I have missed out on a few grants in my time, not so much of what I do, but because I often can't.. won't say things happen in ways the clipboard jockeys demand.
And I don't sign forms that are not accurate. Despite 'encouragement' to do so to 'help'.
So I was intrigued not only by the story of a couple denied fostering accreditation because they wouldn't say they didn't resort to the odd smack, but by how it got reported and who got plonked onto the BBC sofa to 'discuss'.
Just love the endless troupes of PC 'experts' that get wheeled on, all so happy that if people tell them something they want to hear then it must be true. Which they then trot out on air so we must believe it is fact, too.
Boxes are ticked. Surveys collated. Idealistic worlds and dreamy headlines created. Only 10% approve of smacking? Very likely, along with the 110% who recycle daily. What else are you going to say these days?
Are we really keen on a world where not only do folk lie in a heartbeat to achieve a result, but the authorities and media choose to ignore and accept this inevitable result of their policies and coverage, just to ensure they get the results they want?
And speaking of talking a lot but without much clarity on the doing, I am now watching a piece on the amount of rubbish washing up on the beaches. It is awful... and a disgrace... and I agree that the only possible solution is international action (so all credit to those who have given their free time to doing a tidy and get coverage to make this point).
But as to what actions we are left a little wondering by the statement that 'it's got worse'. Well, D'uh. And as more and more people come online to make, buy, use and dispose of ever more stuff it's likely to get even worse still. All I do, and for now know I can do, is put my rubbish in the designated containers provided.
I don't think it is that productive to use PR and media to tell the public to stop consuming in this simplistic way, as I don't see folk giving up on fish to prevent fishing nets strangling seals.
Perhaps it would be better to focus for public support on the currently woeful actions of some individuals (not sure how effective telling a person who litters not to actually is, mind) and mechanisms of disposal that mean too many of these now sadly inevitable by-products of human activity are ending up in the drink?
Addendum - Welsh beaches plagued by plastic - 'Beaches in Wales have more plastic litter than any other country in the UK, an annual beach survey finds'.
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