‘Facts Over Hype’: Doctor Clarifies Controversial Comment On Zammit Lupi’s Biking Feat, Says ‘Social Justice Message’ Is Problematic
Family doctor Jean Karl Soler has issued a clarification on a divisive comment he made regarding a report on Steve Zammit Lupi’s impressive 41-day Malta-Sweden cycling trip.
The comment, which was left on Sunday under a Times of Malta article and interview with Zammit Lupi, saw Soler calling out “green nonsense” and how “absurd” it was all getting. In response, many people – bike advocates and beyond – criticised the doctor’s comments, with popular triathlete Fabio Spiteri branding them as “absurd”.
However, Soler has since clapped back at his critics, saying he wasn’t actually criticising the Żebbug local councillor’s incredible feat, but rather the way it was covered by the Times of Malta.
“It seems that any criticism of social justice messaging in the local press will get you harassed by journalists, even if it’s just a comment in the online newspaper forum,” Soler wrote on Facebook yesterday. “So be it.”
“In our national holiday week, we should be free to enjoy our speedboat, ride our motorbike, go on a roadtrip or fly to Australia without reading a social justice message pushing a guilt trip because we are creating emissions and driving climate change.”
Below is Jean Karl Soler’s full reply to the whole controversy, posted in the comments section of a Lovin Malta article:
Did you read my post, including my follow up comment? I applaud the feat, well done.
The problem is that it gets media coverage, along with a social justice message. It is that message which I criticised.
If I camp in fields all over Europe for six months next summer, will Times of Malta give it prominence, and use it to promote selling our houses to live in camps instead, or abandoning hotels and taking up camping instead for future holidays?
What do you make of Soler’s clarification? Sound off in the comments below
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