Extinction Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion with its usual anti-democratic actions, attempted to prevent the sale of hard copies of  The Times, Telegraph and Mail newspapers this morning.

Mrs maytrees enjoys the Daily Mail  "Weekend" magazine on Saturdays and there were a couple of copies at the local Sainsbury's although there were no copies of The Times or Telegraph. The Guardian was of course well stocked but I avoided buying that though a few years ago that would have been a fair alternative if not first choice. Too political now in my view which is  perhaps illustrated by the Extinction Rebellion leaving that newspaper well alone.

I was able to buy a Times at a small newsagent in Wimbledon Village, the proprietor of which told me  that he had been busily telephoning his customers to say their newspapers would still be delivered  but later than usual. He was happy for me to pay for The Times by credit card, as  he told me that card fee charges for shop keepers, have almost vanished. 

Photographs show Extinction Rebellion marches being supported by a group carrying a banner showing the hammer and sickle - hmm. 

Sadly, most printed copies of newspapers are these days bought by the older generation  who are more inconvenienced than many, by  the silly protest. Most  people I believe, take on-line copies so printed copies may be on their way out.

I use the word "silly"  not just because many of the protesters appear young probably awaiting the new university term, but also because many of the worst global polluters are already idle because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cruise liners and aircraft are if not entirely idle, only running at very low capacity. Doubtless many Extinction Rebellion protesters gathered together  in Town, by car and coach so apart from blocking traffic on a road bridge or two, they have left well alone their own forms of travel.

Why do they not use the ballot box in a freeish society, or form their own political party? If anti-pollution is their main point, bearing in mind that China which already has many coal fired power stations and is building many more, why do they not gather to protest outside the Chinese embassy?

The adjective "silly" for Extinction Rebellion would have sufficed a year or two ago but with the group fast becoming an un-elected left wing  body, that description may soon no longer apply. "Socialist" is  fast becoming the better description, hence the aptness of a new political party being formed by and for, the group. 

Meanwhile the new university year which starts later this month, may provide other matters for them to consider.