NEWS FROM THE MANNIN BRANCH CELTIC LEAGUE
When I consider how things are developing in the Isle of Man I think of the poem by the German Pastor Martin Niemöller – it goes:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
It may seem a tad emotive, I mean we hardly have a totalitarian regime just an uncaring selfish government, but the analogy bears a relationship to how the Manx government currently work.
They target sections of the community selectively with their taxes and charges. Today it was the elderly and the introduction of means testing for sheltered housing. You might think – it doesn’t affect me so why should I bother?
Then there those on incapacity benefits being reassessed. If you are fit and able why worry about what ‘Dependability’ are doing and anyway the GPs and the radio say its ok?
There were those on JSA (the lowest benefit level) who had it cut. If you are not unemployed why should it concern you?
They cooked up a deal with Manx Gas. If you use oil why get ‘het up’ about it?
There’s one in ten homes experiencing fuel poverty but if you can pay your bill why should it matter?
Some people get food parcels but most of us have full larders and it’s only a few people so why make a fuss!
Next year it will be pensions. If you are not close to pension age why concern yourself.
After the election is safely out of the way they’ll revisit public sector housing rents – they’ve already had one bite. If you own your own house why should you worry?
It’s just a steady drip, drip, drip, of changes and charges all targeted selectively and designed to elicit the least reaction and it will go on. Until it’s your turn!
Photo: Pastor Martin Niemöller
BERNARD MOFFATT
Issued by: The Mannin Branch Celtic League
16/03/16
THE CELTIC LEAGUE
The Celtic League established in 1961 has branches in the six Celtic Countries including our own Mannin branch. It promotes cooperation between the countries and campaigns on a range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, military activity and socio-economic issues
The link for the main web pages is below:
