Our beloved Hugh Cron often takes abuse over his honesty. Seems strange since writing is about seeking the great and small truths in our experiences as people. But to paraphrase Jack Nicholson, some people can’t handle the truth.
Regardless, the ugliest truths of all are the things people do to each other through either action or inaction. Along with war, perhaps the longest running social evil is what the rich do to the poor. Walk out any door in any town in any country and it won’t be long until you find an example. This Hugh again tells the unpopular truth with this week’s rerun, Sign of the Times.
Who better than the author himself to share a few words on this piece and subject.
***
Hugh’s speil
I had a look back at this and wondered if I felt that things were getting any better.
NOPE!!
Too little numbers of total Bastards have most of the world’s wealth. The distribution of money is obscene, heartbreaking and totally unfair.
Probably around when I wrote this, there was a front page story in my local paper that stated that Ayr now had 100 empty shops. I’m sure it will be a lot more than that now.
Thankfully, we don’t see too many rough sleepers around here. South Ayrshire Council tried to eradicate that. Although it is a hidden success as there must be around 300 houses that are for temporary accommodation for the Homeless. The problem with that is there are so many who go down that road to get a council house. In Ayr, if you went onto the housing list, it would take about twelve years to be allocated a house. If you declare yourself Homeless, it takes around two. You can see what problems that can cause!
Ella was a joy to write about quite simply because no matter where she had ended up, her last thoughts each night were regarding her dog…That is a mind-set that so many would learn from. Think of others before your self and you won’t go far wrong!!
Leila – I can’t thank you enough for giving this another airing!!
And Diane, the image of that beautiful dog always makes me smile!! (I need a smile as at the time of typing this, work is looming!!!
Hugh
literally stories 
A powerful story that deserves another showing. The ending with Ella thinking of Garibaldi’s welfare is a great way to show the excellence of her character.
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Hi Dave,
Thanks so much for the comment.
Ella did hurt me a wee bit as I thought how good she was a person against her terrible circumstance.
The sad thing is the opposite applies too many times.
Hope all is well with you and yours my fine friend.
Hugh
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Hugh
Thank you for the outstanding addition. The final line of this one sends it to a new height.
Same way around here. We have shuttered doors and a huge rough sleeper population. With plenty of woods nearby there has to be a stunning number. Most are from other places because it is better here. Sad thing is that is true, in context.
Leila
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Thanks again Leila for choosing this as a re-run.
I think we can only dream that, this story, will one day, become redundant!!
That is a depressing thought.
Hugh
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Hi Hugh
Even if fixed tomorrow the story will always work because it records a time you live in.
I believe that Money (who owns the govt) feels that it is cheaper to let it go on than to do something about it. Can’t blame either party or any president for this; they have all done and continue to do what they are told by the Bagman, aka Money Fairie (you cant pc the soul out of “Bagman”)
Leila
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Hugh and Leila
Same thing about smoking and drinking…
Overly-comfortable and overly-moralistic folks will say “tsk-tsk,” why are they smoking and drinking if they can’t afford food or a place to stay…etc etc…
Such folks never think about WHY many homeless folks are smoking and drinking…Number one they tend to nurse their cigarettes all day long, and they tend to sip whatever cheap-ass potion it is they have in their bottles that are hidden in paper bags (because they can’t afford more)…
And number two, if you’re already on Skid Row, WHAT ELSE are you supposed to do except smokes and drinks a little bit? It helps with the daydreaming and they deserve that considering they might be sitting in the rain at any moment…
Most, or all, of these folks are already incapable of performing the SLAVE tasks that are demanded in any Amazon warehouse, number one…and showing up on time to the local Walmart so you can similarly be a corporate slave is also not something these people are usually capable of…And I wouldn’t be able to do it myself, so I know where they’re coming from!
Dale
PS, I will place a few more comments under the story itself…In the meantime:
UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME SHOULD BE THE LAW OF THE WORLD, and Bezos, Zuckerberg, Musk, Gates, Buffet, and a few others would be able to fund this quite easily probably…And STILL have a billion dollars left over for themselves.
Once you hit a billion, how can you really need more? But these folks are never satisfied…
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Hi Dale,
Thanks as always for your interesting and intelligent comments.
Those last six lines that you have written make so much sense, unfortunately greed and pandering to the greedy will deter that ever happening!!
All my very best to you and yours my fine friend!!
Hugh
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Such a good idea, these literally re-runs – though it’s only two years since I read this fine piece, I’d completely forgotten it. A welcome return.
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Hi Mick,
Thanks so much for your kind comments.
This has reminded me of those songs that you loved and forgotten and then found them again!!
Hope you are happy and inspired my fine friend.
Hugh
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A gritty wisdom at play here, the dialogue crackling so convincingly. A superb & timely piece. (Laptop problems over past few days – hence my belated comment.)
Geraint
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Hi Geraint,
It doesn’t matter that it’s belated. I’m just delighted that you have commented.
Thanks so much for the kind comments and hope your laptop behaves itself!!
All the very best my fine friend.
Hugh
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I remember this one the first time and it still shines and bounces – Hugh’s eye for a cutting, laugh out loud phrase is second to none.
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Hi Paul,
It’s always a pleasure to read your comments my fine friend!!
Thanks so much for your kindness and comments.
Hope all is well with you and yours!
Hugh
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