Just Walkin' in the Rain
I'm getting very angry about the "predicted" disruption of the minute's silence at the Manchester Derby next month. The media are discussing it like it's already happened. It hasn't. Perhaps it will happen. Perhaps not, But can we stop reporting it as though it already has? Furthermore, can we stop the pious nonsense coming from every commentator, journalist and "spokesman" about the "need" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster.It could be remembered with dignity in a reserved way without all the brouhaha and media circus. It could be something other than the commercial money spinner that it has evolved into.
I was four when the tragedy occurred so it didn't really affect me at the time but, as I grew and morphed into a City fan, I often used to try to imagine how I would have felt if my beloved team of the late 60s had met a similar fate? Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee, Neil Young, Tony Book, Glyn Pardoe, Alan Oakes, Joe Corrigan gone. Cut down in their prime. As it happens we did lose a great City player in that plane crash. Frank Swift was a giant of a man who was City's goalkeeper for 17 years or so. He also represented England. By 1958 he was sports journalist for the News of the World and was with United as they boarded on that fateful day. We also almost lost another ex-City player in Matt Busby. The sad thing is IF the silence is broken, it'll be broken by somebody who wasn't even alive during the event being remembered. I'll tell you this much; if some chavved-up dickhead started disrupting the minute's silence if it was for Bell, Summerbee et al I think I'd quite cheerfully kill him or her.
Just like if I was a Leeds United fan and Manchester United or Liverpool "supporters" started singing about Turks with knives. Just like I would if I was a Liverpool fan and Manchester United "supporters" started singing about Hillsborough. Hypocrisy.
Death transcends football. Always has and always will. Shankly was wrong.
Sadly commerce transcends football as well and that's what leaves the sour taste in my mouth regarding this whole sorry business. For there can be no doubt that Big Business is rubbing its hands together as the Glazer machine ups the ante on the Munich disaster. There's quite a lot of anger in Manchester about the fact that United's sponsors AIG have their logo spattered all over anything to do with the 50th anniversary
In other news part of me was gobsmacked that this could be even considered in the early 21st century, but on the other hand it is religion so perhaps I shouldn't be too shocked.
"Plans to exhume Padre Pio - one of Italy's most popular saints - on the 40th anniversary of his death have been attacked by relatives and followers. Church authorities say they want to display the body for veneration by the faithful for several months from April."
I ask yer. The man's only been dead forty years or so - would you go and see him? Morbid, God-botherin' arseholes.
Oh, and get this:-
"The hands of the saint, who lived to the age of 81, often bled copiously. His followers said he bore the wounds of the crucified Christ."
How did he manage that then? Did he go to the doctors? "Doc my hands keep bleeding copiously what the hell do you think it could be?"
"I think you are either a)regularly sticking nails in them when no one is looking or b)God is attempting to communicate with mankind via the obvious portal of your paws."
On a similar theme. Can you believe this.
(via Alastair's Heart Monitor)
Right, I'll sign off with a few pics again.
Going home. Manchester January 2008
The Manchester Wheel. January 2008
Beneath the Wheel in the rain. Manchester 2008.
Manchester January 2008
The library back entrance with selective colour. Manchester January 2008.
Never pontificate with a pigeon on your pate.
By the Cathedral in the rain. Manchester January 2008
That's all folks!
5 comments:
If the Vatican want to send some of those there exorcists round to sort out my stinky neighbours, I'd be happy. Otherwise, they're more fucked up than I thought.
I vote for the wheel in the rain pic - brilliantly observed. Tell you one thing about football I hate is this ridiculous minute's applause idea. We had it for that O'Donnell chappie when Hull City played (and beat!)Sheff Wed. When did this start? Respect death with thoughtful silence I say.
fantastic pics !
More Exorcists, just what we need. Glad the Catholic Church has got its priorities sorted.
Fabby photos yet again! You definitely have an eye for it.
You really are a great photograher Steve.
Great blog post too - totally agree with every word you say here. Re your 'saint' story...remind me which century we are living in?
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