On Saturday, some friends and I went to the shop. A year ago, you'd have said "so?". This year, it's gone semi-viral on twitter - Simon Dolan, Gillian McKeith, and David Kurten have all weighed in with their support. If you've been exercising your exemption, you know that going to the shop can be an ordeal. Workers who are misinformed of the law asking to see your exemption card, asking you to "wait outside" if you don't have an exemption card, some even ask what makes you exempt! It's all highly invasive and unnecessary (not to mention illegal). This is why we went as a group - for strength in numbers, to do something normal and not be harassed for it. Did we organise it? Yes. Did it make a statement? Sure. But the point to emphasise is that what we did was normal. We went to the shops together because we're friends. Queueing up outside the shop, we were asked if we were all together. Once we said we weren't, that was that. No one both
Both a literal and metaphorical stand, groups from all over England have been convening every Sunday in parks to share thoughts and ideas in defiance of the inhumane restrictions imposed by the Johnson regime. Our stand, in Chelmsford, began with just four attendees, including myself. 5 weeks on, our numbers are 5 times as many and growing strong. Every week with the mix of first-timers, regulars, and people who come when they can, I get to meet and talk with a variety of amazing people who never fail to brighten my day. Being in a natural space with people who are not afraid of an uncovered smile, who don't treat one another as though we are "unclean" - it's a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. It is a fundamental part of human life to gather with others. We gather to celebrate, to mourn, to worship, to work, and to simply share our experiences. The United Nations considers solitary confinement exceeding 15 days to be torture - Nils Melzer, UN Special Rap
When someone criticises my articles, the first thing I ask them is "have you read it?". More often than not, they say no. They might say "I don't need to!" or "I know what it will say", but if you don't know for sure what you're taking issue against, that's a hell of a gamble with which to begin your argument. This is how it's come about that people have decided I am "anti-vaxx", or a "crazy conspiracy theorist". If you've read my other posts you'll be aware that this is not the case, but people glancing at my Facebook feed may get a different impression. I'm not usually one to be bothered by people making false assumptions about me, because if people don't want to take the time to get to know me that's their problem. But when it comes from people who preach aggressively about being considerate of others, showing kindness and acceptance, thinking before you speak and keeping an open mind, it doe
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