If Van Morrison wants independence, he could use his wealth to buy and island from where he can sing his heart out safely

I have seen the contents of some of the songs by Van Morrison praising independence, challenging the need for lockdown and calling government actions fascistic and bullying.
By Barry Williamson
Published 22nd Sep 2020, 13:22 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2020, 13:50 BST
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

(See links below to stories about Van Morrison)

Yes we live in a society which values the rights of the individual, but only to the extent that that individual understands and accepts a responsibility to be a part in the society, even if that means by taking a part in challenging its norms.

Many people have been showing their independence by gathering in increasingly large groups. This would be fair if they could keep any virus infection to themselves.

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But this is impossible, and if someone meets one of these people subsequently they will have been put in possible danger by that person’s irresponsible behaviour. Individualism has boundaries and the present situation highlights this clearly

Mr Morrison’s wealth and status is totally dependent on being part of this society and if he wants to do only what he wants then he should buy an island and sing his heart out ... alone.

He won’t earn much money but he will be truly independent.

So I challenge Mr Morrison to sing a medley of these works in any Covid hospital or hospice here in Northern Ireland, away from luxury hotels or luxury homes where he might be residing.

Of course since he is coming to the end of his career it may be that this is only a publicity stunt to get him noticed but if so I think it is a poor one.

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I for one do not feel that he should retain the freedom of the city of Belfast.

I’m sure that if he ever reads this he and his acolytes will have a good laugh... “send for room service Jeeves, Mr Morrison’s throat is a little sore”.

Barry Williamson, Coleraine

• Van Morrison’s Covid stance attacked by Robin Swann...in legendary Rolling Stone magazine

• Sir Van Morrison faces call to be stripped of Freedom of Belfast over coronavirus protest songs

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Related topics:Northern IrelandBelfast