There is an ongoing feud on Facebook at the moment between two newly set up groups. One group is called The Catholic Vote (TCV) and the other is the Malta Conservative/Liberal Discussion Forum. The names are pretty much self-explanatory, however, for correctness sake I am going to quote the descriptions they have given themselves:

The Catholic Vote: “This is a group for genuine Maltese Catholics who are ready to use their vote in the next general elections based on their convictions and not traditional party loyalties.”

Malta Conservative/Liberal Discussion Forum: “A neutral discussion forum for Conservatives and liberals in Malta, Sectarians and Secularists. Healthy discussion and a respect for Netiquette is encouraged.:

Each has its own patch or territory to defend and so far so good. But, while the second one purports to be encouraging discussion, it has, unfortunately, already ended up being another one of those “us” and “them” futile debates in reference to TCV.  And while TCV is preaching Catholic values, some of its members are  sorely lacking in the tolerance department.

Members in both groups seem more intent on quoting what is being said on the wall of the other group and they are just going round in circles.  Joining the fray are two politicians: in this corner, weighing in with his conservative views is Alan Deidun and in this corner, weighing in with his liberal values is JPO.

As accusations and counter-accusations fly back and forth across the Facebook divide, you can pretty much guess where this is all heading…on the road to nowhere.

While opening up the channels of dialogue is an admirable thing, I have learned that there are certain issues about which it is pointless to argue with people who are staunchly and fervently set in their ways – politics, religion and football come to mind.  Having read some of the comments and especially the JPO/Deidun slanging match, I found myself exhausted after a few minutes.

Inevitably the arguments have now descended into personal attacks …which kind of makes a mockery of the ethos of both groups.  I think this is just going to lead to even more fanaticism on either side.

That’s all we need.