Thank Goodness

 

Did you ever see Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves? The one with Kevin Costner. Do you remember the bit at the end, when King Richard appears, played by Sean Connery? “I will not allow this wedding to prosheed”, says Sir Sean, and we breathe a sigh and think; thank goodness you’re here.

In a board meeting, when someone in their seventies intervenes, with a blast of common sense. Thank goodness you’re here. When a friend turns to you, at a tough time, and all you can do is laugh at the situation. Thank goodness you’re here.

Today, when I watch senior politicians of all parties, I don’t get this warm and comforting feeling. When I switch on the TV and see our leading broadcasters, even on the BBC, I don’t feel it either. Now for my most troubling confession; When I watch Question Time and see members of the great British public take our political masters to task, I don’t get it either. In fact, I feel worse not better than before.

Don’t feel sorry for me.  It’s not all bad. I feel it when I sit around a table with Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project. I feel it when I sit down with Liam Black, founder of Same Wavelength (and previously head of Fifteen) or with Gail Greengross, director of Business in the Community. I feel it with my family and friends. What do I mean by ‘this feeling’? Do you know what I’m talking about? The feeling that things are going to be alright. That the world has not taken leave of its senses. That we are powerful and not powerless to change things. I think you know what I mean. I can come back to the politicians, broadcasters and ‘the public’. In the meantime, it’s just the two of us. Thank goodness you’re here.