By Bernie Bell
I’ve been thinking about the Queen’s Jubilee. All the flag-waving and excitement would seem to indicate that the people of Britain regard the privileged classes as A GOOD THING, believe that we’re fortunate to have them there to rule us, and therefore should turn a blind eye to their excesses, insufferable arrogance and actual mis-management of the nation. Though, as a Democracy, how did it come about that we are still ruled by the privileged classes? And the Jubilee provides a useful distraction from the recent revelations about the behaviour of members of Her Majesty’s Government.
Though he appears to be a bumbling buffoon, Boris is very good at orchestrating events to cover his tracks.
Will I be watching the Jubilee celebrations on the telly? No. I didn’t acknowledge the last one and, as then, am surprised at some of the otherwise sound people who are taking part in it. ‘Money doesn’t talk, it swears’ – Bob Dylan.
The jubilee before that? 1977 – remember what the general atmosphere in Britain was in 1977?
I have a souvenir pencil from the 1977 Jubilee – an ironic gift from a fellow punk. A pencil was all she could afford. If anyone wants it – they’re welcome to it.
The Jubilee memorabilia tat will be making money for someone, somewhere. Question is – who is making the tat, and the money, and where? Under what conditions for the workers? If you get a chance have a look at the labels on some of it – could be interesting
And what will happen to all the little wave-able PLASTIC Union Jack flags left littering the streets after the event?
We really are living in two worlds in Britain today – the world of the wastrel, wealthy, use and abuse privileged classes, and the world of the thinking, conserving, re-using and giving a helping hand individuals and groups.
Where do we go from here – towards a real Democracy?
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I thought I’d bung these in while I’m at it…..
https://theorkneynews.scot/2022/01/09/singing-the-national-anthem/
https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/02/01/to-quote-father-jack-hol-i-days/
This is such a controversial issue amongst people of my generation (over 80s). Most of my peers are still stuck in the cycle of Great Britishness I’m afraid and I am the oddity amongst them. The one that is laughed at for my silly independence support. At our annual reunions (dwindling in numbers since they first started – natural wastage, you know) when the subject of politics invariably rears its ugly head, my opinions are ridiculed and sniggered at. This from the ladies whose first question was where will the money come from to pay our pensions. Only one of my friends has listened to any arguments and gradually, over the 12 years we have met, has moved from being an avid labour supporter and friend of Jeremy Corbyn to seeing, through her own eyes, the sanity of independence. Admittedly, this was ushered in by the Labour Party’s awful treatment of their then leader. However, the remaining 15 or so have never changed and are not likely to. One friend who lives just up the street from me is the only house in her street and, indeed, the surrounding streets too, with union flags and buntings proudly on display.