Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1275680
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 AUGUST 2020 Ivan Bartolo Ivan Bartolo is a Member of Parliament for the Nationalist Party OPINION ONLY the truth frees us. Truth is a product of time and the mind. An excerpt from 'A Pref- ace to Politics' (1914) reads "The truth sets us free, but that truth is nothing but a thou- sand truths that all grow and change." Sometimes in life people might ask you why you behaved in a certain manner during par- ticular episodes. Just as people sometimes ask me why I voted in a certain way on particu- lar issues. And yes, there will be times when you don't even have to answer, because who- ever is asking you will know the whole truth already. As Christ did before Pilate: he did not answer. Because the truth comes from heaven, and even in silence you can deliv- er an important statement and make an impact. Because truth is not something you tell; you live it. In each and every one of us there is a whole world hidden inside him, which needs to be well discovered. One needs to step into those dark corridors and discover that 'the bigger you are the bigger in there'. This is the truth that frees us. I personally follow the truth, so that no one is hurt or humil- iated. Everything I do and decide about, for me it's an ideal I be- lieve in. After all that's why we do it. Sure, there will be peo- ple who despise me, but that doesn't influence my obliga- tions. I no longer stress about things I have no control over. I can't force anyone to me and ask them to respect me, just be- cause I believe I'm on the right path. I have come to realise that time often makes things right. As happened in 2003 when I said 'Yes' to Europe and was expelled from the Labour Party for doing so. I could not understand how all the parties felt in favor of the European Union except the Maltese Labour Party. Today I know I was right and even ex- ponents in the Labour Party to- day recognize that I was on the right track. Even if my heart beats else- where, I am first loyal to my conscience and all that I know, that I have seen and experi- enced. And because I don't want to humiliate anyone, I will continue to suffer the con- sequences and the insults of some. Not a problem. The truth can offend you, be- cause it takes a picture of you and expose your lies. Achieving the truth is already in you, and this is the best thing that can ever happen to you in life. Because unfortunately you find people who think they are perfect, that everyone follows them, everyone loves them, and that everyone congratu- lates them wherever they go. But this is often nothing but an illusion. Humans unfortunately give false impressions, which they carry with them wherever they go. Egocentrism at its best! Back to my behaviour. I am able to sift through any situ- ation, and visit families in my district not only for a vote, but also to hear and weigh their thoughts. The Archdiocese's vision document, One Church, One Journey, reads as follows when discussing the ecclesiastical re- newal process for 2020-2024: "The vocation of the Christian in the world reaches its peak when it is ready, to serve all the 'city' in the art of politics. In all levels of political par- ticipation, the Christian must approach dialogue, creatively seek to resolve conflicts for the good of all, and make wise de- cisions while keeping in mind the greatest good." I am confident and aware that I am on the right path. My path, is never what suits me best personally, because I have never fought a personal fight, but a path to the wellbeing of our society and future, for our children and grandchildren, so we can hand them over a coun- try that they deserve. Along the way you will meet people who mock you with the intention of making you go back into your own shell. Usually the ones who make the most noise are the ones who have something to lose. They are like drums, in that they make a lot of noise but are empty inside. There are human beings who are eager to contribute to a bet- ter and free Malta, but forget that they first need to achieve true freedom for and within themselves. We hardly realize that we need to change first. Because the challenges are not outside of you but inside you, tyranny is not outside of you but inside you, so is oppression. In that case, you can't change and lead anyone but yourself. This is a serious respon- sibility. Think about it and everything will fall into place. Isn't it right to do the right thing?