I write in response to Mr Trickett’s letter calling on council to ban the use of devices during meetings. He particularly referred to texting between councillors.
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Whilst his letter on the surface appears to be reasonable and appears to be a call to be courteous, a call which we all would support, he is well off the mark.
I cannot speak for all councillors but I can for those who sit near me. None of those four, as well as me, sends texts or uses our devices (phone laptops) inappropriately. We do not text councillors. It is a nonsense to suggest councillors do so to collude on decisions.
Our phones are on silent and for those who work they may receive urgent texts on occasions. Dr Keegan for instance, may be on call. I have on occasions received texts to attend to deaths and other emergencies.
In this technological age the devices are how we receive our business papers, keep notes on matters before us and undertake research. Gone are the days of copious paper files.
I am reminded of a pastor who was approached by older members of his congregation who complained about the young people’s behaviour who were fiddling with their phones whilst he was preaching. “They should be looking at their Bibles and following you,” they complained. “Oh no,” he said,” they are following; their Bibles are on their phones!”
I use my phone for everything, diary, kindle, Bible and direct handwriting notes.
I long for the day only needing one device. In fact, I long for the old days when you could read a book under a tree without the interruption of beeps and ring tones. But sadly those days are gone.
