I have frequently suggested that our writings can be kept current by including issues of the day. It doesn't matter which party or group you belong to personally; in the era of free speech, you have the right to discuss all sides of political arguments. Obviously, there are countries where there is no such freedom of speech. The slightly worrying signs that situations are changing can be identified through the pronouncements made by governments in reaction to anti-government action.
Actor Robert Lindsay starred as Citizen Smith in 'Power to the People' in a comedy series that ran from 1977 to 1980. In the series, he saw himself as the leader of a small group - Tooting Popular Front - with an aim to introduce communism. May seem a little far-fetched but consider the language of your governments.
In the UK, it is considered radical to support the people of Gaza who, as we are all aware, have been mercilessly persecuted in acts of genocide by Israel. The government described such protests as radical. (Freedom of speech!) Just one pointer that brings into question political attitudes towards freedom of speech.
Some commentators have suggested that when this sort of action is carried out by governments, politics needs to be changed. We can see the influence of powerful groups and people demanding that their position be supported and protected by governments because they feel that they have purchased that right.
The situations described above have occurred in dictatorships and non-democratic countries, but when you see it happening in self-congratulatory democracies, then there is something seriously wrong with the system in those countries.
So when you write, whether it be in an article, a letter to an editor or a novel, highlight the things that are going on that you feel are wrong.
God Bless
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