Here and now

On January 8, 1964, in my first State of the Union address to the Congress, I announced: "This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America." I warned that "it will not be a short or easy struggle" but that it was a war "we cannot afford to lose."

I cannot be grasped in the here and now. For I reside just as much with the dead as with the unborn. Somewhat closer to the heart of creation than usual. But not nearly close enough.

In December, my Christian and Jewish neighbors will look backwards as they celebrate events that may have taken place in the ancient Middle East. Neo-Pagans, however, will look around, in the here and now, as we celebrate something that happens every year, something that happens regardless of changes in churches and in nations. The winter solstice is something you can depend upon.

Cutting line capacity by 4tph (around 30 trains a day) would slash revenues (seats). HS2 would be hobbled. But politicians like the idea of cutting costs in the here and now.