A new world.

I remember the transition from cash to card, and embraced it. I worked in a paper mill, 86/7 I think? The foreman came round and informed us they may need our bank details. Of the 150 workforce, half did not have an account, and more than half did not want it paid into their bank. This was the 80's, and real men kept some back for a rainy day, aka beer tokens. It caused a stink, but a few weeks later, and a few bribes, we no longer made our way to the office, picked up our brown envelope then went through our ritual.

We all counted the contents, we all made sure they had got their sums right. Walking back to your station, you would hold up your pay slip and cash as a symbol. Back at base, you would store pay slip, divide money into what she see's and what you tuck away, and in more than one pocket, just in case she asks. Women would occasionally without warning, enforce a spot check. Okay , lets see your wallet then...… I swear, I only kept £30, I promise, but she would insist.So,you open it, and show £25, but she still ain't happy, where's the other £5? Well?.....I put some petrol in the car ffs, do you want the receipt? I can see a note in that pocket.....omg, as you reach inside, and produce the £5 petrol receipt.You know by now you're safe, there is no way she is gonna check your back left and right, with £15 in each, ha.

The thought of being like the posh people, those with the special cards who are better than us, well that just excited me, I want one. When the wish was granted, and I realised, there was no way to hide your wage anymore, it sunk in.Then came bank charges, and no one warned you about these. The working class suddenly had access to it all, overdraughts,bank loans,credit cards and we loved it, until...….Then the charges went up, and punishments were severe. Banks had powers, they were in league with the devil. Boom and bust was just the tip of the iceberg, they had bigger plans than just taking back thousands of homes, from desperate families whom they cohersted into massive debt.

They need dirty money, so how do they do this? A cashless society is the aim, and we hear talk most days. We also know trials are being carried out in some countries. One way to push their agenda would be making us think our money carries germs, or covid 19 thrives of cash, and they suggest just for 6 months, we advise use of card payment, were ever possible. Not an out right order, but a strong recommendation, knowing full well, no one will touch cash anymore, and all the while thinking, well it's only six months?????

Just for the record. I worked 70+hours a week and she got 75%, she also had affairs whilst I was on nights, so I deserve a few beers.