McHugh's Miscellany: Planet toxicity far more than climate change but heroes still exist

As people woke up in the middle of the week, you would think they had plenty on their plate - with the spiralling worries over whether the wallet and purse can drag Christmas 2022 into New Year 2023 and beyond, top of most people’s agenda in Donegal and beyond. 

We all went to bed with major concerns over whether a deadly explosion in Eastern Poland that killed two, was a prelude to more sinister abominations that could materialise in the future and references to Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO charter. 

But the icing on the cake, or most probably ‘ice’ running through the blood was the announcement as we slept that the caped crusader of codology and conceit, Donald Trump was launching another attack on the American continent  and its people. 

It has been an utter relief to have lived for the past two years, devoid of his caustic rants and bullology that has divided the United States, with a visceral toxicity which has permeated all aspects of society there and by default, the rest of the world. 

This is the man who rode roughshod over Covid 19 describing it as little more than a cold or soon to pass flu. 

The man who mastered political assassination through a discourse of denial and more denial culminating in the ultimate denial that democracy was dead if it didn’t get him what he demanded when he was defeated in 2020, inciting the unimaginable attack on Capitol Hill in Washington. 

The fact that Trump can even contemplate gaining the Republican nomination for a third time says much about American society at present

There is indeed something even more sick on this planet at present than climate change. 

It is the moulding of thought that now sees lies reconstructed and hawkes off as the truth.

We have conspiracies around every corner, the shattering of any semblance of normality into a deadly game of smoke and mirrors to reflect the illusion of evil  as a truth serum. 

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It would be ok if a new Netflix comedy but Trump coming back onto the Presidential stage to get the GOP nomination may well endanger the whole planet and its future, far more than conventional nuclear weapons threats from another demigod in Moscow, Vladimir Putin.

As for real heroes . . . 

No doubt there are many people out there who have already paid more fitting tributes this week to the late Vicky Phelan, than I ever possibly could. 

The outpouring of grief and words from so many must give a small decorum of consolation to her family as they embark on a life without their honest and amazingly articulate and intelligent mother as well as courageous human being. 

In life, people spoke of her bravery, resilience and fortitude. 

But the truth is that she never wanted that tag of tenacity or warrior or to face overwhelming odds in fighting a system and culture that defends itself and avoids culpability at every turn. 

She just wanted to be a loving mother and wife, something that she will not be able to directly fulfil after this week. 

The one theme throughout these conversations of recent years in Irish Society is ‘accountability’. Or rather, the lack thereof. 

It is the greatest smouldering elephant in the room. 

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So, regardless of the scandal or scandals nobody ever seems to be brought to heel in this country, for just about anything, when and if it potentially involves a Euro or two. 

The fear of owning up to mistakes and failings too dastardly to contemplate without an uprising of disgust by its inhabitants is both untenable and utterly unacceptable in a country that professes so much, but fails to deliver with alarming regularity. 

There never seems to be anyone who pays the price, other than those same honest citizens of this country who have needless suffering inflicted upon them. 

Your words and actions will be as patriotic, noble and inspirational as any other deeds that may form the Irish history textbooks of tomorrow. 

Your unimaginable strength is an inspiration to every man, woman and child on this island. 

Rest in peace Vicky Phelan.