I have very different memories of England, of Britain, than you do, purely because I've lived here one helluva lot longer, which is not racist, merely a common sense observation, whether it irks you or not...and I recall a time very different from now, when TRUE democracy abounded, and with that democracy went respect.

Well, funnily enough, I have lived here 57 years now and I don't remember any chocolate box cottages with roses in the garden either. I remember lots of joy, fun and freedom. I remember hot summers and cold winters. I remember a time very different from now and one very similar in some ways. I also remember miners strikes. The demonisation of trade unions. The institutionalised racism in all walks of life.

Is it any better now? No better or worse for me. Then I had my youth, now I have my family. Then I had to put up with being a 'Fucking Polak'. Now I don't. Then I had the Beano to make me laugh. Now I have Mudcat:-)

Just a common sense observation...

DeG