I think you're probably right about the pace of change having increased (not just for educational policy either). Personally I partly blame the media and partly a 'we want it now' mentality which I think of as having its roots in 1980's Thatcherite capitalism. It appears to affect pretty much all walks of life - politicians & civil servants included, regardless of party politics.

Not sure what can be done to combat it other than all of us individually trying to take a step back, relax, and be patient about the situations we find ourselves in. A national slow living movement, maybe (is there such a thing?)

My strategy is to ignore as much of the news as I can and only getting worked up about things on a local level that actually affect me & mine personally. Which I admit is probably a short-sighted way of coping but it does allow me to stay mainly calm and happy...