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15/03/2010
NOT
SO NEUTRAL SWISS DEBACLE
Noel Farrugia MP,
Labour Party (Malta) Spokesperson For Development Aid
In the age of the third millennium,
whilst poverty and hunger are addressed by most world governments with little
more than lip service, we continually acknowledge the facts of failure
in attaining sufficient progress in the Millennium Goals achievements.
Now a decade into the projected- 15-year
window, we fully understand that at the current pace we as a global
commitment will not be meeting the goals set out. In an age when we declare change and
cry foul to all and sundry that in our eyes has allegedly crossed the
line, we, in the blink of an eye, arrogantly show our true colours.
Man eagerly and without hesitation, at
times even with great passion, conviction, indeed fulfillment, firmly
decides to throw the book at whoever we feel is different is some way
or other, whilst in reality all that may have transpired would have
been the surfacing into clear light, of our own disillusionment or
misunderstanding of a person, a culture, a belief or indeed a
preference of any kind.
What is it in man that makes us so
arrogant? Is it an ‘undiscovered gene’ – an ‘Alpha Superiority Complex
Gene’ perhaps, or is it a reflection of how shallow and insecure
mankind really is? Whatever it may be, we manage to swiftly react
without serious consideration of the effect of our actions and more
often than not, end up with egg on our face.
Suffice the stroke of a pen, and mankind
has de facto induced precedents contrary to International Law, started
unnecessary wars, implemented painful sanctions on innocent peoples,
indeed even invaded countries and deposed leaders who have not shared
our vision simply to impose our own ‘Superiority Gene’ which has served
only to breed a hate culture, further alienate peoples and produce
emarginated societies and indigenous cultures, sinking them into
further poverty and driving them to despair, whilst self-righteously we proclaim to
know what is best for societies we do not understand. Are we building a
new generation Weapon of Mass Destruction?
To add insult to injury, we fail to
acknowledge the good nature and deeds of the same medium which we so
swiftly denounce. Are we not all equally global citizens? Are we not
all equal under the laws of mankind? Are we only allowed tunnel vision
without the opportunity to view life with a wider angle? Do politics
and media influence us to the extent anyone kicking up smoke should mean
someone else is on fire? So why are we, the way we are? When does
objectivity stop being just that – Objective, and fades into misguided
emotional frenzy?
I cannot but emphasise enough our duty
to mankind, our obligation to weigh up actions and reactions, and the
seriousness of putting in motion draconian responses we later live to
regret and deviously spend so much time and resources in trying to
disguise our mistakes and attempt to find solace for our conscious by
artfully creating designer scenarios to provide plausible deniability
cover and justify our otherwise inexcusable responsibility.
In a recent episode a senior member of the
ruling family of a neighbouring country was allegedly involved in for
whatever reason the Swiss government determined serious enough to
blacklist and bar entry to 180 citizens of that country including the
President of the country. A President of a country which most European
nations have in recent years all jealously and swiftly, alas almost
tripping over each other’s cloak and dagger, lined up with their
begging bowls amidst smiles and handshakes, to secure lucrative
commercial ties with.
It is however not commercial interest that
should be the subject for consideration but what this country has
provided in International Development Aid alone, which seems to have
been completely disregarded. Suffice to say that this country has
budgeted 800 million Euros for this year alone. So why do the actions
of so few have the repercussions on the lives of so many?
On the one hand we have the steadfast
so called Neutrality and Sovereignty of the Swiss now not so neutral
after all, as by their action on the offensive has resulted in the
defensive tit for tat exercise barring entry to the citizens of 25
European Union Countries who are signatories to Schengen due to the
free border access allowed under this agreement.
So, where does this Sentinel of
Neutrality and Sovereignty in Europe stand. Does it really stand alone?
Indeed does any country stand alone anymore? Is it not time for soul
searching and peeling away of our double standards and superfluous
prejudices, to eradicate the Holier than Thou syndrome we emanate.
Let us instead promote dialogue and
understanding, start practicing what we preach and truly resolve our
differences. Lets us all take it upon ourselves to bury the hatchet and
start a fresh. Let us all find ways to reconcile and instead dedicate
time and commit our resources to finding a brighter future for our
world so we may feed our hungry citizens.
Whilst pointing out our disagreements,
let Man not Wield the Wrath of presumed Supremacy but the Willingness
of Spirit to resolve rather than destroy, indeed to construct rather
than deface. Let us together create a One World Passport to dignity,
respect, education, health and sustenance, so we may start to see also
the good qualities in each other and not be judgemental of different
qualities in other peoples. We can never learn how to give unless we
have learnt how to receive.
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