I WISH politicians would stop using the line “we’re all in this together” when it comes to Covid-19.
This is simply not true and is a myth that must be immediately quashed.
Far from being the great leveller, Covid will and is in fact increasing existing inequalities. Those who suffered from the last Crash, the young, the low-paid and those living precarious lifestyles will suffer most again.
While many of us can work from home and self-isolate, it is these individuals who are often in the Covid frontline, be it as hospital porters, care workers, cleaners, supermarket workers or delivery drivers.
This leaves them more exposed to the Covid virus and more vulnerable to being made redundant and not being furloughed.
They rent, while the wealthier own their homes, and they spend more of their income on necessities, leaving them vulnerable to sudden income falls. Middle-class children can play in gardens, a luxury not afforded to many living in high-rises, exacerbating mental health problems. And for those in families where education is maybe not seen as a priority, this further exacerbates already existing inequalities.
The next time therefore a politician says “we are all in this together”, remember that for some, Covid is an incredible inconvenience but for many it is absolutely disastrous.
Alex Orr
Via email
THE NHS fundraising campaign by Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old war veteran, is what you call going above and beyond the call of duty.
But I find it sad, very sad indeed, that a Second World War veteran that has already served his country is having to do so again.
Matt Hancock has described Captain Tom as “an inspiration to us all”.
Well Mr Hancock, maybe if the NHS got the proper funding and equipment in the first place, then great men like Captain Tom wouldn’t need to walk for a mile and a half round a nursing home with a zimmer frame (After hip surgery). It’s all well and good that heroes like Captain Tom are doing great things to raise funds like this and that the public are digging deep into their empty pockets, but PPE for our NHS staff should be first on the list.
Without the NHS we would all be damned, I hope the public remember this come next election time, So far the Tories have done NOTHING.
Richard Low
Twechar
THE Scottish SPCA has urged people to keep their dogs under control since cases of sheep worrying and wild animals such as deer being savaged or killed have increased.
Seemingly more people are exercising their dogs using rural routes during the coronavirus pandemic. Every dog owner claims his pet is under control off the lead but this is a fallacy as can be seen from the number of children being seriously injured and disfigured as well as adults.
Pet owners should be reminded that farmers are legally entitled to shoot a dog which is attacking their livestock. Appealing to the dog owners’ conscience is a waste of time. Legislation should be introduced that dogs should be on the lead at all times. This would also stop the excuse when fouling occurs and is left. “It wisnae my dog”.
Clark Cross
Via email
AT this worrying and socially isolating time I would like to get in touch with neighbours/friends/school and workmates.
As a child I was brought up in the tenement flats on Springburn Road near the railway station 1955-1966. In the early 60s I attended Albert Primary School until transfer to Albert Senior Secondary School, both in Springburn. My parents moved house to Dennistoun Aberfoyle Street to be exact. On leaving school I did get a job initially with a furniture recovering business and then went on to serve my time as an electrician.
I left Glasgow 1979 to move to Northern Ireland where I have lived for the past 40+ years. I give you this in a hope that somebody through my travels recognises my name, the places I have lived or worked. I am currently 64, married with two adult children all of us live in East Antrim.
Please contact the Glasgow Times if you remember me.
Jonathan Irving
Via email
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