I have just been reading of the tragedy that is facing people on our neighbouring island and of the cash strapped families that will be forced to turn to the British Red Cross for help this winter for the first time in nearly 70 years, as millions face crippling cuts to their household budgets.
The rises in basic food prices and soaring utility bills have helped push more than **Five Million People** in the UK into deep poverty.
The British Red Cross said it was about to launch a campaign in supermarket foyers asking shoppers to donate food to be distributed to the most needy through the charity FareShare; This in a country where for a variety of reasons ploughs back into the land 40% of what it grows!
Yet I recall that their Prime Minister Mister C was proposing to virtually go to war in Syria until his idea was voted down.
Strange is it not that they have enough funds to wage an army and yet not enough to cater for the welfare of their people ?
What I do find odd is that none of the above is mentioned by the british bloggers. So are they blind to the situations of their fellows or is that they simply don't care ?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, It seems to be a common pattern of most governments.
ReplyDeleteOh we care, all right. We already have food collection depots, and more are to be set up over the Christmas period. The press don't always tell it as it is, unfortunately. I talked to a family the other day about budgeting and she explained how difficult it was to budget for food when they had three ipads, a new video machine, and five smart phones to pay for. I won't repeat my thoughts on the matter but I have to say that more education is needed for the adults on how to cook using cheaper food, like fresh vegetables and fewer easy meals.
ReplyDeleteValerie where that one example of over spend may well be true and I am not doubting your words; I certainly do not believe that it applies the majority of the 5 million.
DeleteConvenience foods are an entrapment for a lot of people regardless of income. One of my grudges is the amount of food crops that are ploughed back into the horticultural land because of colour, the deviation for instance of two carrots melded together for example and slight blemishes etc.
I would add another word to the title, Mel: Tragedy AND Shame. It's hard to get to grips with government policies like this. We struggle with the same things here in NL although I think it's not as bad as it is in the UK. I don't follow any blogs that discuss broader political issues like this, so I don't know what people think. Some of them talk about local policy issues but not national. Maybe you'd find that more on Facebook and Twitter. I don't know.
ReplyDeleteAs I never use Facebook or Twitter, then like you I shall never know. I do however, read a great variety of news channels and so keep myself informed of what is going on in the world.
DeleteWell, not opting to go into war this time is at least a step in the right direction. Nevertheless, it indeed looks like there are other problems that need their attention at home.
ReplyDeleteNot going to war was a huge step and it only came about by members the ruling party going against Mr Cameron.
DeleteThere is much that could be achieved to improve social conditions if only there was the will!
I often wonder what it will take to turn things around, the world over. . . .
ReplyDeleteIt will turn around when People have the guts to stand up and say 'No More!'
DeleteThe downside is of course that there are always going to be the greedy ones who want more than their share.
I am genuinely shocked. The homeless hardly get enough coverage and support except at Christmas. Western governments seem to look after those with wealth. I can't see the difference in any of the main political parties.
ReplyDeleteDave I couldn't agree with you more.
DeletePolitics for many of it's participants has become a profession rather than a service!
Well said. Also it is worth remembering that many people are too proud to take anything which is offered to them in times of hardship and will therefore suffer in silence. I fear many old people in particular will go to bed hungry and also cold this winter if the weather is anything like last year. and when I look at the wealth of our politicians I despair.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your understanding Weaver.
DeleteI have often thought that the number of years that a politician should be allowed to serve needs to be restricted to say 12 years max and then perhaps countries would always have politicians with fresh ideas and energy to work for the betterment of the people rather than themselves.
Yes Mel what a state this country of ours is in. And our Prime minister Mr C sits looking pompously on and tells everyone that things are getting better, for whom I wonder, it certainly isn't for the majority of this country. Fuel bills are set to rise by up to 10% when a very severe winter is forcast. The government does nothing, all they are interested in is going to war to make big profits. I for one am voting for an independant Scotland. Why should we be ruled by a government we never voted for. There is only one seat that is Conservative in Scotland. Shame on this government and shame on us for letting them away with it.
ReplyDeleteFair enough Margaret you absolutely correct.
DeleteThe inequality in wages between the "Management" and "workers" is something that worries me and I think it is worldwide. Executives on these huge salaries while people such as those in rest homes, like the ones looking after my husband, get a pittance.
ReplyDeleteNow that the inequality is there I don't know how we can change it as the people on the high incomes are not going to say "let's take a pay cut and give it to the workers".
Thank you for your comments Susan. I comprehend what you are saying about the great differential between Execs and low paid workers. I think that as insurmountable as it appears there is still a way through the mire and I only know of one way and that is at every opportunity we have to keep up the pressure, to keep it in public view until common sense prevails.
