How dare you

Subject: How dare you

It's rare and humbling to see such an impassioned speech from this young climate change activist Greta Thunberg who's demeanor  has usually been a critically measured one but today, in front of the UN she fell apart emotionally and with good reason. 
The antipathy or aversion of the money men to listen is the crowning moment of man's madness and greed 
There is no better comparison than to consider the image of Sweden today portrayed in the face of this young girls impassioned plea, to think for all of mankind especially the future of the children and the faces on British television of people angry and upset that a gas guzzling aeroplane isn't at their immediate disposal to bring them back from their overseas holiday after the collapse of Thomas Cook. 
It reflect the priorities of a spoil't 'me me me' society, the immediacy of my needs set against tomorrow's needs 
It reveals in part the psych of the two nations and whilst I don't doubt that there are many Greta Thunbergs here in this country, as there are 'me me' people in Sweden, it does fit the profile of an Anglo/American society gripped with the concerns of market led capitalism, gripped with the fear that somehow economic growth is the only thing to worry about.
Thunbugs anger and frustration as she faced the 'suites' was that when she had finished she knew the platitudes which would flow with little realistic commitment to trying to reverse climate change. 
Perhaps the most telling picture was the one in the UN foyer when the smug self congratulatory figure of Donald Trump, the arch climate change denier passed not yds away and Greta's face, a picture of loathing and contempt was there for all to see.
We are on a debt fueled roller coaster spending money we don't have on things we don't need. We continue telling our self that our contribution wouldn't make any difference but know that underlying that claim is our selfish attitude, that it's always someone else's fault. Our journeys by car and plane are our contribution, the only one we can effect and have control over but we hide behind the thought that everyone around is polluting the atmosphere so why shouldn't we. It's that cycle of measuring yourself against neighbours rather than having that internal debate yourself and making your own choices regardless of what others are doing. 
I have a feeling that Greta Thunberg will be around for some time reminding us of our failings and our responsibilities.