Thank Heavens for Football

That is a statement that I never thought I would write – or even say. Ever.

But look at the rest of it. Look at the egocentric, vacuous, dishonest, uncaring bollocks that is the output of our esteemed leaders.

Trump seems convinced that, with enough bluster and bluff he can get away with just about anything. And, as the  consistent lying, and even more consistent lack of repercussions seems to prove, he may be right. Never mind history. Never mind the lives of millions of people. He is on TV, all else is just blue-screen fill-in.

Closer to home, or what is left of it, we have Boris and the buffoons playing poker with the country’s future. With half the pack missing, all the good cards already gone, and no idea of the rules. But never mind history. Never mind why we have the EU. Never mind the lives of millions of people. You have the headlines. You have centre stage. All else is just background noise.

How dare you, any of you, place your personal arrogance and ambition ahead of what is actually best for this country, or any country, or the world.

The past two years has seen the unfolding of a feeble attempt by the Tories to shore up their party. That worked well.

The past year has seen Trump trying to dismantle the fundamentals of democracy and accountability in the name of ‘the forgotten people’. That is, unfortunately, working a little too well.

And in between, and underneath, the people. Those without the voice, or the money, or the connections, or the influence. And they suffer, and they will continue to suffer, because our esteemed leaders don’t give a rat’s arse.

Because, no matter what the outcome, and how much shite clogs the fan, they will be comfy and cosy and not to held accountable. Because the shit-storm will be the EU’s fault, or NATO’s fault, or our fault.

Well, the last one is true, for some of us. Because some of us put them there. And there were plenty of warnings.

So, the football.

A decent, honourable man leading a group, a team, not a bunch of egos. And if they go no further they have proved that there is another way to approach the future.

So, I am grateful to the England squad, for being who they are.

And joining those who have decided that enough is enough, and raised their voices above the hum. It may not make a difference. It may not last.

But lights in the darkness are always welcome.