by Kazeem Olalekan
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein
Howe is it that Wales, and its characteristic Welsh spirit, has come to dominate my ‘doctrine of Universal Truths’ journey? For its entire history, Wales has struggled against waves of invaders who have sought to subjugate its people; but, as the invaders found out, it’s a country that just won’t lie down (link). It is that ‘never say die’ attitude that eventually led to the writing of my book. There were key characters along the way that illuminated my path. In spite of what criticism there may be of the civil service, bureaucratic maneuvering is a factor in me being here today (even GOD – with a small g – defends bureaucracy).
The criticism of the civil service can be summed up by Sir Humphrys in these series of clips from ‘Yes Minister‘:
There was the debate I had around the NHS and the importance of the stoic welsh figure of Aneurin Bevan in pushing through the creation of the NHS is critical. He was the minister of health when NHS was created in spite of determined opposition. The core NHS principles:
- that it meet the needs of everyone
- that it be free at the point of delivery
- that it be based on clinical need, not ability to pay
Are as valid today as they were then.
Another Welsh son, John Thomas (Baron Thomas of Cwmgiedd) assumed office as the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales on the 1st of October 2013. He is the man task with holding tectonic plates that is the judiciary and government together. That job require a great deal of diplomacy and who better to deliver that balance, than a man described by his predecessor, Lord Judge as “universally admired for his deep commitment to justice, the independence of the judiciary and the outstanding leadership he has given to all judges and magistrates”.
It is all about the journey….but a good destination helps
The lesson from Jesus’s life is that the purity of spirit leads only to one destination: persecution by His own people. It is a stark reality which diplomatic and bureaucratic maneuvering, if conducted properly, can help avert. The imprisonment of Jeremiah, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. One can only pray for continued God’s courage to speak the truth to power and that the stoning of Stephen is something cast permanently into the history books.
It came to me in a flash…
The question of why Wales has come to dominate my book, came to me in a flash – Tom Jones! It was there all along. I observed in ‘the doctrine of Universal Truths’
Alone in a brave new world, I tentatively started to feel my way around. Most of the time, I just watched the four grey walls that surrounded me in my room. There was plenty of time to reflect and to watch the way people behaved. I spoke little but I took in a lot. Everything revolved around my studies. In spite of what sound melancholic, this was a remarkably fun-filled period
– The Doctine of Universal Truths – p 27
So enjoy the ‘green, green grass of home’, a song by that remarkable Welsh artist that is Tom Jones….
What does this all mean?
Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success.
– Rev Roy Jenkins – Baptist Minister in Cardiff, BBC Thoughts of the Day quoting William Wilberforce
#Discuss