ACTS OF GOD—OR MAN

ACTS OF GOD—OR MAN

“We must ensure it never happens again”. The stock government

response to all manner of man-made disasters that have been

invariably caused by safety cutbacks designed to boost profits.

We'd all be rich if paid a quid,

When MP's say in vain;

“We must ensure such tragedies,

Do not occur again”.

But mostly so-called accidents,

Occur because the cost;

Of safety is by far outweighed,

By fear of profits lost.

Thus time and time again we hear,

The same old tired tale;

“We'll introduce new systems that,

We guarantee won't fail”.

“We'll pass new legislation and,

Ensure firms train their staff”;

If only it weren't serious,

It would be such a laugh!

And when the hue and cry dies down,

And headlines have moved on;

The good intentions melt away,

The promises are gone.

The same old cutbacks creep back in,

And leaders look away;

And once again we ordinary folk,

Will be the ones that pay.

© Richard Layton