They say that every political career ends in failure, but who would have guessed how spectacularly Collin Brewer’s end would play out, in front of the nation’s media as he is lambasted from all sides.
Now I struggle to have much sympathy for Mr Brewer, such stupidity and lack of grace was never going to end well, but by most accounts, he was a decent enough, although clearly unreconstructed, councillor.
That said, the damage is done, and disabled people and the organisations who work with and support them had every right to be dismayed.
However I do take exception at the talking heads from political parties, be they MP’s, councillors, or just supporters, stepping up to express their disgust.
No-one would deny them their view, however, disabled people are facing a perfect storm of governmental cuts, the ongoing cruel farce (to put it gently) of disability fitness-to-work tests for profit, alongside charities going under due to funding cuts.
Now, one has to wonder when the rank hypocrisy of these people will be noticed.
It seems that it is OK to actually destroy the lives of disabled people through legislation and callous action (with one eye on dog whistle politics), and it is fine to vote to cut jobs and gut services at Cornwall Council in the hope of being re-elected, but abhorrent to say something stupid off the cuff.
In the hope that some who are reading this have a flash of self-awareness, next time you decide to jump on a bandwagon, check you haven’t caused much greater suffering yourselves, and hang your heads in shame.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here