Wednesday August 18th 2021
Like most of you I am relieved we are in a slightly better situation as regards Covid-19 and the pandemic. There is a feel that we are slowly returning to normal. I would ask everyone to remain vigilant. The deadly virus has not gone away. Mutations are happening which could be dangerous. Help protect those who are vulnerable and follow the rules. Still try to keep your distance and wear face masks where appropriate. Get vaccinated. Keep safe and keep well.
The state of politics does depress me. When I see the antics in London, where the most outrageous evidence of actual and moral corruption now seems to be accepted by everyone as “normal”, I fear for the future of our democratic state. However blatant the lie is. However, shocking the revelation about inappropriate behaviour on the part of ministers. However extraordinary the fake and false information might be. From the public there is scarcely a muted murmur of complaint.
It would appear that the more the Tories treat us as fools and idiots the more they can get away with. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance, yet we live in a world where freedom is being extinguished in too many countries as dictatorships flourish and spread their poison. Never in our lifetimes has the danger been greater. Our rights as citizens have been won at considerable cost over very many years. They can be wiped out much more quickly. See what is happening in Afghanistan. Destroyed almost overnight. We all have a duty to stand up for what is right and to reject the propaganda being forced on us and to use our own judgements on what kind of government we need. In Scotland this can only come about by taking back political control from Westminster and so protecting the rights and the responsibilities which we have worked so hard to put in place.
On a cheerier note, I am looking for a local hero to represent the constituency at the official opening of parliament which will now take place early October. As for previous official openings I am looking for nominations for someone who has gone above and beyond what might be expected and has done something both exceptional and tangible to help and improve his/her community. Nominations can be sent to colin.beattie.msp@parliament.scot
Finally, I think we were all shocked with the UN report which shows that climate change is about to impact on us in a big way – and very soon. The Scottish Government is doing all it can within the limits of current and developing technology to mitigate climate change. Many already think it may be too late and that we will have to live with the consequences. I, personally, believe there is still time to make that difference. We can all change our life styles a little to accommodate the changes which will reduce our carbon footprint.
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