What Katy Did

What did Katy do? She spoke to David, who waved his marmite sandwich and made all of the Kingdom's soldiers fall obediently into line to help the damsel in distress.


This morning I arose to the unsavoury news that Scotland Yard are going to be spending my hard earned cash looking at the investigation into Madeleine McCann's disappearance. It was entirely unpalatable and resulted in the T.V dodging all manner of handy missiles as I rapidly vacated the room. 


Not only do I think that my money would be better spent prosecuting the parents for neglect of their three small children, I also have grave concerns about politicians meddling in the operational actions of our police force; it is not their business, not their area of expertise and to be blunt, they should butt out. 


I have to admit to being confused as to why Kate and Gerry McCann found it acceptable to go out and leave their young children alone, leaving them vulnerable to danger and abduction and I am even more confused by the fact that the British populous largely appears to consider this acceptable behaviour and continue to support these people. 


In the immediate aftermath of Madeleine's disappearance I heard a number of people comment that they regularly leave their children to go 'somewhere' - I wonder, when and how did this become acceptable? Is it a class thing? Or perhaps a professional thing (all of those I heard this from were in the same profession)? 


I know there have been equally distasteful cases reported of your unemployed, benefit claimant mum doing exactly the same but in those cases the public reaction has been different with no acceptance to be found, no public support and more often than not a host of damning reports by the media on the irresponsibility and negligent behaviour displayed by the parents - often intrinsically linked to their financial, educational or class status. The majority of those cases have also seen children being removed from their parents under the media spotlight. Why is it different for Kate and Gerry?


Without doubt, the McCanns have faced an horrific ordeal and I empathise with that but I do wonder whether part of their continuing fight is driven by guilt. It would be if it were me (not that it ever could be me because I am a responsible parent). I have kids. I know what its like not to ever get a night out because you have to take care of them - a glass of wine or a meal with friends can be out of the question for years. Its a choice you make when you accept the responsibility of being a parent. Love is tough but you get on with it and get over it. When you commit to being a parent, you accept that you are no longer the priority and that often your needs must go unmet, such is life.


I have spent years hearing about the importance of the rights of the child. Children and their wellbeing are supposed to be one of our nation's priorities, rightly so. Note though that I specify children - not child. Our nation, including our politicians, have gone nuts over one particular missing child. Strings are being pulled in the highest of places to ensure that one child (and her parents) are catered for. What about all of the other missing children? 


I saw today that Teresa May had asked that the Met look at this particular case because it is exceptional - it is not. It is no more or less exceptional than every other case of a missing child.


I consider Teresa May to have ignored her remit in favour of doing her boss's bidding and taking action to keep the public on side. What she should have done, if she was so concerned about the exceptional case of a missing child, was to channel time and finances into work which benefits all missing children and their families - that I don't mind her using my taxes for.