Time and tide

Yes back after a holiday on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, it is time to take stock and add up the dates. Holidays are a time for reflection and relaxation but there is always a return to business. In Spain there was much talk of 'El Crisis' - the economic meltdown - with insults and accusations flying in the Cortes (the Spanish parliament) between the Socialist government and the Partido Popular (Conservative) opposition. A major economic thinktank is predicting unemployment levels of 20% for Spain by next year. I remember when Ireland had levels of 25% in the 80s when I was in my early twenties and the social misery it caused. Unemployment here too continues to mount.

Last week in the Independent a political journalist claimed that Labour ministers had told him that the general election would happen in April, with parliament being dissolved in March. This may indeed be the case with the clock ticking and time running out for the present government. Their only hope now is that there will be an economic miracle before the spring - but that is most unlikely.

Time is also running out for NATO in Afghanistan. Today General Mc Chrystle warns of a military failure unless more troops from Europe are sent soon. In the interim the allegations of electoral fraud there increase daily, while the death of six Italian troops last week has led to mounting concern in Italy and in Germany, where the issue has moved to the centre of the general election due on Sunday.

Yesterday I helped with the Lambeth Green Party stall at the Urban Green Fair in Brockwell Park, run by Shane Collins of the Green Party and many other environmental activists. The stalls and tents contained many different organistations, all campaigning to save the planet and the local area before time runs out. One of the regular questions at the stall was "when are the elections?"

Today is the equinox. The end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Seasons move on and the days grow shorter. Hopes grow and dim over the Copenhagen Climate Summit - reports already indicate that the US is not going to go as far as the EU and the Green movement hoped.

Meanwhile the planet warms. The bankers continue to collect their bonuses. The arms manufacturers and the soldiers both carry on. The general election draws nearer and the lists of promises grow longer. The Lib Dems engage in some form of political sadomasochism - "No, we will be more savage than them and remove more public services." The spirit of Thatcherism and Gradgrindism persists. "It was the best of times and it was the worst of times."

The icecap melts at the Arctic. The shadows lengthen. Time and tide wait for no man, nor for any movement. Is it too late? What must be done? The nettle must be grasped and a different better world fought for. The clock ticks. It is for this that one strives against all the odds and the naysayers.