Of the deaths of well-known people this week, there were two that provoked extremely different responses.
Sam Neill’s death has produced an outpouring of sadness, sympathy and regret at his passing. He was, by all accounts, a nice man who brought joy to many in his appearances onscreen and who was peacefully tolerant of others in his personal life.
Ann Widdecombe, however, made it her life’s work to bring misery to large groups of people that she disliked and to preach vindictiveness and hate towards those she disagreed with. She will have had a hand in the deaths of thousands through her support for cruel and harmful policies. Unsurprisingly, and understandably, her death has provoked much anger from those who were victims of her hate. Sam Neill’s death has provoked no such response.
I would ask those who supported Widdecombe, or those who have criticised others for commenting negatively on her death, to compare the responses to these two deaths and ask themselves why one was loved so much more than the other and ‘which person contributed the most to humanity?’ Surely, everyone, when they die, would want to be remembered for something like the positive contribution of Sam Neill, rather than the bitter, nasty divisiveness of Ann Widdecombe?
Be kind, and you will receive kindness in return. Be hateful, and you will get what you deserve.
Be kind!!!
Stevie Burrows
