I am “getting on” (in years) and now and then I
come to a land-mark. This Blog is actually my
500th one, and since launch in July 2011 I have subjected my
readers to an unremitting cascade of my views on politics, great historic
figures, styles of architecture, cathedrals and churches, works of art, places
to visit, the glories of Scotland, England and Greece and various other highways
and byways. I thank my very kind readers for their patience and forbearance
leading often to generous praise and only occasionally to raspberries,
doubtless well deserved! The only bad news is that I am going to persist with
my blog-writing, although you may see a slackening in its regularity!
 |
| An evocative view of the Statue of William Wallace in Aberdeen by His Majesty's Theatre |
As this is my 500th I will strike a
happy note. I will sheath my poison pen, blunt my back-teeth, hold my tongue and
find good in all men, although some will make me dig deep. I really do attach
importance to “getting on” (with other people) – it is easy to make enemies but
less easy to make friends. We are sociable beings and any obstacle to
congeniality must be quietly overcome. Britain is a moderate country, in size,
in climate, in political tradition and in common inter-action between its citizens
– any display of extremism is best left unsaid. Vociferous expression of
controversial opinions is deemed unwise. Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re
(gently in manner, resolute in deed) was a Roman, and later a British,
watch-word.
I am blessed with a supportive family. My
lovely wife does not always agree with me but crucially we “get on” and are
able to smooth over our little differences. My 3 sons are proudly independent
and a generation ahead of me in attitude, yet they tolerate and even enjoy my
peculiarities and age-encrusted enthusiasms, be they fragrant scallops,
stirring patriotic songs, Six Nations rugby, wry ceremonial music by Purcell, University
Challenge or schoolboy memories of games of conkers. Every man develops his
own hinterland and uses it as a kind of reserve dynamo.
Looking outwards, my nation is gingerly making
a great transition, leaving the EU, as democratically ordained, and developing
new relationships in a fast-changing world. We hope for cordial interaction
with our old EU friends and wish them well although their direction of travel
is not ours. Inevitably our negotiations with the EU have been abrasive, there
is much at stake on both sides. We share most EU values and recognise the
fundamental importance of “getting on” in the medium term.
Our strongest ally historically is the USA,
although the Trump Presidency has shaken many assumptions. A stranger to
diplomacy or polite communication, populist Trump has nevertheless kept the US
out of new military entanglements, overseen a strong economy, woken up
complacent NATO members and even softened some Arab animus towards Israel. He
could easily win a second term although the bien-pensant favour elderly
Joe Biden. More than ever, a key aim of the UK is to “get on” with whoever is
at the helm in Washington. Our bonds with the Old Commonwealth will strengthen
as we develop a CANZUK bloc, hopefully to be joined by India and South Africa
and others who share our democratic fundamentals.
Internally, the UK faces many challenges. The
elephant in the room has been the Covid pandemic, throwing business, schools
and the NHS into confusion. Our Conservative government has not performed well,
slow to react initially and changing tack with regular U-turns. But the
pandemic was unforeseen and the struggle to control it required talents notable
in their absence. Boris’ style as a cabinet chairman rather than a chief
executive has marginalized his contribution which must be hands-on. But his
government is well entrenched and contains astute ministers, who will surely
win through. Although I deplore her ruinous Scottish independence fantasies, I
give credit to Nicola Sturgeon for running her devolved SNP government reasonably
efficiently and decisively.
 |
| Finding common ground? |
When the pandemic abates, people of goodwill
should unite for a radical programme of reform. Surely a rejuvenated and
inspiring role can be found for the moribund House of Lords, maybe a
half-nominated and half-elected regional Senate. The raising of educational
standards is a priority in our technological age and the elimination of
deadening poverty and discrimination would remove an affront to our rich
society. Equality of opportunity, high aspiration and material amplitude can be
our bedrock as we face the glorious future. If we “get on” with our
fellow-citizens, we can bring to fruition the dream of the poet, Robert Burns:
Then let us pray
that come it may,
(As come it will
for a' that,)
That Sense and
Worth, o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the
gree, an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a'
that,
It's coming yet for
a' that,
That Man to Man,
the world o'er,
Shall brothers be
for a' that.
SMD
26.08.20
Text copyright © Sidney Donald 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment