Monday Sermon

I’d like to use this post as an opportunity to bring to your attention the plight of a special group of people.

Who are they? Allow me to explain.

You see, as we wend our way through life’s many vicissitudes, it is worth bearing in mind that not everyone has the freedom to use logic, reason or facts when they argue their case. Some, through no fault of their own are forced into using the shameful expedient of special pleading.

In so doing they have to suffer ridicule, sarcasm and satire from those with privileged access to sound arguments. Is that fair? Is that equitable?

We have a huge problem in the largely unrecognised plight of special pleaders, especially when we include the government, MPs, lawyers, landlords, bankers, the arms industry, large charities, the BBC, the NHS, high street retailers, the CBI, house builders, landowners, local government, trade unions, quangos, minorities, car makers, energy companies, green businesses, climate scientists, environmentalists, the EU, the UN, developing countries and major political parties.

So the next time you have free and unfettered access to logic, reason and facts, try to remember those who have none of these natural advantages. Try to remember those unfortunates who must resort to special pleading.

Bear them in your thoughts when next you shred one of their arguments with a simple piece of logic. Stop for a moment if you will in your headlong rush to be reasonable. Pause for a while and ask yourself if it is right that not everyone has access to reason.

Please put yourself in their shoes, if only for a brief, irrational moment.