Knowing the cost of each vocation but the value of none

Junior doctors should be supported in anger at what are proposed cuts to their income. But it reminds me that their London protest march is in respect of income drops that pale into insignificance compared to that which has been visited upon the Bar. The sacrifices made by those called to vocational life were once valued and of value to the very fabric of our community. No longer. Instead the lure of a Calling is now but a basis upon which the government believes we will maintain our professional standards and, in the face of the most draconian cuts, continue to give as selflessly as humanly possible to our cause. The government believe that regardless of slashed incomes no barrister would be less than 100% committed to his case; that no doctor would do less than 100% in saving a life. And the government is right because it is axiomatic that vocations are not jobs we choose. Rather we are chosen - or 'called'. But in slashing income and demoralising those tirelessly helping, in one way or another, each and every person in this country, the government might see a falling in Calling far more damaging to the society all vocations seek to protect, serve and preserve; there is no cost saving worth the cost of a lost life, the cost of a life lost to a miscarriage of justice. Great Britain's system of law, it's practice of medicine, it's excellence in teaching - these vocational callings were what made Britain great and by these pillars of civilisation we were the envy of the world. Now it seems better to practice elsewhere and many of our vocational graduates pursue callings abroad. I have read recently that even my former pupil 'Judge Rinder' is leaving for America! Its an irony that the way of this reality show might show reality the way. But who am I to judge?