Firstly, let me say I admire you for rising so early in the morning in a futile attempt to rebut and retort. Secondly, I ‘think’ I have just met another one over the last few days. I greatly appreciate your contribution to my list. You have a nice day now.

Are you familiar with the parable of the rich man, who wouldn’t help poor Lazarus?
It was the rich man, who found himself in a torment at the end. When poor Lazarus died, he was “carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.”

2. I have no proof that Mr. Alexandru is Roma, but the only begging incident I have witnessed these past 10 years occurred a few months ago in Valletta and concerned a Roma couple. The man was begging, with a placard, in the vicinity of the HSBC ATM in Republic Street, while his wife – child in arms – was asking for many on board buses about to leave Valletta. People (including me) gave her money, and I heard no one complain she should be arrested. Did we do the right thing by her in enabling that sort of behaviour? I’m still uncertain.

2. Like everywhere else, Malta had its beggars, up to the 1970s, when proper social services put an end to the practice. The problem with the Roma is that this is their centuries-old lifestyle and they seem unwilling to change. It is a great pity because, as many Italian welfare workers maintain, Roma children are condemned to a childhood of misery and deprivation when a much better life is available to them.

[Daphne – I’m sorry, John, but you’re not going to give me lessons in how to translate from Maltese into English. From English into Maltese, perhaps – but not the other way round.]

We appear to be approaching the same ‘wave length’. I understand the ‘fishing rod’ vs the ‘fish’ concept. However, many are not allowed the ‘rod’ and therefore, resort to begging. Reminds me of a parable that I am sure with which you are familiar. I do consider Daphne a principled, unbiased and learned interpreter and commentator and am relieved that you agree. Unscrupulous people are everywhere, many appearing to be benevolent. I have lived (off and on) this island for 17 years and have met most of them.

Keep the pinch of salt. You never know when you may wish to salt your fish.

He’s been doing it for a good ten years at the very least, at various times of day, meaning that he presumably does not have a regular job and is living off our taxes … or off the “cat food” money.

The ‘unbalanced’ quotation, translated by Daphne, is taken from the Bible Matthew 10:16; naturally you have the unbiased and learned interpretation by Daphne. [Daphne – Nope. I translated it perfectly.] We should not let unscrupulous persons take advantage of good benevolent people. I take your final comment with a pinch of salt.

[Daphne – How quickly we forget, John.]