The Torries' Big Society scheme has been all over the news. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first.
Sure, it seems like in any society, it would make sense that everyone pitch in during hard times. Pensioners are told to do more with less, they are re-examining the benefits for the handicapped ... There has even been talk of taking away the bus passes that are given to the elderly so they can visit the high-street shops each day.
Fair enough, I guess. Time to tighten the belt.
Bad time for the royals to be planning a royal wedding, however. I've never really had a strong opinion about the current monarchs. But the timing of this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Sure, I've heard all the arguments that the tens of millions of pounds that Prince William Wales and Kate Middelton's wedding will cost the British taxpayer will be more than returned in the form of tourism dollars. My answer? "Okay, but still ..."
Believe me, I wish the couple all health and happiness. And I'm not calling for the abolition of the monarchy. But come on. Financing a lavish wedding with the same money that's meant to pay for Aunt Penelope's bus pass? My message to the Windsors: "Sell something." They should pay for the whole thing, including security, themselves.
