2018 represented a year of mixed emotions for your humble correspondent. My recovery continued from the British Red Cross induced mental breakdown of the previous year and I started a new job with an employer where I have been treated with kindness and respect. I had lengthy therapy during the year and the drugs still work. Head above water into 2019, right?
A slow but steady improvement in my well-being has been tempered by the ugly, divided country Britain is becoming. 2018 saw the country hit new lows as the extremes on both sides of politics took hold. The far right, fuelled with dark money and staring at the opportunity of a scorched earth destruction of the public sector, drives us ever onward towards a hard Brexit. The far left, which I fear has established permanent control of the Labour Party, desires a hard Brexit, too, but for an entirely different reason. Jeremy Corbyn and the comrades lust after a hard Brexit which would see Britain collapse into chaos, only to see the Magic Grandpa riding a unicorn to save us all with socialism in one country. Right and left so far apart and yet they meet in the middle, as friends and allies. Corbyn and Farage, joined as one.
Personally, I look forward to 2019. Things can only get better. Collectively, I fear the country will get far worse. Here, in no particular order, are my hopes for 2019.
- An end to Brexit. The deal sold to us in 2016 was a lie. We never lost control of our sovereignty, we had control of migration all along, we always had control of our borders. Parliament must reject Theresa May’s terrible deal, rule out a catastrophic no deal and go back to the people to ask what they want to do, with the option to remain. If the country wishes to self-immolate, let it do so by the referendum system I have always opposed.
- Liverpool to win the Premier League. I still have the feeling Manchester City will come good and pip the reds to the post, but who knows? I love Jurgen Klopp, I love his brand of football and it’s time Liverpool won the league again.
- I am going to complete two books this year, one I am writing alone and another I will be co-writing. I cannot wait to get re-started after the New Year celebrations have ended.
- Donald Trump to resign.
- Wigan Warriors to win the super league again.
- Our first visit to Croatia this year, followed by a wee trip to Lanzarote later in the year. I hope the pound does not sink below the Euro but fear a hard Brexit will take it that way.
- Cures will be found for cancer, dementia and paralysis.
- The government will take urgent steps to end homelessness and rough sleeping. Whatever it costs.
- I will start playing golf a lot more, although I may need some lessons to put me back on track.
- I want to visit my family in Canada so…
- …I need to win the lottery.
- I’ll be healthier and fitter by the summer.
- Somehow, HMV and, particularly, FOPP will be saved.
- Steely Dan/Donald Fagen, the Doobie Brothers, Jordan Rakei will make new music.
- Toto will tour the UK.
- Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young will reform for one last time.
- Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie will be restored to the afternoon show on BBC 6 Music.
- Now that electrification from London to Bristol Parkway has been completed, we will see some old school electric locomotives down our way.
- An arena for Bristol will be announced and open in 2020. (Some hope.)
- The world will live as one.
That will do for now.