DeleteHi Mel. Oh don't get me started..my blood pressure will go up! It's true I don't comment about the state of the country on my blog, as it would just turn into one great big stewing pot and I want it to be positive and nice instead. However I do have a soap box page, which I add my grumblings too and need to update it on quite a few local things that have happened recently. I firmly believe we are being numbed and dumbed down. Pick up a newspaper and instead of real political debate and political party disagreement we have top stories on X Factor, or Strictly Come Dancing. In Manchester recently, outside the Tory Party Conference 50,000 people marched against NHS cuts but the BBC were told not to broadcast it! Our politicians are thieves (referring to the expenses scandal). Out of touch-oh yes. How can the crime rate be falling-it's a joke-and just not possible. More and more people all around me are losing their jobs, NHS, local government, firemen, coast guards, manufacturing, everywhere you turn there are job cuts and 0 hours contracts. How is anyone supposed to save, buy a house, make plans for the future and in some cases just live an ordinary life? The Gov is now just a jobs for the boys elite institute, with a we're alright attitude and let's sort this out between us - and don't let the 'masses' know anything....even better let's divert from the real problems of the country and go to war.....bunch.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Mel people are being very quiet, it would seem as though we are sleepwalking through all of the mess around us. I don't think people feel empowered anymore, we have no brilliant political leaders to inspire us. It really feels like They are doing what they want and we just let them.
I don't know what the answer is, but I'd like to push Them all off a cliff and start again. What politicians need is a 0 hours contract, a wage that reflects the average Uk wage, to use the NHS services, the shoe string police service that we have, send their kids to the same schools we have to use and to only use public transport.
I wonder what they'd make of it all....probably think they had died and gone to hell!
Well Mel rant over...:)
Thank you for your comment Suzie. I believe that this is the most inclusive and clear opinion this blog has ever received - I certainly would not call it a rant by any means.
DeleteStrong and truthful comments by SeagullSuzie I believe that here in Ireland there is one Party of passionate and sincere composition. That Party is Sinn Féin, it can always improve. In fact it strives to constantly improve.Its goal is a" United Ireland Of Equals". Underpinned by the ideology of Social Justice For All.
ReplyDeletele meas
Jack Tisdell
Thank you Jack.
DeleteThe same malady exists here in Ireland as in England, as we both know the media (Press and other networks) keep the dark secrets of poverty out of the public eye as far as possible. Avoiding the the mention of Soup Kitchens and Food Parcels from charitable organisations that operate in most of the cities and large towns.
We have just had our budget for 2014 and once again it is those on low incomes who have been hit the hardest i.e. The unemployed young people their social security payment cut by €40 per week, severe cuts to maternity allowance and other dire measures. All given by obese politicians in expensive suits who would look much healthier if as Suzie suggests had to live on the minimum wage.
It is absolutely disgraceful what is happening in this country. People do care and go out and demonstrate on the streets, yet the BBC cannot broadcast for 'security reasons' (I have written to my local MP about this one). This government is doing a wonderful job of taking this country to the lowest common denominator for most people, blatantly adopting policies of divide and rule such as workers against benefit claimants (even though most claimants are in work and for those that aren't there are no jobs), public sector against private sector workers (obviously only the rich that can pay for it need nurses, teachers, police, fire service etc), running the education system in to the ground with outdated and non workable ideas. That is just the start of my rant! It is apalling in this day and age that people should have to rely on food banks, the politicians ought to be ashamed of themselves, but then they really don't care and that is the attitude of all politians whatever party they belong to. I regularly write to MPs, sign petitions etc. I also give to food banks but at the end of the day nothing is really going to change until politicians are made to work in the real world before entering politics to find out what life is really about. I would propose that they are not allowed to run a department until they have worked in that field for at least 15 years and have achieved a successful track record. Then we might begin to trust them to know what they are doing. Until then we just have the vote for as much good as that is with the useless choice we have.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Fran for your sharing.
DeleteI presume that the "BBC's security reasons" are the concern that news of a demonstration would enflame the rest of the country ???
Thank goodness that we have the internet's www. with which to keep the people informed.
I had thought of posting up a new blog, but on reflection I think I shall leave off for the moment to allow others to share their views.
Again keeping it off blogs but Uk has many food banks and at least one patronising tv chef tells people how to make food go further.In a way its a good idea, only watched one program, bit annoying.
ReplyDeleteA certain supermarket has trolleys for foodbank items you buy them then donate- perhaps they could give out of sale items themselves?
Several people I know now forage more for say blackberries or windfall fruit, interestingly that is not really being covered by the media too much self reliance perhaps.
There was one program on the subject last year think it was channel 4, not widely publicized.
There is a caring public, guess its not good tv.
Yes I know that Tesco Ireland and Tesco UK both collect donated foods from customers as well donating themselves; distribution in Ireland is done by The Lions and through the St Vincent De Paul organisation.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very good thing that the foreign media such RT News keeps us informed about what is going on in our own backyards.
I think that Blogs are excellent for keeping people informed and of publicising that Which Matters Most, which is my opinion and to be honest that was the original idea of blogs in the first instance. It was never about knitting patterns etc.
People need to make their voices heard and not be shy !