Number Seventy News

All the UK political parties say that tackling and preventing climate change should be our no. 1 priority, right!

For the public it boils down to who is going to restrict their car use and cheap flights, right?

So the election will be won by the party least committed to climate change, right ?

Solution: All UK political parties agree a programme to tackle climate change NOW, BEFORE THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION. So, whoever gets in, the action on climate change will be the same. People can vote on other issues but the big one is the subject of cross party consensus.

Let’s take climate change beyond politics.

One of the interesting things about Washington DC is the variety of eating experiences you can have. (There is, of course, MacDonalds, but we didn’t have that one). What about buffalo shank in red wine, the perfect marriage of old world and new, gumbo from New Orleans, fried catfish ditto, mexican fast food at a chain called Chipotle, crepes and Chai Tea Latte at a hole in the wall sort of cafe which didn’t take cash but would take $9 off your credit card, mahi-mahi ( Pacific, I think, fish). And yes, there’s Italian and Chinese too, but the US does such good sandwiches and salads. And it’s all relatively cheap, especially with the dollar doing so badly.

[However, it takes a planet-destroying plane ride to get there so if you don't have a good reason, like very elderly relations to visit, I don't recommend going just for the food and the shopping].

The Washington Metro (Underground to those not in the know) is beginning to show its age. It’s just a little faded, a little scuffed, a little down at heel. But still roomy, and clean, and not often uncomfortably overcrowded.

But there’s a little musical gem not many folk appreciate. Out in the NW suburbs, right on the edge of the District, nearly into Maryland, there’s a station called Friendship Heights (might be interesting to know why, one day). Now, as you go down the first escalator, there’s the first hints of something unusual - a little rising run of notes, followed maybe by a deeper tone, or a soprano twirl. Once you start down the next escalator, a long one, the metro is deep, deep, you catch the full band, bass, tenor, soprano sax, whooping and whispering, circling each other, calling and answering. It’s so contemporary ! No long-haired blonde casual Scandinavians could make more up to date sounds.

Metro, stay faded, leave those escalators alone, leave the oil can on the shelf.

Heathrow !!! You know, I was brought up under the flight path of that great splat on the lanscape - even used to go there for a treat - when it was just a collection of Nissen huts and the planes were so few and far between you walked across the runway to get to the grassy viewing area - with donkey rides for bored children. Saw Yuri Gagarin there too - he waved at us specially.

But now it’s hell on earth - passport, ticket, boarding card - no, boarding card, ticket - no, passport only - no, boarding card andpassport. Take off your coat, take off your shoes, one carry on bag only, two bags is fine, any pastes or liquids, use clear plastic bags, now way is that an “Innocent” smoothie, use our dimensions, stand in this queue, stand in that queue, did you pack your bag yourself, where was it when you were on the train, how old is your electrical equipment, where did you get it - CONGRATULATIONS - you have got through security and now you can shop shop shop in the 2 hours left before you are even called to the gate. And suddenly, the one measly bag you are allowed as cabin baggage can be supplemented with all the stuff you ever wanted from all those crowded, crammed, crummy flight-side retail outlets. And BAA will use your money to build more runways, more shops, more endless corridors, and kill the planet.

And then there’s Dulles (Washington DC). The Immigration people (Department of Homeland Security) pledge which you can read several times as you wait in line, says they will treat you with respect but their demeanour is undeniably hostile - and as a white AS male I’m glad I have none of the other characteristics which might provoke them into sending you straight to Guantanamo.

But - two pluses for the US. At both Wshington Airports you can sit around and see aeroplanes - Heathrow seems to find this quaintly old-fashioned. And the security seems less paranoid (once the Dept of Orwellian Security has let you in).

By contrast, the flights, Virgin Atlantic, were great. Most enjoyable crossings I’ve ever had, given that I’ve missed the age of the great liners.