Christmas never has been a favourite time of the year for me (see previous). People think that a contrived smile, some goodwill gifts and a few hours spent with family and friends excuses them from their failings during the previous twelve months.
All platitudes designed to disguise personal traits of self-interest, self-importance and self-indulgence over the previous year. I’m sorry, none of it cuts the mustard for me, the true nature of many people in our society still shines through.
We have disgusting levels of excess and waste; enough food purchased on Christmas Eve to feed a small third world nation, much of which is discarded before New Year. Increased levels of booze fuelled violence, increased levels of domestic violence and child abuse and to top it all off, we also have the seasonal travel and weather chaos. All that before you even consider the associated injuries and deaths that occur on our roads every winter!
This year (just to add insult to injury) many families face bleak prospects for 2011. The austerity measures will really start to bight in the new year and more and more people face job losses, especially in the public sector. Whatever your views on the public sector (many know mine), spare a thought for those who devote their life trying to help you sort out your shit.
Despite the dire times ahead, many frontline emergency service staff won’t be sat at home belching and farting after an excess of food and drink. They will be facing abuse, violence and belligerence whilst continuing to try to help and support those individuals in our screwed up society, the ones that like the proverbial lemmings, just love to make an arse of their life…
Although I’m no longer a copper I was still working yesterday, my wife is still with the police and is working today. Like many others will both be working tomorrow and on the Bank Holiday Monday/Tuesday for no enhanced payment. Christmas a period of relaxation and spending time with the family? You have got to be joking? I’ve had less than half a dozen Christmas days off work since leaving school, one due to injury and two of them since I retired…
Merry Feckin’ Humbug!
Dave's Bankside Babble 
So often we take our freedoms for granted.
We forget those who put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety and freedom.
Police officers do more than enforce the law; they serve and protect. Every day, officers go to work not knowing the challenges they will face, but they do know the danger every challenge will bring.
Rather than think of danger, officers think of courage. They selflessly work to make this country a safer and freer society.
Police officers sometimes have to make difficult choices. They have to protect those who want to do harm. They do it because they believe in the law. Justice has to be enforced, and they have answered the call of duty.
Police officers dedicate their lives to preserving justice and safety for us all in this country.
They continue to protect us from danger and risk their own lives in the process. We should pay tribute to police officers for the sacrifices that they make in the name of freedom.
“They are our soldiers of humanity. When the devil roars, they shield us from evil”.
Wishing you all a safe, peaceful and enjoyable Christmas.
To each and every one of you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Have a great Christmas Mr G!
Steve B
Thin Blue Line
http://thinbluelineuk.blogspot.com/2010/12/seasonal-thank-you-to-all-police.html
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