WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE
May I have a little whinge? Nothing is ever perfect, but by international standards, in Britain, we live in a rich, stable, and well governed (by both parties) country, where acute poverty no longer exists, with better than average standards of education, health, welfare provision, and freedom. All these things are open to debate and discussion, yet all I seem to hear is angry derision. My newspaper letters pages are full of people demanding more, usually using intemperate, insulting and sarcastic language rather than reasoned argument. Our politicians are not virtuous angels, but then neither are the rest of us.
The recent hurricanes in America exposed the huge incompetence of American governments, and amazed us with the immense social and racial divisions in that most affluent country. Surely, we should at least appreciate just how fortunate we are to live in a fairer, more tolerant and socially just country. We have much to be grateful for.
The main problems in this country are the people themselves. While crime is down, violent crime is up. Increasingly even ambulance staff have to be equipped with stab-proof jackets, binge drinking makes our town centres places to avoid, and whole sections of society routinely employ foul-mouthed abuse rather than courtesy or a smile; road rage and hooded teenagers are the norm. These are crimes of affluence, not poverty.
As a nation, we dislike the E.U. and enjoy beating up European students, revel in being anti-American, and treat ethnic minorities with suspicion at least. To be gay, black, or old in this country is a risky business. We build up nonentities into celebeties, then enjoy knocking them down again, valuing glitz above decency.
It seems to me that we are becoming ever more materialistic, selfish and intolerant, and have little or no respect for the law, authority, or anyone who stands in our way. Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.
I\'ve been swamped with work lately but I\'m about to resurface.
Buzzard