WEB

Evils of our time,

gift wrapped on the web, on line.

Corrupt minds scheme to set the bait,

the vulnerable surf to their fate.

Enticed and caught in deadly thread,

the tender soul is quickly led.

Too busy with our daily chores,

to monitor the scene, or pause,

poisoned kiss, silent cry,

innocence sucked gently dry.

T. Hills

2003

How very easy it would be to hypnotise a nation, after all many are glued to Facebook or Twitter, on line gambling, pornography, you name it, its all on the web.    Some unholy influence is driving this addiction.

It is an addiction, its unhealthy and time consuming and in some cases downright dangerous.     It's not all bad, but how do you police the web.    Even if you ban or control the situation in your own home, young minds can reach it through friends with either absent or indifferent parents.

Abuse, bullying, intrusion, inaccurate information, self appointed experts and prophetesses to say nothing of wonder cures, the thousands asking for subscriptions for their particular project.      Its a minefield and a trap.   I stand with a young man in Australia who is home schooling his kids.  He has probably chucked his T.V. in the garbage and just keeps his computer for educational research. 

Undesirables and mystery hackers are rather like the Scarlet Pimpernel.   They seek him here they seek him there and nobody knows exactly who has managed to access their site.    I have opted out of this mode of communication.   Nothing like a good debate over a pie and a pint in the local Snug, or a gathering to protest for cyclists rights.   That got right up the nose of waiting motorists today in London.  

    

And it won't be the first time someone has suggested "get thee to a nunnery", or that I join the Amish Brotherhood.     If I could, yes I would.   At least it would be fresh air, organic veggies and horses for transport, the simple life.   Amen to that, but I don't think they take "grannies"!!!