An unhealthy interest in current affairs

T has been taking a lot of interest in the spate (is this derived from the past tense of to spit? e.g. “I was spitting...” or “...I spate”) of recent news items relating to both prison overcrowding and the fact that convicted murderers are being released early, and then often committing further heinous crimes.

Such an interest in current affairs is admirable, but to be heard muttering “...none of them has served a 26 year sentence!” as she handed me a wedding anniversary card, slightly took the edge off what was otherwise a very happy day.

Some might say “...Harsh, but fair!”