Another year has flown by. Some good friends and good people have left us. For many, life clings to the hope of better times and a better way of doing things. Our children grow up and we do our best to protect them from the narcissism emanating from much of the media and the nihilism that is created and legitimised by those who govern. In reality 2014 has not been much different to any other recent year in this respect.
Dorset Eye has gone from strength to strength and is exceptionally proud of the high calibre content it receives. Although some people still struggle with the concept, the majority appear to embrace this new approach and the opportunities it provides. We have big plans for both Dorset Eye and another much larger project but we can only move forward with the support of the readers and its advocates. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved and please support us with any donations…. We have been very fortunate to have had some kind pecuniary contributions but the next steps will require considerably more gracious support.
So for 2015. A year that has the potential for much but could like many others fall short. We all have it in our power to remedy the wrongs done in our names but this will require no little effort. The following are my personal hopes and expectations and are in no way meant as a reflection of Dorset Eye or any member of the team.
1. The citizen media approach empowers and enlightens many more lives and provides a considerable alternative to the mainstream.
2. The 2015 election sees the British public awake from the slumber and rid the country of the self serving and the downright hateful. Unless a candidate can genuinely be trusted to represent their constituencies with kindness and intelligence then we must ignore them in the ballot box.
3. UKIP, the Tories and New Labour disappear without a trace and take their lies and corporate stooges with them.
4. Many more people become activists for whatever they feel strongly about. Almost anything will be better served by us and not a proxy. The skills and the knowledge we will acquire in themselves will make it worthwhile.
5. Every community ensures that older people who are lonely and may need support are looked out for. To spend the last few years of our lives feeling desperate and sad is a moral outrage and we should all ensure that this can be avoided wherever possible. The same goes for anyone on their own looking for company and friendship.
6. Society to embrace cooperatives and working together. Sharing skills, knowledge and resources would make societies, communities and individuals healthier. Competition has a place but should always be secondary to cooperation.
7. Top earners to earn no more than four times the lowest earners with the ultimate aim of two times being the target.
8. Normalising cooperative housing schemes in which those who desire a collective/sharing approach can access them.
9. Localised production wherever possible.
10. Autodidactism to be embraced as a central learning strategy.
11. Music to be celebrated only when the songs (lyrics) are more fulfilling than a slushy morning in January.
12. Those who are perpetually sour and cynical towards others to experience an epiphany.
Obviously I want the best for my family but that stretches to everyone as long as they spread the kindness as far as they are able.
Jason Cridland
Please send us your ‘Hopes and Expectations’ via the site and we will publish.
