I’m on a steep learning curve. Because the world seems to have gone mad, I’m searching for answers to some difficult questions: ‘What's gone wrong in our world?’ and ‘What can we do to bring us to a better future?’ My search has brought some surprises - some of which seem more like secrets - but it has taken me to a place of hope. An increasing number of people have a vision of a better world and are coming together to find a way to get us there. I’m beginning to feel uplifted!
Secrets and Hope in Our Mad World
Early in 2017 I read George Marshall’s book ‘Don’t Even Think About It: Why We are Wired Not to Think About Climate Change’ and I decided I would think about it. And I would read about it. Then I would write about it.
I write as a 'non-expert' and I'm hoping that your comments will help me to see whether the insights I've
gained make sense, whether the conclusions stack up and whether it's realistic for me to start feeling
hopeful about the future .
Every Day Tells a New Old Story ...
I'm not a regular commuter but this week I had the horrendous experience of travelling during the rush when there were problems on the line. Some trains delayed by more than an hour. Other trains kept at stop for long periods between stations. Commuters crammed in like sardines.
At one point a man shouted 'I don't know why you lot put up with this all the time' to which others replied 'We don't have any choice' and 'What can we do?'
Is the problem really as simple as I see it? A private company with a monopoly and with its eye on maximising profits will always sacrifice the comfort of travellers if it means it makes a bigger profit. Trains held up or cancelled because of a damaged track is caused by cuts in the maintenance budget; trains cancelled because of shortage of staff is caused because of cuts to staffing.
Repayment of fares for delays is short change compared with the massive savings made by cuts in the company's outgoings, so passenger inconvenience and distress is of little concern.
Market forces might work when there is competition, but train companies have a free hand when passengers have no choice.
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