Originally from: frances fish
                        
As we go through life certain things become increasingly obvious. We live through crises, some are fundamental to our perceived wellbeing. We may lose those we love, family, friends, even pets and are devastated by these events. But, as time goes on, we adjust to the new order and, if not happy, we can at least get on with our lives, looking to the living rather than the dead. If we see injustice, we can be outraged, try, if its in our power, to do something about it, redress the balance so to speak. There has been much in the the Public Dormain lately, that gives me grave cause for concern and, from what I hear and read, I am far from alone in this respect. Thinking of that very word, respect,how has it been devalued in recent times ? Another, apparently outmoded word is trust. Trust is often given unconditionally in certain instances, without much questioning. Sometimes it must be earned first, if there is suspicion. To lose both respect and trust is a downward slope to perdition. If we are considering those in Public Office who have forfeited respect and trust, where does that leave us and them ? In an untenable position, I would say. To govern, surely at least respect should be evident ? Is it that some have become so " protected " from ordinary people that lack of contact with them makes them totally out of touch with the real world ? Are we really perceived as so gullible we can be played like fish on a line and not realise until the last we have been duped ? I think not. It is a dire insult to consider we are that naive. We have weighed the evidence for ourselves, we have formed our own conclusions and we, for the most part, remain flabbergasted by recent events. Unbelievable conclusions have been put before the public and, in due course, we shall be able to give our judgement on these. But life does go on and the real fundamentals are with us each and every day. The sun comes up, it is daylight. Spring, Summer, the Autumn and Winter rotate, as they have always done and no amount of chicanery can alter that. It cannot be misrepresented or " spun " into something alien from its real meaning. Likewise with truth and honesty, fairness and integrity. They are to be valued, for, truly,they appear to be in short supply in our modern society. But, if we practice these ourselves will we not then pass on our standards to the next generation who watch and copy ? It is surely beholden on us to do just that, none of us are perfect,perish the thought we should be, it would be a very dull world, but we can try. I just wonder how some who have ducked out of responsibility, have denied wrong doing, have blamed others for their own shorcomings and transgressions are able to equate these acts with facing themselves in the mirror where truth, however unpalatable, reigns ? Frances (rabbiting on a bit .........OK , a lot ! )