The state we are in: on Cummings not going.

I have been incensed, like many, by the recent Dominic Cummings debacle.  I write these words in part to "vent" at the troubling state we are in. 

To me, the "one rule for us another for them" Cummings affair shows that  when push comes to shove that Boris Johnson cares more about his own political interests than our sacrifices for wider public health. The embarrassing sight of his ministers sent out to argue that driving 40 miles to test your eyesight is in anyway normal (and not a piss poor excuse for a day trip during "lockdown") was painful. To suggest that leaving home and travelling the length of the country whilst ill with symptoms was not in any way at odds with with clear messaging at the time to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives, is an insult to our intelligence.   

At a time when we should be united to get through this crisis, the Prime Minister's response to this affair has served to undermine the public effort.  Instead of doing the obvious thing to draw a line under the matter so the focus can return to the things that  matter (not even an apology or sign of contrition), we get the "truth twisters" playing with our minds. Government cheerleaders in the press are now going after the journalists and sources who brought the matter to our attention to question motives and cast doubt on what is clear.    

That the Government are trying to reframe the story into one where Cummings is a victim tells you much about how this administration works.  It's a 'full on' physcological propaganda battle to this lot -an approach that I find deeply disturbing. What's right and wrong no longer appear to matter. Remember the past warnings from senior conservatives casting doubt on Johnson's suitability for high office?  I think they have been borne out through his actions on this.  A new ugly politics played to different rules is evident.

As the "cheerleader" press and social media rearguard now fight to cloud and obfuscate, one thing is clear to me, the government are not giving 100% of their effort to dealing with this pandemic. There has always seemed to be more effort focused on controlling the story than the virus. The consequences have been predictably appalling.  We deserve better.

What can we do?   Call it out.  Write to your MP.  If we expect better we need to make that clear. Whether that's enough remains to be seen. But if we don't act, what a sorry state we'll be left in.