Housten, We Have a Problem!
These past few days have been eventful, to start with…
A volcano in the middle of Iceland with an impossible to pronounce name, has stirred from it’s centurion slumber only to cause disruption, greif and annoyance to thousands. However, the news is once again doing a sterling job of reporting only those who are directly affected by the shenanigans of one Eyjafjallajoekull. Turning to the wider picture, not only travellers are suffering from the plumes of debris.
Businesses that rely on international visitors are starting to feel the pinch. For example, hotels. Currently my hours have been cut to the bare minimum and staffing levels decreased to a skeleton workforce to save money wherever possible. Without international guests being able to enter UK airspace, the guests numbers plummet, revenue drops and staff face cut backs. But then again this is a bitter-sweet deal as the managerial company are rolling in fully booked London branches of the hotel chain as airlines cough up for hotel rooms for their stranded passengers.
It’s been estimated that this whole volcano issue is costing airlines and travel companies £130million a day in accommodation, food and reimbursements to all those individuals who cant get out of or back into the UK. Although some insurance firms are managing to weedle their way out of claims by stating that a volcanic eruption is an act of God. This brings me to my second point…
As an atheist I do not believe in a higher being, or a God. I do however appreciate all religions and honour their belief systems as long as those beliefs do not involve the persecution of others or the forcing of beliefs onto those who do not seek it. So why should the British tax payer fork up £20million for the Pope to visit the country. Surely the Roman Catholic coffers should cover that. And before I get classed as being anti-Christian, I would have the same views about financing a visit from the Muslim scholar of Islam or a Buddhist Teacher. Religions should not be nationalised, financed or organised by the presiding Government as religions are a personal attribute that should remain personal. Unfortunately the United Kingdom is still associated with the Church of England, and as such all those appearing in court are requested to swear upon the bible. What place does religion have within a legal structure. A Satanic worshipper who is giving a witness account in court will happily swear upon/to the bible as it holds no fears. A devout Christian will most likely swear upon the bible and tell the truth as they are more afraid of being judged by their God than the consequences of their crime. And there it becomes clear, religion should be abolished from public sectors such as court rooms, or at the very least, offer all the sacred books for different believers to swear upon.
Third tonight is an age old debate, sparked by a recen discussion with friends. Should capital punishment be brought back. As this is such a lengthy and diverse topic I will dedicate a whole post to it soon.
For now, thanks for reading.
