It may or may not be good news for you this week that I have opted not to cancel my writing duties to go on strike. Seemingly some form of craze for a minority of people lately, yet I can emphasise and understand the actions which have somewhat regrettably been forced to happen. The Public sector strike this week is said to have been the biggest of its sort. Numerous schools and hospitals were disrupted due to the on-going row over pensions. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to rally and protest, they were certainly heard clearly by David Cameron... yet he has done nothing over the last week other than publicly document his extreme disapproval with the proceedings, branding the strike actions as a “damp squib.” David Cameron never fails to shocks me in the sense that he could no be further out of touch with the public if he tried because at the moment he seems to be quite comfortable on his own radar looking through rose tinted glasses.
In a rather dreary speech at Prime Minister’s question time, he stated quite confidently that he thought the government had made a "very reasonable, very fair offer to public sector workers". "I don't want to see any strikes, I don't want to see schools closed, I don't want to see problems at our borders, but this government has to make responsible decisions," he said. We are all aware times are financially tough, the news this week has been nothing other than numerically depressing... recession here, recession there, if you took a short glance at the average man or woman’s financial situation I’m sure it would be transparently identifiable that costs are being monitored with extreme caution. The reality is, cost cuts do indeed have to be implemented. I can live with that, there isn’t much that can escape the fact that this country is in so much financial debt I’m surprised there isn’t a permanent fixture of a proverbial black cloud covering every corner of the UK to portray and symbolise the absurd state of our country’s financial workings, comings and goings. Cuts need to be implemented but they need to be FAIR! The proposed changes to the pension system is nothing other than preposterous. David Cameron seemingly wants everyone to work until they do indeed drop, yet with no reward in the end. All Work and certainly no play. It is no wonder this country is looked upon to be nothing other than a financial disaster amongst others. It is a sad state of affairs when your own Prime Minister cannot seem to identify what is simply FAIR. I’m afraid on a personal level I still cannot understand why he was voted in at the election. I’m sure I would be right in saying that these disillusioned conservatives shall not be voted in a second time round when the time comes once more to place your vote. He declared his thoughts on the strikes, yet was simply ignored... He has tried to defend his willful blindness, yet once more has been ignored. Albeit the effects the strikes shall have caused some issues with schools and thus the parents, I think it is extremely important that we all take time to reflect exactly why the strikes took place. Not as an intentional inconvenience to those that have been minorly affected, but to get their voice heard, people standing their ground but just will it work? Maybe this time, just possibly. Only time shall confirm as to whether or not striking has worked, if it doesn’t then expect another strike! Regardless, what an excellent opportunity for the strikers to go Christmas shopping... or does that defeat the object altogether?
What an exceptionally unexpected good week it has been! We are now OFFICIALLY in December. Are you worried? Are you filled with dread? Just a few minor weeks away until that overly large bloke drops down your chimney stack. I am ever so slowly getting there, however, I am already feeling bitter by seeing so many people with their Christmas decorations already erected and lit up. Such a faff! I’m not entirely convinced I am yet fully motivated to see Fibre Optic Christmas trees, flashing lights and even tins of Roses on every available flat space! Life really is so much simpler in January isn’t it?
Straight from the heart - This Week:
David Hasselhoff shall not be returning to next year's Britain's got talent... but does he have any talent himself? [VIEW HERE]
Charlotte Church this week gave evidence at the Leveson inquiry... does she deserve a better media perception? [VIEW HERE]
Is getting a job really down to how firm your handshake is? It is according to recent research! [VIEW HERE]
Fancy a Hoppy meal? One person got more than he bargained for from his Nando's chicken wrap! [VIEW HERE]
A Somerset cul-de-sac gets festive by decorating every house to illuminate! Using 100'000 Fairy lights, the residents certainly are bringing the festive cheer! [VIEW HERE]
Do Knit disturb! A hotel room in Brighton is a woolly delight! [VIEW HERE]
Please leave a comment through Facebook in the box below or email me directly at matt.howarth@athertononline.co.uk if you have any stories or personal news you think would be worth mentioning on the site!
Over on my website this week, I discuss this years BBC Young Apprentice contestants... are they the average 16-17 year-olds? Another reality TV series “Desperate Scousewives” launched this week, a clever title... yet I’m afraid the stars of the show live up to the title of “Desperate” and sheer desperation at that, I review. Gary Barlow in Twitter row with ex Pop star, I reveal how Olly Murs annoys me more than any other current telly personality... Dannii Minogue set to return to the UK screens but is it just me that can’t warm to her? Finally, the apparent biggest girl band of the moment “The Saturdays” flop in the Sunday charts with their latest album “On your radar” could this be the end for the underrated girl group? [VIEW HERE]
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