What a day. Momentous verdicts delivered. Someone in work asked me what this meant; will they be after compo? No, I said. Vindication. That's it. The rest can come later.
I'm not from Liverpool, wasn't there that day (I was actually a 10yr old attending an FA Trophy semi final), but that day has stuck with me for 27 years, and always will. Ever since I was old enough to understand, I've known the truth. I've donated, protested, signed petitions, sung songs, held mosaics so many times.
Today feels weird. Like the lifting of a weight; something I've been involved in only by association and empathy. And then there's anger, disgust, dismay, a feeling of betrayal that those paid to protect us, those in office because we voted for them, their wages paid by us, have spent decades blaming innocent victims for their failings. Tarnishing the reputation of a city and bereaved families - many not even from Liverpool, all to protect themselves.
Above all though, admiration for the people that never gave up. I feel shattered, and I've experienced a tiny percentage of what they have.
Like the judge said today, you've done your families - and your city - proud
JFT96
