New Year's Resolution

[wingco]

One of the saddest, sweetest memories I have of very young Alisha, one that still makes me melt with guilt, is when she was about seven. I'd probably drifted off into my own head, whatever was preoccupying me at the time, issues I couldn't possibly share with this little girl. She was sitting next to me on the sofa; I'd fallen silent, probably for longer than I realised. She piped up, softly, doubtfully.

"Do you like me?"

I tell you, whatever melancholic reverie I was in, I snapped right of. I showered her with kisses and daddy cuddles and assured her she was the most precious person to me in the world.

I've drifted inward these last few days; depression, boiling rage, anxiety, doubt. My New Year's Resolution is to engage in some sort of voluntary, community work. I'm time poor but I'm sure I can find a couple of hours a week. Maybe this is even something that can be politicised; charity work usually lays stress on being non-political but the longterm social deprivation that this country has suffered is as political an issue as fuck. I was deeply impressed by the large numbers of people who went out in all weathers to campaign for Labour; humbled, too, because although I intended to help out myself, I couldn't overcome a basic shyness ultimately to do so. I need to get over that.

I don't think their efforts and altruism should be seen to have been in vain. But I suspect it's an effort that's going to have to be maintained in various forms over the next few years. Perhaps one manifestation of that is community work, carried out in Labour's name; a demonstration of socialist principles, particularly in those leave areas who deserted the party for the Conservatives. This is what we are, this is what we do. It'd be impossible to make up for the shortfall of lack of state funding and should never be considered a fit substitute for that but even a token effort could make a strong impression.

Today, I saw Alisha. I was still in my own head, I'm afraid, still in a roiling emotional state. We talked about the election; suffice to say she had exactly the right ideas. "They should give people my age the vote. After all, we're the ones who are going to be affected by this." Too right. She also suggested the over-45s should be banned from voting. I found it hard to muster an argument against this drastic proposition.

I relapsed, into scowling introspection. Silence. And then, Alisha piped up, softly, doubtfully.

"Are you proud of me?"

Once again, I snapped out of my mood. I gave her a massive hug and assured her, dear God, yes, yes, a trillion times yes, I couldn't possibly be prouder of her. I think she was assured. Then, we had a fun, fun day.

[Toby Gymshorts]

I read this on Facebook, in passing, on the bus and it made me sad.

I read it again, just now in my living room, and it made me sad and hopeful at the same time.

You're a good man, Never forget that.

[Toby Gymshorts]

Also: she sounds like a great kid. I reckon we can put that (mostly) down to you.

[Hot Pepsi]

I too can’t imagine actually knocking on doors and talking to people about politics. Engaging with a Trumpist makes me depressed and despondent for days. I’m serious.

I joined the committee at our church that deals with mission and social justice. Our current thing is helping out the clinic at PSU’s law school that works with immigrants.

[imp]

We talked about the election; suffice to say she had exactly the right ideas. "They should give people my age the vote. After all, we're the ones who are going to be affected by this." Too right. She also suggested the over-45s should be banned from voting. I found it hard to muster an argument against this drastic proposition.

We had a massive family discussion with my two daughters after Brexit, as they maintained that Over 65s shouldn't have been allowed to vote on an issue affecting the futures of young people. It's hard to be unsympathetic to this argument, although we counter-argued that you can't - in a democracy - start taking the vote away from anyone, no matter how much it might suit your agenda. Then again, I did recently tell my mum that - in the event of a second referendum - I was going to contract her to hide the car keys of a very elderly, Brexit-voting couple she's friendly with.

As for voluntary work in the community, political or not, I can only encourage it. Like you, I've always been terrified of knocking on people's doors and trying to persuade them to vote one way or another, and have huge admiration for those who can summon up the spirit to do it without getting angry or depressed at the first Tory/twat/Tory twat they meet. Find something that you're comfortable with. For me, coaching football teams doesn't feel political in the overt sense, but I do attempt to communicate values about fair play, sporting behaviour and respect for team-mates, opponents, referees etc. And cracking down with conviction on any early signs of any kind of discrimination. You have to feel that even if you only get through to one kid, then you've made a difference for the better.

[Duncan Gardner]

you can't - in a democracy - start taking the vote away from anyone, no matter how much it might suit your agenda. Then again, I did recently tell my mum that - in the event of a second referendum - I was going to contract her to hide the car keys of a very elderly, Brexit-voting couple she's friendly with

Aye. In principle Universal Suffrage is marginally less shit than all the other systems; in practice you can't simply take the vote away when people's health or faculties might start to fail.

Wingco & Alisha's exchange above is beautiful. She sounds sassy enough for a good row about politics

Due to a late change of plan I was moved as a Green candidate for Imp's old Bearwood manor* up the road to Aldridge. Maybe just as well- one time I was told by a local that my effort to blend in sounded like Reeves and Mortimer's cup a soup sketch

* Warley constituency. It's a golf course in the town of Smethwick