So here we are a bunch of sentient animals muddling along on a small blue planet. To help us pass the time, we make rules, create leaders and invent cultures.
After countless centuries of development what have we achieved on our small island?(The UK to you and me).
Fire.
The wheel.
Art, written language, the printing press, literature, public sanitation; these are all great things.
Public services, the NHS, free education. Simply splendid.
Democracy, Government, local and national, to help manage the money system we created. Generally these things should enable us to live comfortably and safely with our neighbours. On the whole they do.
Inequality still exists on a huge scale, and without becoming too political is largely the result of the capitalist system we’ve chosen to live by. (Which is remember only a concept we invented).
As a model of where our values should lie I give you…
Horton Lodge Community Special School!
Achievements are celebrated.
People help each other.
Elders impart knowledge to the next generation, keep them safe from harm and teach them the right way to be part of a wider group.
The more vulnerable are given extra help, but are also helped to use everything they have to give back to the community in whatever way they can.
Individuals within the community have a clear sense of their own self worth and how they fit into the wider community.
And when children leave education….
I fear they come up against historic prejudices about disability and cognitive difference.
They may hear labels used to describe them that are not life affirming.
As they are often unable to earn, they are often treated like a burden to the wider community and State.
They are treated like second class citizens.
There is no public moral outrage when they die in care or in the Health Service, their needs are sidelined because their own intrinsic worth to all of us is not recognized by the “Big Society”
They can’t use toilet facilities as they are not routinely provided for those who need Changing Places.
Poor access on public transport and in towns limits and isolates.
People do not help each other.
In short they are disabled by society.
Shame on us. Shame on our leaders. Shame on us all for allowing this to happen.
Being encouraged, helping each other, being kind, making paths straight for the road ahead, these are the basic requirements of a fair and just society. If they are not followed we all suffer.
Tell them. Tell our leaders, tell each other.
Be kind.
Value peoples talents.
Do not judge an individuals worth on ability to earn.
Practice Pearlfulness be kind eat cake.
Be more Horton.
This blog is part of blog a day for Horton. You can donate here.
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