I know I should have rushed out with my new-found freedom to explore the outside world, but, oddly enough, after two weeks of isolation, I found myself inhibited, having forgotten what the outside world looked like, still wearing a mask and feeling like a bank robber as I went to the local cash machine – not that one needs cash anymore. My friendly robot thanked me for the part that I had played in the fight against Coronavirus, but, since the disease is increasing more in Tower Hamlets than in most of the rest of London, I feel more like a statistical blip than a local hero. Anyway, I thank my blog readers for providing my lifeline to the outside world.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
Charles,further to your last blog entry, I would like to say that your blog provides ongoing pleasure and encouragement to your readers, far from being a stastical blip, you provide a calm assurance that populism will not overcome intellectual rigour. I am a Psychiatrist working in Ireland and I thank you for your clarity of thought and reassurance that life continues in whatever form, enjoy your liberation, however temporary it may be.
I am sure all your audience would agree with this. I certainly would.
Dear John, It’s very sweet of you to say so. How does one cling to the mast of truth in a such sea of untruth ? Charles
Dear Charles, the only way to make our passage through this turbulent sea of populism and untruths is to cling to the mast of truth , continuing to show our humanity reminding ourselves that we need to live the lessons we have learnt from history. This is however more difficult when history is ignored. I have to remain optimistic, and your blog shores up my faith in humanity,John
Here in Tasmania we are still virus free and feel very lucky but I really appreciate your honest and well balanced views on what is happening in the country of my birth. I feel so sad about the lack of good leadership and its consequences. Whether we can ever feel safe to visit again remains to be seen.
Dear Jean, We seem now to be going back into a Second Wave – we can’t decide whether to be tough on it or libertarian and are suffering the consequences of our libertarianism. Charles