25th April 2021

 Last night I watched colour footage of VE celebrations around the world, ahead of the 8 May anniversary. People looked so happy. Life would be better for ever and man would respect man. But yesterday, I had read a FB report of a man on a local bus who refused to give up his seat to a heavily-pregnant woman. What was striking were the comments, the majority applauding the man’s ‘rights’! In the 40s, despite deprivations, I remember being taught to respect older people, our parents, those in authority and especially those in need. It was a way of life that worked and no-one questioned it.  When a child reported being reprimanded at school, the family would support the teacher.  But now? Despite today’s previously-unheard-of home ‘luxuries’ like hot showers and central heating, selfishness has taken hold. Personal ‘rights’ have overridden respect for others. In nearly 80 years since one war ended, another has begun. Society has lost its way.