Greedy Shoppers.....

Random Thoughts:

Mixed-up with the current Corona Virus news reports, I saw that France and possibly other countries have given the Police powers to arrest anyone in public who is suspected of having the virus.    I cannot understand what the officers will do with the prisoners and apart from a fine it all seems to be ‘up-in-the-air’.   It is possible that there is a hope that the threat of such action will suffice.

Oddly enough, back home in Ireland, during the late 1940’s and 50’s there was a TB Eradication Scheme – Tuberculosis was rampant and highly contagious.   It was the ‘Cancer’ of its day.

Those suffering from the disease were compulsorily hospitalised.   I can well remember ambulance crews, assisted by police officers, forcibly taking people from their homes – particularly the old, and taking them to hospital where they were detained for treatment.   I clearly remember one old woman crying out as she was being taken away ‘Leave me alone. I want to die in my own bed’.

I pray that the Corona does not cause the same problems.

I have just returned from shopping.   What appears to be a major problem worldwide, is the behaviour of a great many greedy members of the public.   To-day, on the outskirts of London, the supermarkets arranged for people over 70 years of age (and other vulnerable people) to be given one hours shopping before the general public were allowed to enter.   Where I went was a total farce and confusion.

There was a queue about half-a-mile long waiting for the doors to open at 6.30am.   There were hundreds of infirm and aged customers.   There was a mad rush for many of the scarcest items such as toilet paper, meat, rice and other cereals.   Many shelves were completely empty with items strewn all over the floors.   It seemed to me that everyone was stockpiling.  It was total chaos.

I purchased some items then made my way to another supermarket.   It was worse there with queues all over the aisles to reach the check-outs.   I searched – unsuccessfully – for some items, then realised that the escapade was a total waste of time.   I left with nothing.

My overall experience of today was one of total shock at how people were behaving.   The staff members were totally frustrated and unhelpful.   They were too busy – or so they said.   I am afraid to say that ‘profit’ has crept in with general low cost items not being stocked whilst more expensive items have replaced them.

With a possible closedown in the London area being forecast from next week I fear that things will only get worse.

I developed a method that has helped me to control my blood-pressure a few months ago:   It goes something like this:   ‘Everything, and I mean everything, that I have ever worried about in my life, has come to nothing within a short period’.

I fear that over the coming weeks and (God forbid) months, things will surely and sorely test me.

-----------Mike----------