“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” So says St Paul at the end of his letter to the Philippians.
Over the past few days I’ve found myself doing just that – thinking about what is true and fair and just. Today, Tuesday, there is a debate and vote in Parliament about the proposed cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance. Last week we had the publication of the Grenfell Fire Enquiry. Coming up next month is a Government budget.
I’ve discovered that thinking – even about truth, fairness and justice – can come to comfortable conclusions: I’ll be OK without the Winter Fuel Allowance. We don’t need it. Yes, I am outraged – at a distance, of course – at the buck passing and unwillingness to take responsibility for the Grenfell Fire. I’m also rather hoping that taxes are raised on the rich rather than me.
“Whatsoever is comfortable and convenient and doesn’t give me too much trouble….then I’ll think about these things.”
Chris Dawson