There they are discussing the imminent fate of our Earth at this conference, we as a country are headed by a vainglorious idiotic prime minister, it almost spells disaster before they even get down to the nitty-gritty. Because of course there will be fudge and compromise. This particular problem has been a part of our knowledge for the last 30 years, conveniently shoved on the back burner because it interfered with our way of life. Even now they procrastinate, Canadian tar sands, Australian coal, as also coal in China to keep their economy going.
So do we sit back and enjoy the show? I think not, an awful lot of nagging is required of our politicians. We have to give up this notion of growth, it is as simple as that. It has been an interesting time in the media as they follow the score, lots of heroic talk but it is action we need from everyone. If we are to steer our planet to being safer for future generations then it is up to us to speak out and definitely not to say, well I won't be there to see the collapse.
I love John Constable just as much as I love my country, but romanticised views are not really the truth, The pretty country cottage did not always exist in Victorian times, we imitate but do not understand the history.
The foolishness of Shatner having his 10 minutes in space probably underlines it all, an act of gratification for him, can't someone tell the poor bugger that it will takes decades before we will even find that 'other' home in space.
I'll finish with another Constable, Old Sarum. It stands fortress like on its hill with a great history that runs through it. From being an Iron Age fort, then Roman and eventually medieval, when it housed a small settlement and a cathedral.
You can see where John Piper got his ideas.
ReplyDeleteNever thought of that. In Wales he painted cromlechs and stones though.
DeleteThanks for sharing a couple of Constables lesser known works nice to see something other than the Haywain!
ReplyDeleteThe only time I went to the top of Old Sarum it was so cold and windy we only stayed 5 minutes
I have never visited Old Sarum and probably never will, but someone in the medieval period wrote...
Delete"barren, dry, and solitary, exposed to the rage of the wind"
Ozymandias.
ReplyDeleteHe got it right as well ;}
DeleteMy scatterbrain picked up the impression was that Stonehenge was an ancient McD's from the vast amount of feasted on aurochs' bones found around the site. (Saw it on tv so it's got to be right.)
ReplyDeleteCould well be, though the feasting took part at the settlement of Durrington Walls, there again it could have been the campsite for the navvies who hauled the sarsen stones.
DeleteI am trying to ignore all the hoo hah going on at the conference. I will wAIT UNTIL THE TALKING STOPS AND THE DOING STARTS IF i AM STILL HERE.
ReplyDelete;) Spoken very loudly Pat. We, as a country, have gone part of the way but maybe a 'green plan' will come out. Be optimistic.
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