Thursday, February 20, 2014

Prosperous


We are a prosperous country but...
We are submerged in years of futility
There is no aid for poverties flood
Its waters enter homes like tidal wolves
But when the Home Counties suffer
When nature dare invade the south-east
Location, location, location
With the correct political affiliation
Is all that really matters to a Tory Nation?
And the rain gave way to showers of gold

Patrick Wintour and Robert Booth - The Guardian, Tuesday 11 February 2014 21.11 GMT

A resolute David Cameron vowed to marshal the forces of the state to tackle the flooding crisis, pledging a wider role for the army and unlimited public funds to protect families. After two days of Whitehall infighting and mixed messages, the prime minister returned from visiting stricken communities in south-west England to hold a Downing Street press conference at which he sought to assert his authority over the natural disaster.

In words that may yet come back to haunt him, Cameron said: "My message to the country today is this. Money is no object in this relief effort, whatever money is needed for it will be spent. We will take whatever steps are necessary". He insisted "we are a wealthy country and we have taken good care of our public finances". With many communities complaining about the lack of help from official agencies, Cameron claimed that the emergency Gold Command system was working well, but he added: "It is clear the military could play a bigger role."