I empathise with you. I have experienced, witnessed or learned about so much in my life that ought to have been unbelievable but wasn't because the reality and evidence of it couldn't be denied.

I have regularly been dumbfounded at the words of those who, despite the evidence, despite the facts, despite the implications of such events, have chosen to deny them or their impact, in some cases even to support them or, in their terms, 'justify' them.

I am now numb and feel chilled to the bone almost all of the time.

I no longer understand what so many see as the meaning of freedom, justice, opportunity, equity, equality, safety and respect. It seems that those values that I though most rational and reasonable people considered desirable, no longer have any meaning for not just extremists or the dysfunctional but for far too many for whom those values are the basis for protection, safety and the ability to live in relative peace without fear, trauma and horror too terrible for reason.

I could write reams by just citing examples but I think that there is no need. I think that thinking, rational, compassionate and considerate people will understand and feel the emotion of Lauren's words and also understand my own and why I feel such empathy with her.

I have written. I have lobbied. I have responded. I care and reason rather than blame. However, I am now at a loss as to how this storm of disaster, uncertainty and selfish hate and devastation can be halted.

I feel like standing outside and screaming, as did Littlechap in Briscus & Newley's, Stop the World I want to get off - for I no longer understand how this can be what humanity wants and I very much feel I can't take much more of it.

Take care. Be safe. - All you kind, considerate and caring people out there - perhaps one of you will have an answer. ☮️

#borc