Bureaucracy and ...

Saturday 20th March, 2021

After a short breakfast I went down to the village to get the newspaper. I purchase it for the crossword and for the television and radio review. It was a blustery walk and I was asked to buy English muffins. Sadly no muffins available in either of the shops nor at Tesco wither an order for delivery has gone. I bought some croissants and the paper. Back home I read the articles with the usual cynicism, tutting, muttering, mumbling and skipping. Ms Sturgeon in for lambasting and the vaccine altercations with the EU were documented, analysed and commented upon. The only short article I enjoyed was of a Town Councillor, in Yorkshire I think, who had reported two other Councillors to the police for breaking the Covid rules. They had gone out together not sufficiently distanced and not in the same bubble to litter pick off the streets. The reporting had resulted in a huge altercation in the Council Chamber with much inappropriate language and comments of traitor and hot air! Also was a short piece on an elderly lady of 87 who had also been reported to the police for regulation breaking. She had had a cup of tea in the sheltered housing garden, properly distanced, with two other residents of similar age. Two policemen and gone to give her a caution. The articles commented on the sneaks and the foolishness of persons.

When I went for my walk, yes with litter grabber, this afternoon I did notice two things in general. First there were many groups of people together having picnics or strolling or grouping together in, I am certain, contravention of numbers and rules. Secondly I noticed a mobile coffee van in the local layby. There were 47 people queueing for coffee, buns and whatever. The litter around the van was monstrous! It was a lovely day, the sun had come out, the view over the Tay was stunning and there was a smell of Spring. I point no finger but I feel the Covid restrictions are beginning to pall and I doubt will be strictly adhered to henceforth.

I had taken a new pathway and it was glorious. It went through woods and the trees were burgeoning, the wild flowers coming on and I saw deer, buzzards and rabbits and a fox. The countryside was beautiful and although some of the paths were very steep uphill it was a great walk. Horribly even the narrowest off paths had some litter.

As I write I am on my bed having a siesta and looking out at the sun. I have heard of a friend's old dog having to be put down. Tigs was a lovable, loving, happy and generous Great Dane, a loyal and valued friend. All virtues one wants to have oneself.

On the radio there is a discussion of the new powers being given to the a police. Is this the beginning of the authoritarian State a member of the public has asked the panel. One of the panellists replies that it was not the start but yet another step down the road we have already taken and allowed. So perhaps, I muse, sneaks will be legally encouraged and maybe even paid to spy. God help us.