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The Cost of Staying Alive

May 10, 2021.

A nice house with a decent sized garden is an impossible dream for many people

Kevan James

The recent local elections and the swing from Labour to Conservative in many areas have resulted in commentary on the obvious aspects to political allegiance. Yet the apparent approval of Boris Johnson’s Tories does not mean that they are ‘popular’.

What it means is that many voters see no viable alternative. There is no party other than the Conservatives who are thought of as being able to realistically deliver anything. People are describing themselves as ‘politically homeless’ however and are looking for something other than the two traditional parties of government. Yet both of them – Conservative, Labour and their MPs - are very removed from the reality of life for people across the UK.

We seriously doubt whether it is possible for a new party to be formed, funded, develop a comprehensive set of policies and field candidates in all 650 constituencies in time for the next general election. So we are probably stuck with what we have.

And what we have has dismally failed to represent real people and real lives. For all the posturing, point-scoring, palpable nonsense over Brexit, the NHS and the shambolic, stultifying, confusing and oppressive moves over COVID-19, no Member of Parliament, no government minister, and no elected representative anywhere, of any party or persuasion, has said or done anything that reflects the needs of the people they serve.

The cost of merely staying alive continues to rise and rise; water, heating, eating, clothing on one’s back and shoes on one’s feet, are going beyond the means of increasing numbers. And even the most basic and necessary part – that of having somewhere to live, is rising to the point where the numbers of homeless will rise also.

And this despite ongoing remarks from politicians about building yet more houses; houses that people cannot afford and on land we cannot afford to lose.

Driven by the naked greed of property developers, estate agents and many landlords, tenants continue to be second-class (or lower) citizens. With no rights, feelings or emotions and subject to the whims of those who lord it over them, tenants endure unfair conditions imposed on them and can be thrown on to the street with no recourse and nowhere to go. Rents rise remorselessly but mortgage payers also are still subject to the abusive over-pricing of homes and with the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions still to be fully felt, many will be unable to pay the absurd price of having somewhere to live.

Yet not one single MP has spoken out against this. Why not? Is it not time to compel those insulated in the House of Commons by comfortable salaries and expense accounts, to look at the real lives of real people?

We believe it is.

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Books From KJM Today:

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Available - the Third Edition of Comments of a Common Man

An excoriating look at life in the UK today, taking aim at Politicians, Police, the NHS, Education, the shocking cost of housing and other subjects of concern to those living in the UK.

This is a book that should be read by everybody.

Paperback book or on Kindle, just £9.99 from Amazon

Available - Airport Days and Nights Evolution

The sister book to Airport Days and Nights Terminals and Runways, this takes readers on a personal journey back in time, up to the present day and shows the development of airports used by the authors. Packed with full colour photographs this is an evocative portrayal of personal and technological growth.

Paperback book, £17.99 from Amazon

Available - Airport Days and Nights Terminals and Runways

A review of numerous airports around the world, as used and experienced by the authors. With full colour photographs from airports as diverse as London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin, Frankfurt, Sydney and even touching down in South America.

Paperback book, £14.99 from Amazon

Sold Out and awaiting a new print run - Heathrow Airport 70 Years and Counting

A second edition of Kevan James' earlier history of Heathrow, brought up to just before the December general election in the UK, and including the latest developments concerning the new runway. Controversially, the author calls for two new runways at the airport and not just one. The book also includes a direct comparision with New York's John F. Kennedy airport - Heathrow's busiest route. With three new chapters and substantially re-written throughout, the book will attract those interested in social history and development, as well as aviation and airport enthusiasts.

A solid, hardback book with a RRP of £19.99.

Reader's Remarks on Heathrow Airport 70 Years and Counting:

Kevan James has knitted his own personal reflections and experiences into what could otherwise have been a considerably less compelling narrative, had it been purely historical. His personal anecdotes, experiences and reflections throughout the book make it a compelling read for anybody who has known and experienced Heathrow in any capacity.

(Paul S. London, UK)

This is a well-written and interesting account of Heathrow’s history – the most interesting airport in Britain. It’s good to know where it came from and what happened there, and to reflect on what goes on behind the scenes, and where it might be going in the future.

(Matt Falcus, The Airport Spotting Blog - http://www.airportspotting.com/)

The heart and soul of the world's most iconic airport

(Andy Martin)

Eloquent writing and full of interesting facts

(Marnix Groot, Editor. AirportHistory.org)

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Books have always been a part of life and even today, they are still.

The printed book, and for that matter magazines and newspapers, face a challenging time in the face of the digital onslaught but there is nothing like a book; a tangible thing that one can hold, feel, and yes, love also.

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Comments of a Common Man Edition 3

Heathrow Airport 70 Years and Counting - SOLD OUT and awaiting a new print run

Heathrow; Days Out at the UK's Premier International Airport.

Airport Days and Nights Terminals and Runways.

Airport Days and Nights Evolution

Boyhood; Soccer, Skaters, Streets and Suchlike

The Posts of Roche Fokke

Boysold (a novel, part one of a trilogy)

Please note that the opinions expressed on KJM Today are those of the contributors concerned and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of KJM Today.