Well. I did not know this was happening. It's disgraceful. We shouldn't have to depend on charity to support these disadvantaged people anyway... the mark of a civilisation lies in how they treat their vulnerable. And Ireland is one of the richest countries in Europe. Why not put some of that tax money they didn't want from Google to good use here? I mean, it's extra, after all. It's chilling to see the same awful patterns of behaviour repeating themselves through the ages. Even more chilling to know that people keep voting for it. Capitalism is destroying everything. Thanks for sharing this. I have to admit that, like you, I'm starting to turn away from the news, because it's becoming too painful. And btw, please don't feel ashamed for the incident where you stepped over those sleeping homeless people. It was horrible but you did not cause it and you can't solve it. As a woman on her own on a dark street at night, you were acting appropriately to get yourself away from there and keep yourself safe. I would have done it, and so would any other woman. It is our governments that are at fault. They allow a society that enacts violence against women, and doesn't support its most vulnerable people. They will always say they don't have the money, but that's rubbish. It's the political will to create change and a more equal society that they lack.
A disgraced is truly the right word....and Ireland, as you say, is such a wealthy country. And I really appreciate your kindness and compassion towards my actions on that London street.... I could have stepped off the footpath and walked on the road instead you see (it was more empty) that would have been more 'right'.... something about my physically stepping over people just haunts me. The visceral memory of its wrongness xx
Thanks for this Belinda. “Hiding it away” was my exactly my response when I heard the report yesterday. I found myself shouting those words at the radio. Thank you for exposing the roots and pattern behind it. 🙏🏻 Now it’s time to say NO
Thanks Mari! I imagine us shouting the same thing at the same time! There is always a focus on making something look good rather than focusing on what brings good.
When you said 'contain', my mind went, but of course! As a born and bred French person living abroad for 25 years (15 of which in Ireland), it has always struck me how much countries like Ireland and the UK rely on charities. It used to be very different in France, where the state was expected to provide for 'les exclus', and indeed anyone in need. Unfortunately, the French welfare state, like everywhere else, is being dismantled year on year. As Ali says above, capitalism destroys everything. I also love Geraldine Moane's definition of decolonisation, and the patterns Geraldine Moane identifies. All of us, wherever we're from or live, need to decolonise, because the creation of nation-states has been a form of internal colonisation, with the squashing of local identities and languages and the exploitation of natural resources. I digress, but I think true decolonisation will mark the end of the nation-state.
Yes, the end of the nation-state, especially as we discover how the narratives of loyalty or pride to a particular national ideal are well, 'empty' or void of any real nourishing meaning!
Excellent article Belinda, I got chills when I heard that phrase ‘protecting the public realm’. Your identifying the pattern of containment is spot on.
Well. I did not know this was happening. It's disgraceful. We shouldn't have to depend on charity to support these disadvantaged people anyway... the mark of a civilisation lies in how they treat their vulnerable. And Ireland is one of the richest countries in Europe. Why not put some of that tax money they didn't want from Google to good use here? I mean, it's extra, after all. It's chilling to see the same awful patterns of behaviour repeating themselves through the ages. Even more chilling to know that people keep voting for it. Capitalism is destroying everything. Thanks for sharing this. I have to admit that, like you, I'm starting to turn away from the news, because it's becoming too painful. And btw, please don't feel ashamed for the incident where you stepped over those sleeping homeless people. It was horrible but you did not cause it and you can't solve it. As a woman on her own on a dark street at night, you were acting appropriately to get yourself away from there and keep yourself safe. I would have done it, and so would any other woman. It is our governments that are at fault. They allow a society that enacts violence against women, and doesn't support its most vulnerable people. They will always say they don't have the money, but that's rubbish. It's the political will to create change and a more equal society that they lack.
A disgraced is truly the right word....and Ireland, as you say, is such a wealthy country. And I really appreciate your kindness and compassion towards my actions on that London street.... I could have stepped off the footpath and walked on the road instead you see (it was more empty) that would have been more 'right'.... something about my physically stepping over people just haunts me. The visceral memory of its wrongness xx
Thanks for this Belinda. “Hiding it away” was my exactly my response when I heard the report yesterday. I found myself shouting those words at the radio. Thank you for exposing the roots and pattern behind it. 🙏🏻 Now it’s time to say NO
Thanks Mari! I imagine us shouting the same thing at the same time! There is always a focus on making something look good rather than focusing on what brings good.
When you said 'contain', my mind went, but of course! As a born and bred French person living abroad for 25 years (15 of which in Ireland), it has always struck me how much countries like Ireland and the UK rely on charities. It used to be very different in France, where the state was expected to provide for 'les exclus', and indeed anyone in need. Unfortunately, the French welfare state, like everywhere else, is being dismantled year on year. As Ali says above, capitalism destroys everything. I also love Geraldine Moane's definition of decolonisation, and the patterns Geraldine Moane identifies. All of us, wherever we're from or live, need to decolonise, because the creation of nation-states has been a form of internal colonisation, with the squashing of local identities and languages and the exploitation of natural resources. I digress, but I think true decolonisation will mark the end of the nation-state.
Yes, the end of the nation-state, especially as we discover how the narratives of loyalty or pride to a particular national ideal are well, 'empty' or void of any real nourishing meaning!
Excellent article Belinda, I got chills when I heard that phrase ‘protecting the public realm’. Your identifying the pattern of containment is spot on.
Thankyou, great piece
As an Irish descendant of famine emigrants I can see myself in your writing. Thank you for your work.