The Badger’s been following progress of the UK’s Smart Meter rollout, a programme that’s missed every completion date so far, for some time. The rollout, which is paid for by consumers through their electricity bills, was originally due to complete in 2019. It now has a target to complete by 2030. Recent news about it and its current status, can be found here, here, and here. The rollout is an example of why it’s appropriate to be highly sceptical that any UK government energy programme will be on time and to budget. Whilst the rollout, the AI stock market correction, the hacking of French supermarket freezers, and the human frailties of Nvidia’s CEO, all triggered some Badger musings, it’s an unexpected personal moment of pride that is at the heart of what follows.
The Badger’s 6-year-old grandson excitedly announced last week that his Beaver Scout troop was taking part in the local Remembrance Sunday event and that he wanted the Badger to watch him in the associated parade. He knew it was an important event because the Beaver troop leader had asked the children to find out if any of their ancestors had served in the military during WW1 and WW2. On being asked that very question, the Badger sensitively told his grandson that their great-grandfathers, and great-great-grandfathers had all seen military service in the conflicts. They had all been very brave, they had all survived, and they all wanted future generations to remember that the freedom we cherish today is because of the sacrifice made by many. At that time, the Badger explained, they had no computers, no smartphones, no internet, no jet airliners, no robots, and no television. They fought for what they believed in, and they deserve our respect on every Remembrance Sunday. The Badger didn’t mention that one ancestor was awarded not one, but two Military Medals for bravery in France, another fought in North Africa, became a POW, and was on the ‘Long March to Freedom’ from camps in Germany, and another had been a first aider and stretcher-bearer.
On Remembrance Sunday, the Badger watched the parading Beaver troop approach his position in the crowds. They stopped for a minute adjacent to the Badger’s position, close enough to see his grandson turn to the youngster next to him who was engrossed on a smartphone, and hear his grandson say, ‘You should put that away and show some respect’. The troop leader gave him a thumbs-up and patted him on the head. The Badger experienced a moment of instant pride, and the youngster sheepishly put the smartphone in his pocket. Lest we forget, humans have existed for thousands of years without the internet, AI, and Smart Meters. The Badger thinks that if children knew more about their family ancestors, the sacrifices they made, and a life that isn’t digital-first, then perhaps the future will not be as bleak as it sometimes looks…
