Matters that are Still A Bother

So I sit with a group of mates overlooking the beach, somewhere on the South Coast of NSW. It seems to me a most familiar scene, its peacefulness taken for granted, with the fresh breeze much appreciated after another rather humid summer's day.

What has not changed can be something we can be much grateful for. At the same time, there are less desired aspects of matters that remain the same, or have grown worse.

Venezuelans remain trapped in economic despair as a country rich in petroleum resources continue to spiral in negativity under the dictatorship that seems to be a South American affliction.

An infectious disease like Ebola resurfaces in central Africa, adding to a heady mix of socio-political issues.

An African swine disease out break is being managed in southern China, with the dry winter air increasing health risks. 

Guns under personal ownership and military weapons of bigger destruction continue to wreck havoc, grief and damage.

Individuals continue to have a strong urge to migrate in illegal ways to seek a better life, whether to escape from political or religious persecution, economic malaise or discrimination.

The use of trade wars or extreme tariffs is escalated to appease heartland support groups. This inceases the likelihood of escalating into military conflict between nations. History has many examples of this.

Excessive spend on fireworks, extreme hotel prices, lots of alcohol, huge street gatherings, fancy restaurant prices and a heightened sense of crowd control highlight the ritual of a change in the annual calendar. Local governments, commercial parties and the media cash in.

The gap between the very rich and the poorest in any society continues to widen.

Addiction to technology marches on, no matter what is discussed about the erosion of privacy, manipulation of data, increasing reliance on a few super duper companies and the effects of excessive screen time.

The usefulness of increased revenue for governments does not change from high consumption levels, gambling activities, over construction of apartment blocks and outsourcing of management of vital assets to private parties.

There remains too much talk and lack of action by politicians who prioritise their own self interests way above the needs of the voter populace.

There is a surge of illicit drugs that still comes in to damage the brain, health capacity and personalities of the vehicle driver, colleague at work and family member.

The increased loss of common sense, accompanied by the manipulation of law and policy, to obtain over the top financial benefits by knowledgable claimants who have selective causes.

Decreased personal communication is happening despite the increased channels available to do so.

The loss of press freedoms is evident in a more politically restrictive world. Even when media appears relatively more free, behind the scenes, such media are owned and controlled by powerful owners with their own cultural and political agendas.

There is increased use of our skies for passenger, commercial and cargo traffic.

Personal identification, monitoring and data storage have increased in leaps and bounds.

And the beer continues to taste good, which may not be a bad thing.