A nation sits by its televisions...

The bulldozer is still hanging on in there...

The feeling around the country reminds me of the first Gulf war, when televisions and radios were constantly tuned in to the news, often quietly in the background. Just yesterday I was at the doctors (anglosaxy junior had his 6 monthly checkup) and the TV was on in the corner. Every so often somebody would walk by, stop for a minute and then mutter "Tt, Tt" softly enough for all to hear. Things are still carrying on as normal (I was at a big wedding last night and it was a happy one, especially after downing a few Teachers) but there's sadness in the air and a feeling that things are just about to change when it looked like things were pretty stable...

Personally I never really felt that much for the man but lately was beginning to warm to him, especially his "grandfatherly" smile. A big, tough old geezer, who always came across as somebody who knew what he was doing, and therefore demanded respect, whatever your politics.

I hope he makes it, but not at the expense of his mind and body. From personal experience, seeing a strong, charismatic person confined to a wheelchair unable to speak and with the capabilities of a six-month old is way beyond sad, it's heartbreaking.

Respect, Arik, respect.