Bring on a kinder world
What do you think the chances are of a kinder world, once this pandemic eases up a bit? Here in the UK Boris Johnson has just come back to work as leader of the country. There has been a lot of speculation as to whether his near-death experience will colour his policies on winding down social restrictions. There will be a lot of pressure from people in his cabinet to sway the balance towards needs of the economy and away from minimising casualties. Incidentally, Boris must be suffering from ‘be careful what you wish for’ Syndrome. The affable buffoon has inherited a poison chalice of enormous proportions. A lifelong ambition to be prime Minister of Great Britain has come true - And how!
Watching Donald Trump’s 2-hour-long Coronavirus press briefings being turned into a personal campaign for his re-election as US president, is certainly very much a sign of the times leading up to the outbreak. His abuse of language and power has unfortunately set a precedent throughout the political world. It remains to be seen whether this culture of political pantomime can survive the cruel facts of so many fatalities, economic hardship and the exacerbation of the difference between the rich and the poor that will inevitably be caused by this international disaster. Let’s hope it won’t.
On a positive note, I’m looking for the re-emergence of facts and truth and real transparency. Could this be the beginning of the demise of Trumpian style politics? - I certainly hope so. We’ve all seen some truly heroic acts and some fine illustrations of the good side of human nature, maybe they can become permanent consequences of the post-pandemic world.
Anyway, on a lighter note I’m looking forward to riding out today on my bicycle (safely 2 metres away from anybody else) to take in some sea air, check out the cherry blossom trees, listen to the birds, re-charge my spiritual batteries and exchange smiles with many masked strangers!
Stay well. JW.