Strange Brew

Having not written in a few months, I have rather annoyingly missed way too many blog opportunities.  The Brits came and went – by jove even by its own usual disgusting standards it was an extremely tepid affair.  Comic Relief was simply a regurgitation of its own stupid self.  The only point to the whole sorry pantomime is they raised lots of money for charidee and gave Lenny Henry his biannual slab of much-needed publicity.  The poor voiced the anger at the bedroom tax (quite rightly as well) whilst millionaires got a tax break.

The UK government became less popular mainly due to ridiculous ideals such as the bedroom tax and the ability of major members to shoot themselves in the foot so hard unemployed volunteers were drafted in to clear the carnage.  Most memorable was Ian Duncan Smith claiming he could live on 53 quid a week.  A few days later it was revealed he’d claimed 34 quid expenses on a breakfast.  Planet politician is crazy at the best of times but this boastful claim was beyond the call of duty.

Still only a couple of years before they get voted out.  I am almost convinced labour will be back in government in 2015.  Certainly hope so.

Then – of course – there is Thatcher.  Hurrah she finally fleeces off to that interest free place in the sky.  Although in reality she’s been the walking dead for many a year.  I don’t think anyone has divided opinion as much.  The marmite of politics.  Most politicians huffed and puffed glowing tributes which bordered on embarrassing.  Maximum respect to the likes of Glenda Jackson and George Galloway who were most vocal in their criticism.

I had no time for the woman.  I lived through the 80’s and they were not quite as happy and jolly as some commentators would lead you to believe.  Funny how so many observe the past with rose-tinted spectacle.  I was certainly fuming about the tax payer helping fund the funeral although the final figure (10 million according to The Guardian) has not been disclosed.

I missed the whole shambles.  Didn’t even bother to watch any highlights but I was sporting red clothing in protest.  Although being a postman, I always wear read.  However I pointed out on Facebook I would have donned my Royal Mail red shirt even if I hadn’t been working that day.  I’m glad she is no longer around but she will continue to generate debate.  I know very little about politics but she did much more harm than good.  Good riddance.  The street parties were a little excessive I felt.  On the other hand, I can fully understand how in certain areas of the UK emotions were running high and there was such a hatred of the woman that celebrations were always likely when she finally popped her clogs.

Then the BBC – for fear of repercussions from their Tory chums – decided not to play ‘Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead’ which catapulted to no 2 in the hit parade.  An awful, appalling decision which kept their politician chums happy but alienated them from the very people who fund the corporation – me included.  To add insult to injury, they did play in full ‘I’m In Love With Margaret Thatcher’ an old punk song which was actually a satirical swipe at the iron lady.  Some Tory berks campaigned for the song to chart without realizing the tongue in cheek content.

The fact the latter got to no 35 and the former no 2, speaks volumes.

Not much else to say for now.  It’s been rather wonderful to fill a blank page for the first time in over three months. Watch this space for more…