Is it just me? I don't think it can be, surely? I am talking about the Olympics and specifically the torch. It is going to be in my home town, (it's called a city now, but only because of the large number of strange people that live here), yes, here, this evening. Oh, whoop-de-doo! Can I contain my excitement? Answer yes. Now, perhaps you might call me a miserable old git. Fair enough, that is your right, I have been called a lot worse by a lot better (work it out people). But for the life of me I cannot understand anyone wanting to stand in the pouring rain (when was it last sunny?), with a lot of other like minded loonies, waiting to get a glimpse of what? Someone carrying what amounts to no more than a large candle. I just would not waste my time, I have other, more important things to do, like degauss the budgie, clean the cats ears and watch the rain get worse.
Oh, it's good for the country I hear you say, makes the world take notice of us. Oh please, I really hope no-one is noticing us. Why? The road transport for the incoming athletes is a complete shambles, security is virtually non-existent, thanks to another incompetent politician (my opinion, no offence), accommodation for the poor police officers that now have to be there to keep order, is an absolute disgrace, work/jobs that were supposed to be for local people farmed out to other poor unsuspecting souls at an hourly rate that beggars belief.
To be honest, I can't believe that all this money has been spent on this event. Why couldn't we build another hospital or two? Why couldn't we stop the appalling cuts in our Police? Why?
I imagine I might get a few comments from my readers on this one, over to you dear reader......
Dear Grandad, I do take on board many of your comments but I tend to take quite a simplistic view of life and tend to embrace the positive aspects of the Games coming to London. When the torch left Brighton last Tuesday morning, the sun actually did shine and so did the crowds waiting for it. It was quite moving to see so many people waiting opposite Preston Park for a glimpse of it passing by. The torchbearer did a little jig as he came along the road, all the traffic was stopped - it was a lovely moment and everyone there - from all walks of life - enjoyed it. A rare moment when people came together to watch something unique that we won't see again. I've also found it moving to watch the torch relay around the country especially when it's been carried by people who've had to deal with a lot in their lives - disability, illness, personal tragedies etc. I know you make many good points in your post but perhaps you can spare a moment to consider the other viewpoint??, or not, I leave it to you! Don't shoot me please!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I agree about the people that have carried the torch that have endured hardship, disabilities, tragedies, etc. I sincerely hope that they have had an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives and will be able to tell future generations about with pride. However, these are only a minority of the tens of thousands of people that undertake everyday tasks of caring for others, nursing, caring for the terminally ill, raising money for charities despite being in need themselves, without any recognition or respite. We must agree to disagree, perhaps, because I would rather build hospitals, have a properly working health service, see old people treated properly instead of having to sell their homes in order to be housed in an old peoples home at extortionate fees and wait to die, than spend this ludicrous amount of money on building stadiums and letting the so-called personalities have exclusive access to an event that lasts so short a time. When an athlete can become a millionaire through sponsorship almost overnight and a pensioner has to decide whether to eat or keep warm, I know what my priorities and decisions would be. Please don't get me started on the good for the local businesses platform, just read what they have to say in the papers, if you can believe the tabloids that is! Best Regards,
DeleteGrandad
Dear Grandad, what are your views on the people carrying the torch who are seemingly only getting the chance because they're associated with the sponsors in some way? It was mentioned on the news that quite a number of German people were carrying the torch and from what I can remember the newsreader made a remark about a link to the sponsors. Do you think it should have been restricted to British people? Should it only be sports people or people who've overcome adversity and are local heroes etc. I think this is one that could get you venting your "non-PC" spleen??
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous, (one of at least two readers that comment using this nom de plume). If you are the same Anonymous that posted the previous comment, in my previous reply I forgot to mention (I forget things now and then these days ) that I absolutely loathe the sort of modern speech that you have unfortunately used. Specifically 1) "I do take on board". What? Are you a boat, a ship or other floating vessel? They might take things on board, but a human would take note, or understand, or appreciate. 2) "I embrace the positive aspects..." You use the word embrace here as a verb which is uncommon. It's common use as a noun is to hold, hug, protect or encircle. Just thought I would mention it old chap/chapess, no offence. Please feel free to correct my posts and comments as you wish. As I have become bored beyond belief hearing about the torch, which person is carrying it, or who did a little dance or jig when doing so, I have now declared myself an Olympic free area, as is my studio, house and garden. I will take great joy in not looking at the television or listening to the radio coverage, instead I will employ my time painting, listening to music, gardening, cooking and reading, instead of wasting my life sitting in front of a television screen. As you mentioned the German people, I have nothing against them nor any other nation, except that I was once told that they bombed our chip-shop in the last war, how true that is I have no idea. Best regards, Grandad.
DeleteDear Grandad, A bit surprised by the attack on poor Anonymous, embrace is a verb, i.e. to hug etc, so I can't see anything wrong with the way it's been used here. However, you are of course entitled to your opinion. You may wish to check your use of apostrophes as in "It's common use" - there should be no apostrophe here - you did ask for corrections so please accept in the spirit it's intended, i.e. the same way you intended your comments. Everyone has something that they find irritating whether it be grammar, punctuation etc. Best wishes.
DeleteExcellent, my compliments to you. I am so pleased that you spotted the "rogue" apostrophe I specifically "planted" for you, as per my invitation to correct my posts! There is hope for the English language Mr. Walsh. Please continue to read and hopefully enjoy my blog Anonymous,
Deletebut I will discontinue this "one to one" conversation via comments on this post from now on. I do hope that you understand as I did not intend for this blog or comments to become a forum, merely a series of posts to stir memories, experiences and give my opinions that others might share and enjoy, or not of course. Regards, Grandad.