Colonel Tom Moore is knighted!

[IWillNotNameTheTree]

Just seen on breaking news!

I’m so happy for him

I'm delighted if it makes him happy, but it does feel uncomfortably like a cynical piece of populism by Johnson and Cummings. That's what I thought when I read it. "Hey, look over here..."

What else could they do though? Compound the failures by refusing to acknowledge the amazing efforts of individuals?

But how many other absolutely amazing individuals are they recognising in this way, and with the same fanfare? There are NHS professionals literally putting their own lives on the line every day they go into work who are being quietly ignored. Indeed, those who are careless enough not to have the right immigration status are being asked to pay for the privilege of saving people's lives.

His effort was amazing, absolutely but the many millions of pounds raised was more to do with media manipulation and populism than his particular efforts - many people do amazing things but don’t raise a fraction of the money, the media hit on his story and it fitted the zeitgeist at the time. I do think this is more distraction and deflection - while not wanting to take anything away from his achievements. Usually honours nominations are held in confidence until the list announcement - publishing it is a significant shift from usual protocol.

I think it's good he's recognised. So much better than the likes of the ghastly David Beckham getting knighted.

Totally agree with @Jellycatspyjamas

The bloke has captured the imagination of a huge amount of people all of whom have donated to NHS charities; they can't risk a Diana moment where the public turned on the royal family. Of course they announced it now : the blokes 90 and may not be around for the honours list in the new year.

It's just one small story, it's not going to detract from the public enquiry and criticism coming their way.

He’s 100 and the proposal is for the birthday honours list, not New Year. I think too it stops people questioning why the NHS - a service paid for by tax payers and under the governance of the state - should need millions of pounds in charitable donations, or to have it’s “debt” wiped out.

I think he’s an incredible man, who deserves admiration and respect and I’m glad he’s being recognised but I’m certainly not blind to the wider manipulation which he certainly doesn’t deserve.

Oh well he may not make it to Autumn. Same difference. I just don't think it does anything to make people lose the ability to think about the governments role in all this.
Also ; it's for NHS charities not the NHS

@Noeuf

It went viral, and the media coverage helped that, for sure.
But it tapped into a need of the general public to latch onto a positive cause and be able to "do" something concrete "to help," instead of being stuck at home feeling impotent.

@avroroad

Such a helpful emoticon. Not a clue what you mean. Assume you haven't read back.

Btw I've switched the @ function off so don't bother replying

Fantastic to see Capt. Tom honoured with a knighthood.
If there is someone you want to nominate here's a step by step guide.
ignoratus.wordpress.com/2017/08/25/go-on-do-the-honours-text-version/