So … Grenfell Tower adds its sad name to the roll of dishonour that marks the list of dates and titles we recall with horror, each one with its shocking features that appal and distress. Not a terrorist atrocity this time but something equally bad and not just because of the high number of fatalities.
The tower block fire was so bad because it seems this was a crime of negligence. A preventable disaster, perhaps even one in which nobody should have died. Carelessness, lack of funds, cost-cutting, gross negligence? Maybe we will never know the full facts.
But as grief turns to rage, people are demanding answers and, understandably, looking for someone to blame. Whose fault was it? The Government, the local authority, the contractors, the Health and Safety Executive? And when we locate the individual or group on whom to pin the blame, what will we do? Shame them? Sack them? Make them say sorry?
All these things perhaps and maybe more. But I doubt it will make us feel better and for sure it won’t bring back any of the dead or bind up the wounds inflicted on body and soul.
Because the person who is ultimately responsibly is … me! And you! Not responsible for the disaster. But responsible for the response. Response able. Get it?
Let’s not wait for another Grenfell. Let’s start responding now. Let’s start loving and giving and caring and hoping again. Let’s remind ourselves nobody needs to be alone. And whether they live in Manchester, Westminster, North Kensington or just down your street – reach out to them. And the more different they are from you, the better!
God bless you!