First published 11th Jan 2022
Parties. Great aren't they? A chance to catch up and unwind with friends, maybe have a drink or few, something to eat and generally a nice time. An invite gets sent out by the organiser and you respond with a yes, no or maybe pop by if I have time but might not be there for the full duration. If it is a really good party, you will know if you were there or not even if certain details are a little hazy.
However I do need someone, preferably independent who could investigate whether I attended any parties last year, especially if I have been told that they are not allowed. If I say I did attend a party I have broken the law. If I say I didn't attend but then turns out I did, I will be done for both lying and breaking the law.
I can easily say which parties I didn't go to as I either didn't get an invite, said no if I did and also I definitely know that no parties were held at my house. If I took my own booze I will know from my bank statement, receipts or missing bottles from my house.
I won't comment further on any of the parties I may or may not have attended, or can't remember attending until someone has investigated at great expense for me.
Still with me? This is where this country now is.
Forget the politics.
How ridiculous does it sound when you have broken it down?
How can someone have the bareface cheek to ask for, what seems to be, an increasing number of parties to be investigated to;
Ensure they met the guidelines of meeting 1 other person outdoors, socially distanced?
Confirm if they was there or not?
Can they be classed as essential work getherings?
Let's look at it from another angle.
How do you feel knowing you have followed the laws and guidance issued from central government? Maybe you didn't. I am not here to judge.
How do you feel knowing you have lost a friend and or relative during the pandemic and couldn't be there with them?
How do you feel if you had a friend or relative seriously ill in hospital for weeks and not allowed a single visitor and having to stay at home and not be with them?
How do you feel, being an owner / manager of a hospitality establishment and not being able to fully open or restrict times / people / staff / alcohol sales to stay open? All the while your patrons can "bring your own booze?"
How do you feel being a teacher and having to stick to so many guidlelines / learning from home / key worker schools that you lost your mind?
How do you feel being a grass roots sports coach following the additonal guidelines issued from the sporting body so you can keep your players playing?
How do your children feel being denied birthday and other parties?
How do you feel having to have worked from home for nearly 2 years and not being able to see your colleagues?
This is where the country now is. It is shameful.
Today, Boris couldn't even be bothered to show up to parliament and answer and urgent question from the opposition. Instead he has chosen to hide behind a junior minister and an investigation (by the way as it is ongoing, the govt can't really comment or answer the question).
Parties, great aren't they?
As Bob Dylan sang, "How does it feel...to be out on your own...like a rolling stone"