Seismic shift
Drew
normally as prejudiced as the not mourned 'Voice of America', I got
the impression that 'something' has changed in The States. Not only
were the contributors to a discussion talking what would normally be
decried by the American media as pinko, leftist, faggot, subversion,
but they were also talking sense! Almost navel gazing. Inspired by the
lamentable response to Katrina and the sight of un-recovered bodies
floating in detritus, doubt was being expressed about being 'the
greatest country in the world'. What's more, vox-pops were educated
and urbane, devoid of the American pie filtering one expects and is
accustomed to. The prima facia evidence of Bush being an idiot seems
finally to have penetrated and become common currency.
Anyone else formed similar impressions? What has caused this? Is it on
the back of a thousand needless deaths in Iraq? Was it simply
precipitated by one powerful newspaper muttering Kings New Clothes? Or
is it just a new awakening which has been straining at the leash for
decades?
Best
Norman
anybody's lives. Whether our boys are bringing our values to the
people of Iraq or are on Alpha Centuri combating the excesses of Darth
Vader the great American people will still be lining the streets waving
their little paper Stars and Stripes stuck to a stick and shouting
"Hail to the Chief". It is when those same people are suddenly
denied, for whatever reason, the values they have come to expect and
the ones charged with maintaining those values are on public view
sitting on their hands that the slow realisation sinks in.
But what else can you expect from a self professed War President, the
people got what they wanted. Now they are just taking on board that
what they actually wanted was something else.
After WWII It was a foregone conclusion that Churchill, the one who had
given the British people their country back to them, would win the
election. The people on the other hand said "We thank you for your
great achievement on our behalf but now it is time for someone with
different attitudes to try to win the peace for us". I think this is
the place the American people are now.
Best.
Phil
Just G'day.
I never could fathom politics.
Phil
Jerry
me that in 1945 the forces were totally sick of their 'government'
The more interesting one is how the Labour party got ousted
- running a post war economy on a war time footing ... is a bit dumb
Norman
fingers and everything will be sorted out, there must be a period of
overlap whilst the situation becomes normalised but I remember
rationing into the early fifties. More than enough time I would have
thought.
Drew
simply an inflation control measure? Not that it was sold to us as
such.
Best
Jerry
- I've never heard of it being described as that
Also there was a flourishing black market
My understanding was that it was more to do with Balance of Payments
problems
- the UK was in heavy debt
One thing about rationing was that by the 1970s Economics acdemics
reckoned that the smart method was to allow people to sell their coupons
Norman
also and from a government of the masses too. Ah, back to Le Carrie;
this is all too hard for me. I think I will try and find some more
things we take for granted.
Best
Jerry
- nor most of his cohorts
We just had massive debts and were scared of devaluation.
I'm never sure about Le @arre, David Whatshisname rings true from my
few encounters with that ilk.
I think Drew is spot on about 50 year consumer durables, I've been
watching trends since 1978, and am amused to see 'maintenance'
emerging, one day it will become pure rental.
One day we will sign up for a 'life style package' with a single
payment that is pretty insignificant.
As for 'investment' - one just buys into the 'life style' companies.
Drew
Only took 9 months for this to occur to me.
>I think I will try and find some more things we take for granted. :-)
A very interesting concept. How about "I only discuss things which I
take for granted", for a real indictment of the species.
Best
Norman
Only took 9 months for this to occur to me.
It took me about 9 minutes to figure that one out but about 9 weeks to
realise that the persons colours are consistant within the thread but
change from topic to topic.
I think I will try and find some more things we take for granted. :-)
That was more a note to myself to get the express off the branch line.
A very interesting concept indeed; how about another topic of 'Things I
am not cynical about'.
Best.
Phil
Jerry
- my oldest machine and .. nearly oldest browser
Drew
the nature of flawed genius.