Day Three: Dear Karl McCartney MP

Dear reader and blogosphere,

Yesterday we opted to write a letter to our venerable MP, Karl McCartney, for our day's 'one thing.'

I knew I would write to him one day. I don't like the man, and I don't like the party he represents. He seems very self important and his campaign running up the election earlier this year was bizarre to say the least (offending and falling out with all the local papers, and the Students' Union of Lincoln Uni, as well as choosing not to appear at a hustings event where all the other candidates attended and put their views forward. I still can't understand how he got in!)

I didn't, however, think I would end up writing to him about a photo. I am embarrassed that it took that photo to push me into action. I am embarrassed that the refugees in Calais were on my mind all day yesterday, but not the day before. I was embarrassed to be part of this country, until yesterday, when a huge surge showed the rest of Europe, 'We're not David Cameron! We are compassionate and big-hearted and don't care what it takes: we will help you.'

It's hard to know what to do though, isn't it? Giving money or donations is good and definitely worth doing, but it's a bit distant and comfortable and easy - I can do that without feeling it, without noticing it. Any fundraising events would be fun and enjoyable and give me a sense of well-being and pride, which conflicts within me because how can I justify that when it contrasts so harshly to what those people are going through in Calais?

I can't help but feel cross though. There are people who are incensed that we as a country are considering taking in more refugees. Why should we feel guilty? they say. It's not our fault, they say. Who cares whose fault it is? I say. There are people in need, real life human people who are just like us, and they need help. They don't need a lot - they need the basics that we all take for granted. I think it's disgusting that some Brits are making themselves feel better with political arguments and excuses. I genuinely think that some people here in the UK believe that these refugees and migrants are a different type of human - completely foolhardy, greedy, deluded and stupid. Utter rubbish. We all need to take a look around - think about it with our eyes and heart open - and stop ignoring the world.

Right, I need to go. Thanks for reading and I'll be in touch again soon.

Yours sincerely,
Danielle