: zminijietna@yahoo.com jew 7953 6914
Friday, May 10, 2013
Norm Rejection - It Came from the Desert - The Whiskey Music Project Live
Norm Rejection, It Came from the Desert and The Whiskey Music Project will be sharing the stage live at Rookies, Bugibba, on Friday 21st June.
Bands kick of at 22.00 sharp.
More details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/601526153190722/
IT CAME FROM THE DESERT
http://www.facebook.com/ItCameFromTheDesert
NORM REJECTION
http://www.facebook.com/norm.rejection
http://myspace.com/normrejection
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norm-Rejection/42896382004?fref=ts
THE WHISKEY MUSIC PROJECT
http://www.facebook.com/TheWhiskeyMusicProject
Bands kick of at 22.00 sharp.
More details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/601526153190722/
IT CAME FROM THE DESERT
http://www.facebook.com/ItCameFromTheDesert
NORM REJECTION
http://www.facebook.com/norm.rejection
http://myspace.com/normrejection
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norm-Rejection/42896382004?fref=ts
THE WHISKEY MUSIC PROJECT
http://www.facebook.com/TheWhiskeyMusicProject
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Will other parking schemes be suspended?
So the Government has decided to suspend the timed parking scheme in Sliema. This scheme was fully compliant with legislation and was no different from parking schemes in other localities.
The scheme has been discussed within the Sliema Local Council, also including public meetings, since 2003 and has long been approved by the Authorities. Councillors from all three parties unanimously agreed on the scheme. Being in 4 local councils since 2003, I can vouch for this.
Following Government's quick decision to suspend the scheme, the inevitable comes to mind. Will schemes in other localities be suspended, too? Are some localities more equal than others?
The fact that public transport has been the cinderella of social policy for so long does not help things.
The scheme has been discussed within the Sliema Local Council, also including public meetings, since 2003 and has long been approved by the Authorities. Councillors from all three parties unanimously agreed on the scheme. Being in 4 local councils since 2003, I can vouch for this.
Following Government's quick decision to suspend the scheme, the inevitable comes to mind. Will schemes in other localities be suspended, too? Are some localities more equal than others?
The fact that public transport has been the cinderella of social policy for so long does not help things.
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