It's Over - We Move On

An interesting week. There was an election, the sort that questions the validity of democracy. Perhaps my mood is tempered by thoughts prompted by Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. We have no real control, the populace is easily swayed, perhaps even stupid.

That stupidity is a collective action. The power exerted by the mob, or the emotion that rises up within you at a football match or pop concert. That emotion is outside, it's a reaction to the world out there. Compare it to the tears that spring when faced with internal emotions; the death of a relative or friend, the despair of failure.

So it was last Thursday. The election results could be sensed. There was no need for an announcement. We knew. For some election, for others quiet despair. It's trite and obvious to suggest that for the majority indifference was the best collective reaction.

What interests me is whether we have become so programmed into acceptance, that feeling of 'there's nothing we can do' and whether people do really care, or are just resigned to being powerless.

Perhaps I should accept that the collective will does bring about the right decision. That's difficult to accept. History suggests we are constantly struggling, usually making silly mistakes.

It makes me withdraw into a small shell. It's dark, unkempt, solitary, filled with quiet despair. From the outside it is ribbed, with shiny white bands of conformity that are separated by varying shades of brown that merge downwards to dark black. The public face that is me.

One day I may find a way to open up that shell. To invite someone in with whom I can share, admire and desire without feeling fearful that I will lose my last scrap of individuality.

There's a silent scream there.

Elections

Nearly over. We are an apathetic bunch. However low or high the turnout at today's election we will only scratch the surface of democracy - whatever that is.

A century or two ago we sent miscreants to the other side of the world. They formed a society, largely based upon burnt chicken wings and weak, yet cold, lager. They did accept Alternative Voting. Chances are we will throw it out of the window, but I suspect the other part of the Aussie system would produces better results: that is to make everyone vote and have AV. Sounds fine to me - I'd like to know if it works.

No chance of a BBQ here today. Wind has dropped, but it's getting colder. We need rain. My garden and allotment are suffering. That means I suffer (albeit silently - of course).

Feeling morose today. I've applied for £165,000-worth of grant funding so far this year - mostly in £15K lots and been turned down every time. We had a Board Meeting at the radio station this morning, and the lack of finance was a central topic.  I was also told there was a cartel who didn't like working with me.

Later, by chance, one director happened to mention that one member of this dissenting group who had been organising disco nights had never passed over the money raised.

It was at that point I made the connection. This bloke, and his cronies, have been using the good name of the radio station to encourage folks to attend events they arrange - and then pocketing the cash for themselves.

The Big Society in action!

Let's wait and see what will happen.

Spa Pavilion Felixstowe

Yes - I bought it back to life! www.spapavilion.co.uk www.spapavilion.co.uk

For one good reason - we want to do something with this theatre of ours.

The Suffolk Coastal District Council have turned down our Tender to look at what can be done with the theatre. That's Big Society in action.

Is it anger or sorrow I feel?