The chairman of Valletta 2018, European Capital of Culture: Incitatus the horse
Published:
May 3, 2013 at 9:35pm
When the emperor Caligula wished to ridicule the Roman Senate, he had his horse Incitatus made a senator, the implication being that his horse could do what they do, and that is how he considered them.
It was not a sign of madness, as it has sometimes been interpreted, but a grievous insult to the Senate.
It is in this spirit that we have to view the appointment of Jason Micallef to the chairmanship of Valletta 2018, European Capital of Culture. I would say that it is in this spirit too, that we should view the appointment of Anglu Farrugia as Speaker of the House, and of Franco Debono as Law Commissioner and chief of Constitutional reform.
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And in a way, the same applies to Joseph Muscat himself – elected democratically by a bunch of morons just so they can have their bloody electricity tariffs reduced – ridiculing the democratic process itself.
Joseph Muscat went further than Caligula. Instead of Incitatus the horse he appointed Immeritatus the donkey.
Another example: giving the EU funds portfolio to a 27 year old with vast experience in handling Dingli’s local council budget.
Simon is the best candidate although I would have liked Tonio Fenech to be leader.
Isard du Pont for leader! I had the honour of meeting him in person as a young lad (yes, I come from that sort of background), where he graciously accepted my offer of a lump of sugar.
Why are you justifying yourself? ‘That sort of background’ is only frowned upon or looked upon with disdain here… and nowhere else..
[Daphne – Nonsense. It is not frowned upon at all here. It is frowned upon by social-climbing Laburisti who are keen to distance themselves from their roots.]
Baxxter, I am not a horsey person anymore.
That is after a dreadful fall at the Marsa almost forty years ago.
So I will opt for Rocco Siffredi.
This was the name on the balllot paper last week at Montecitorio.
Laura Boldrini (I would have her instead of Anglu anytime) almost choked when she read out the name.
I was merely pointing it out for the benefit of those who think I am a social snob because I fear hamalli like the plague. I even wore an Isard du Pont t-shirt.
Beats a Ralph Lauren any time.
Magnificent beings, horses. Next to dogs, they are the best friend a man can ever hope for.
True, the loins hanker after another species, but you’ll never get the sort of selfless faithfulness out of Ritienne that you’ll get out of Bucephalus or Argos.
And you cannot ride Ritienne to work, although she needs to be fed and watered regularly.
When I said here Daph I didn’t mean your blog… I meant Malta…
[Daphne – Then we agree.]
Will you marry me??
Inkun qed nistenna l-posts tieghek iktar mill-ikel tal-mara :)
I laughed my heart out.
Excellent post (as usual). You’re not only an excellent journalist but also a perspicacious political analyst and teacher.
This serves to show there’s nothing completely new under the sun, particularly where human behaviour is involved. We are not aware of this type of historical events and their relevance to modern day governance.
Keep them coming as I’m sure they’ll serve their purpose.
I thought you were suggesting a performance of ‘Equus’. Jason and Kenneth would both be thrilled.
Bad bax bad :-)
The rest of us can enjoy Richard Strauss’ ‘Salomé’ (the 18+ version) at the newly-roofed theatre. I was told this was the dawn of the Age of Progressives, so there.
I think we’ve been treating some people’s sexual hang-ups gingerly for far too long.
Very.
According to Alfred Sant , Joseph Muscat was correct in everything he did. This time Sant didn’t give any percentage points like he used to give to local councils controlled by Labour.
Of course Joseph Muscat was correct in everything he did, according to Dr. Alfred Sant. In fact, Muscat’s leadership from Castille so far has followed a strict “inbazwru ftit ‘l hemm u nbazwru ftit ‘l hawn” approach.
Reminds one of the Fascist slogan “Il Duce ha sempre ragione!”. And look where it landed him and the whole of Italy.
Tragically, spot on.
Gawd
Brilliant!
Precisely what I have been thinking with every move made by Joseph.