A rambling tale of shame

Half a lifetime ago, I engaged in some political stirring against a local government decision affecting my child’s primary school. This was pre-internet, so I did it by a letterbox drop, about 1000 pamphlets across 3 suburbs. Being a newbie and completely clueless, I had no idea what would happen. I vaguely hoped that people’s ideas would be swayed by my wonderful pamphlet. What actually happened was that a reporter from the newspaper became interested. Yes, it was that long ago, when there were actually newspapers. I hadn’t put my name on the pamphlet, probably breaking a few laws, but the journalist wasn’t fazed. She called the school, and they directed her to me. And what was my response to this unparalleled opportunity to put my case to a wider audience? You guessed it. I panicked and said it wasn’t me and I knew nothing about it. Unbelievably stupid and embarrassing, but that was nothing to what followed. Common sense and commitment forced me to make the right decis