Snow what?

OK. So. The United Kingdom, which once ran an Empire upon which the sun never set, surrenders unconditionally as soon as frozen precipitation begins to fall from the sky. The Nazi Luftwaffe bombed London to bits, yet still the buses ran. Monday, a mere six inches of snow brought the network to a halt. Boris Johnson, London mayor and crazy bigoted side-show act, proclaimed that we all needed to pool our resources to get the city through the situation. REALLY? Next week, if it hails, are we going to re-introduce fabric rationing?

Now, I know this was the greatest snowfall in 18 years, and that it would be economically silly to have equipment prepared to deal with such rare events. But, would it really be economically bad sense? Due to the number of people who couldn't get to work on Monday, early estimates suggest the UK economy is down over £1.2 billion just in lost productivity, and that number is seen as likely to rise once final costs are totalled. Meanwhile, snow continues to blanket parts of the country, with more predicted for London tomorrow.

Surely, the cost of a minimal number of snow plows (which can be easily attached to the fronts of pre-existing vehicles) and some planning for outlying weather events would save money in the long-term? That, and reminding people that clearing snow and slush from their walkways early on helps prevent packed snow and ice from forming, which are definite hazards for anyone trying to walk just about anywhere. I slipped and fell three times walking down the road I live on. So great an injustice must not be allowed, lest the natural beauty of my face be imperiled by an icy 'pavement'!

So, therefore, I judge you government and people of the United Kingdom. Government, ensure transportation cannot be brought to its knees by what is in actuality a very manageable amount of snow. People, get out your shovels (brooms will work on slush!) and clear those walkways in front of your houses. If we all do our part we can and will get through these most trying of times.