Looking out at the dull grey weather yesterday I couldn't help thinking how the new year looked painfully similar to the old one, but why should it be different, little changes, we build more houses for our growing population, we continue to prosecute war across the globe, we have another Election featuring same old parties plus one run by a beer swilling loud mouth playing on people's genuine concerns.
The NHS is battling with a population for whom sickness brings a welcome rest from the tedium of life or simply extends the respite from yet mor efficiency drives. A&E has become the standard drop in centre of choice while GPs chase extra rewards by offering yellow fever jabs, blood tests and guidance on obesity. Down the road the police station is shut now they drive around in Kia Ceeds clocking up the miles whilst listening to Steve wright in the Afternoon. Pubs continue to shut, Schools look for a new identity as a college or centre of excellence. Food banks are becoming part of the fading high street fabric, Charity shops prevail as one by one independents fall by the wayside. Men in their sixties wait for the knock on the door to tell them they are under arrest for heavy petting
Others are persecuted for a lack of political correctness, so I suppose things are changing and doubtless many will feel they are changing for the best. Look at the RT, posts are limited, moderation remains draconian and a thread wishing everyone a Happy New year attracts just three responses so far. I cannot remember a time when freedom of speech and the ability to debate and discuss things that affect our everyday lives have been so restricted. Not so much here because you have to obey the rules of the day when someone else calls the shots, but in public different matter.