Have you been Scrooged?

‘Tis the season to be jolly ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaa. Perhaps a bit over zealous on the comedy but still, I am sure most will get the point. It is no laughing matter when one finds themselves sitting in a cold and darkened room struggling to put food on the table and pay those mounting bills.

Before the keyboard warriors and naughty elves start on it all being the fault of the poor and wretched souls who sit on their behinds all day and wait for the benefits payment, latest figures show that the description could apply to at least half the households in Wales.

Meanwhile the Welsh Government press on with the Climate Change cycling for all campaign costing millions in an attempt to get those who can afford cars to leave them at home and hop on the bus or train. It may only be  the few who can still afford ticket prices and who can actually find a reliable service, which actually takes them to where they want to go.

Children will go hungry, children will fall ill. The elderly will suffer. It really is a period in politics whereby the only voices politicians appear to hear are their own.

Wales is a country in crisis on so many levels. From the NHS to public transport, education and an ageing population who just don’t have the means to live anything like a comfortable life. Policy after policy is concocted with little or no research on the long term implications for the people of Wales. Anything good is claimed as a politician’s original idea. Anything bad is claimed as a politician from Westminster’s fault (with the exception of Welsh Lab or Plaid MPs).

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth was a popular ditty when I was growing up. It is now a dentist or a doctor, a bus service or a decent school.

We do at least have that magic wand the politicians clamber for every five years but how many of us vote with conviction? How many of us have the confidence to demand a change in the system. A rigid legally binding contract of employment as they work for the people. Not five years on a gravy train but a year to prove they have what it takes and deliver on the promises based on what the constituents prioritise as the greatest needs. What other job in the world allows you to start then rip up the rule book, throw out all the promises you made and protect your self interests at all costs?

As a child I loved to watch the Christmas Classic ‘Scrooge’ with Alistair Sim as the main character. It somehow gave cause for hope that things can change. For most it remains the same and the characters who suffer at the hands of Scrooge will see no change.

For those not familiar with the scene whereby Scrooge awakes from his nightmare and realises his ills here is a reminder.

Do you know the Poulterer’s in the next street but one, at the corner?” Scrooge inquired.
“I should hope I did,” replied the lad.
“An intelligent boy!” said Scrooge. “A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they’ve sold the prize Turkey that was hanging up there?–Not the little prize Turkey: the big one?”
“What! the one as big as me?” returned the boy.
“What a delightful boy!” said Scrooge. “It’s a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck!”
“It’s hanging there now,” replied the boy.
“Is it?” said Scrooge. “Go and buy it.”
“Walk-ER!” exclaimed the boy.
“No, no,” said Scrooge, “I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell ’em to bring it here, that I may give them the directions where to take it. Come back with the man, and I’ll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes, and I’ll give you half-a-crown!”

The goose was of course for Bob Cratchit who had suffered at the hands of the miser for years.

How many of us like I as a child would hope that the spirit of Scrooge may come upon us not just at Christmas but for future generations. The spirit that puts others before self interests. The spirit, which recognises the failings on a path of unkindness, greed and contempt. It is also the Christian message.

To end I will share that wonderful scene from the film where Scrooge confronts Crachit on Boxing Day. It is a scene most of us would welcome from those in those high positions we elevate them too in such good faith.

“Now, I’ll tell you what, my friend,” said Scrooge. “I am not going to stand this sort of thing any longer. And therefore,” he continued, leaping from his stool, and giving Bob such a dig in the waistcoat that he staggered back into the tank again: “and therefore I am about to raise your salary!”
Bob trembled, and got a little nearer to the ruler. He had a momentary idea of knocking Scrooge down with it, holding him, and calling to the people in the court for help and a strait-waist-
coat.

“A merry Christmas, Bob!” said Scrooge with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. “A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year! I’ll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob! Make up the fires and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another i, Bob Cratchit!”

Merry Christmas one and all including politicians everywhere.