Tuesday 15th July

I have often been accused of a small degree of cynicism.  Fair comment I suppose.  But I wasn’t always a cynic (experience has taught me well).  In fact I don’t really believe I am.  Despite the chaos in the Middle East, where religious fanatics are trying to murder each other (and that’s just in what used to be called Palestine) and car bombs killing twenty or more are barely reported.  Despite human rights abuses all over the world.  Despite hunger in a world of plenty.  Despite Capitalism making the rich ever and ever richer and the poor poorer still.  Despite the scandal emerging of our wonderful Westminster politicians buggering small boys at sex-parties, which make Berlusconi look like Mother Teresa.  Despite a celebrity culture which masks everything real with a sheen of glamour.  Yes, folks – despite all of that and worse – I am an optimist.  I still believe, despite the evidence to the contrary, that some Politicians are genuine and want to make things better.  I still belive in the inherent goodness of people, the little kindnesses ordinary people are capable of never cease to hearten me.

I can understand why so few people nowadays actually watch the news, or vote or even allow themselves to think about the world we are living in.  But they really should wake up and smell the ersatz coffee we are being served by Starbucks.  It is only by constantly questioning the world, by in effect being a tad cynical that we will educate ourselves (‘cos no-one else is gonna do it for us).  Thank heavens or who-ever for the internet which is still a free forum, until the bastards find a way to control it.  Or am I just being cynical….oh, and have a nice day.