An Independent View: Simple needs; big decisions

On 9/11 2015, we witness yet another tragedy that is the result of political failure.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Sep 2015, 17:51 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2016, 13:52 BST
The front pages of some of Britain's daily newspapers showing an image of the body of Syrian three-year-old boy Aylan are pictured in London, on September 3, 2015. The image spread like lightning through social media and dominated front pages from Spain to Sweden, with commentators unanimous it had rammed home the horrors faced by those fleeing war and conflict in the Middle East and Africa. AFP PHOTO/JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)The front pages of some of Britain's daily newspapers showing an image of the body of Syrian three-year-old boy Aylan are pictured in London, on September 3, 2015. The image spread like lightning through social media and dominated front pages from Spain to Sweden, with commentators unanimous it had rammed home the horrors faced by those fleeing war and conflict in the Middle East and Africa. AFP PHOTO/JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
The front pages of some of Britain's daily newspapers showing an image of the body of Syrian three-year-old boy Aylan are pictured in London, on September 3, 2015. The image spread like lightning through social media and dominated front pages from Spain to Sweden, with commentators unanimous it had rammed home the horrors faced by those fleeing war and conflict in the Middle East and Africa. AFP PHOTO/JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

On 9/11 2015, we witness yet another tragedy that is the result of political failure. The body of a three-year-old boy is washed up - face down - on a beach. And suddenly we begin to care. We begin to be angry. We rage against the dying of the light of a young life.

What can we do? As individuals, the truth is not much. But together, we can change the world. Those attending the protests tomorrow (Saturday noon, Old Steine) will be part of that change.

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Meanwhile, we discuss whether we should "allow" 5,000 refugees or 20,000 refugees into our country. Whether "allowing" five refugee families into our city is an adequate response. We can send coats and clothes and shoes, to an increasing number of people whose simple need is to be "allowed" into our country, into our city.

In other news, we prepare to bomb Syria. And more young children are washed up on beaches, where no photographer is present.

Related topics:Syria