Happy Christmas Viewers.

Well, its nearly that time of the year when the idea is to extend goodwill to all people (non-gender specific salutation) and peace upon the earth. Fat chance of that eh!, become the vogue. Briefly.

 

For the rest of the years just gone we seem to have been sleep walking into oblivion from climate change, ethnic, tribal and religious wars, rampant capitalism, over population and greed of one kind or another. Further, following years of people being lied to and cheated by their politicians it looks like democracy is for the first time under real threat. 

 

The possibility of rising right wing parties across the world are indicative that common folk feel repressed and wish to kick back. Beware, patronising Neo Libs your time may be numbered and so make the most your control of the media while you can is my advice. 

Here in UK this years Brexit vote continues to simmer along with those who voted to leave keeping a very careful and jaundiced eye on the establishment who are less than happy and will reverse it given half a chance. Mrs Middle Class is not happy about having to take the EU sticker off the back of her E Class. 

Likewise, in the USA Trumps arrival on the scene will probably end in impeachment by congress before he gets to the oval office. Although, the red necks, disenfranchised and lost tribe of America may have something to say about that if he is. 

Russia and Putin putting the boot into anywhere he likes due to a weak western response and indeed a weak Western Defence, plus China on the march make America's new isolationist stance understandable. Its been a while now since the USA could take on China and Russia. Also, if Europe cannot afford its own defence why should the USA pay for it.

 

So, in this world of trouble and woe one would think the story of a Jewish boy born in a stable to a carpenter and his wife with a chance of some peace and happiness to follow would have some resonance today wouldn't you. But in the middle east where he was born nearly 2017 years ago could not be more in turmoil and no one is listening. 

 

However, its not the purpose of this narrative to list the woes of this rapidly selfish world. It is to wish and hope that those of you who want a happy Christmas and a happy new year reach that once once simple to achieve state of mind. I say that because I am sure not so long ago that simple wish was easier to achieve than it is in this age of Facebook and Social Media. Which is now more likely to bring you closer to self harm and bent credit rating than..............what was that word........................ Happiness! 

 

But it is what it is and so do what you can. I would add that for those of you lucky enough to have family to bear in mind a thought for those elderly alone this year, the homeless and those less fortunate than you. Try to extend a hand to them and remember its about the love in your heart and not the pound in you pocket. really that is the secret to it all. You can blow £500 on a new Xbox for Freddy, but that hug you give the old lady who lives alone next door is pure gold dust.

 

"Please Lord help us to live in peace and harmony with each other and the earth", is the last line of a prayer I say every night to myself before I go to sleep. Don't forget when your sprouts have gone soggy and you have burnt the turkey that peace and harmony is easy to do. You just DO IT! 

 

Happy Christmas to you all and a much more peaceful 2017.  Fred XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX