Castles, money, celebrity and health

Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

There is an old saying that 'an Englishmen's home is his castle' and while the majority of us don't live in castles - did we ever?! where we live, where we are from, where we'd prefer to be, all play a part in our sense of 'self', our ability to feel comfortable, safe and happy with who and what we are. But our own sense of self also affects the society we are part of. Some complain about trends in society, especially behaviour but then just shut themselves away in their towers and do nothing to bring about change. 

The spirit of the Olympics , the work of volunteers and the support of the crowds reflects the true values we can have as individuals, while the greed of banks, the profiteering, high wage, bonus culture, money above all else attitude (just look at G4S, Banks, the damage caused by 'Big Oil' at the expense of our environment) doesn't. The ideals of a 'Big Society' laudable as they may seem are undermined by the large business interests behind them, such as SERCO taking over services that could be run by smaller charities if they were given the funding direct rather than the corporate 'top slicing' loved by the Government. The only way we will have a true legacy of the Olympics with improved health for all, is if there is grass roots interest in sport. Money should go to local authorities, schools and clubs to improve facilities and make them open to all. We should stop the craze for instant fame 'celebrity' status beloved of the media and focus on the determination and work shown by Olympic athletes. Forget the corporate image of sponsors and look at the dedication of our armed forces who've bailed them out. Forget the surgically modified bodies and look at the fantastic shapes of athletes. Once we start to believe in real people again, we'll be healthier as individuals and as a society and our 'sense of self' we be maintained by the reality around us, real people working for the best motives, helping others and protecting the places in which we live.