Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1453707
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 FEBRUARY 2022 COMMENT What are we skinning? The government's decision to 'handle' the cancellation of the much-loved and interna- tionally recognised Malta Marathon and replace it with its own version of much the same thing. Why are we skinning it? Because it seems as though state capture of an apparently politically innocent athletic activity is fair game ahead of an election. State capture? Wasn't this about adapting to new traffic routes? Road safety was the os- tensible reason brought up by Transport Malta, yes. So what's the problem? Well, they then took the proverbial running bull by the horns and decided to organise their own variant of the Marathon. That sounds like a pro-active measure... Yes, it seems as though Transport Malta and Sports Malta have energy left to spare despite a looming general election currently underway. I hope they poured some of that energy into coming up with a really memorable, punchy title. It's called Tran|Sport Malta Marathon. Oh... Come on, it's an admira- ble feat of compression, if nothing else. And was there some- thing else in this deba- cle? Oh yes, plenty. Run it past me. Ha. Ha. Well, the idea that gov- ernment would make life difficult for marathon or- ganisers and then swoop in to claim it as their own is quite the look for 2022. Are they trying to muscle in on some of that sweet, sweet nostalgia? Yes, I mean, the first half of the next season of Stranger Things isn't dude until the end of May, so... communist-to- talitarian chic will have to do for now. I was thinking of Run- ning Man, thought, but okay. The dystopian vibes track, don't worry. Still, fun to know there's some more (long) months ahead for all of this. Who knows what else the election cycle will throw our way? Do say: "The govern- ment's swift action on this matter would be commendable if if didn't also give rise to border- line-disturbing questions about its real intentions. A looming election puts everyone on edge." Don't say: "Has anyone given Ian Borg's car fet- ish the consideration it's due? It may be time for a full-on intervention." A philosophy of love and friendshiġ DOMINIC GARCIA PAGE 12 The Skinny Malta, shrunk down EMMA PORTELLI BONNICI Cry me a river, Robert PAGE 13 MICHAEL FALZON AUM: an abject failure PAGE 7 No. 127 | Running With Ministerial Scissors JOSANNE CASSAR State interference in the Malta Marathon PAGE 6 EDITORIAL Daren Debono plea bargain: where is the justice ministry? PAGE 2 A philosophy of love and friendship is undoubtedly a social need and can become a therapy for all of us if only we consider to refrain from employing unpalatably odious discourse