Remember the ditty Bad boys, bad boys what you gonna do? What you going to do when it comes for you? My son thinks it started with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. You and I know the song came a generation before the movie.



You often hear the words BEAR WITH ME down the phone when the operator or customer service advisor really means GIVE ME A MOMENT PLEASE. Who started that? In the good old days BEAR WITH ME meant I am kinda struggling and would appreciate your help and understanding. Like if your house was flooded and your insurance agent wanted a copy of your policy as in BEAR WITH ME IT WILL TAKE A DAY OR TWO.

And this is precisely what we need to do in these troubled times. We need to hear and understand each others problems with deeper empathy. I am disturbed by those who find exploitative opportunity; we should rather be sharing the little we have left between us than grabbing from those who are stunned, down and helpless.

And here is where we can all help.

Utilities. We all use them, they are fundamental. Gas, electricity, landline, broadband, mobile phone. Find a company which will give you a return for your investment and put your money in it. And use it!

The corner shops. Pay more money and support your locals. The big supermarkets will still be filled by those without a deeper sense of community, pinching their pockets and sticking with the cheapest so you wont be doing anyone out of a job.

Community centres. Support them. If they are showing free or paying movies and events attend. When they have appeals donate. When they raise petitions, sign on. Most community agencies and centres are paid for by the government, but they need your support to justify the funding.

Carboot sales. Go to them. The venues are kept open if they are busy. Buy there. Again, supporting charity shops is all very well, but by buying from a car boot sale your money is going directly back into your local community.

Your employer. Work harder, longer, better! You know a lot of businesses will flop in the next 4 years, so make the difference which will keep your company alive!

I work at a call centre sometimes, and when I want a person to hold for a moment I say STAND BY. Next time you hear this on the line, know that my philosophy Ubuntu has come of age.