When traveling by bicycle a few years ago in Ireland and the UK I was fairly low to the ground, economically speaking and got a feel for the differences between the two countries. Stayed in hostels for the most part and most of the people I met were in my income range. The thing that kept coming back to me was the difference in the sense of optimism. The Republic doesn't seem as encumbered. The phone system alone was an indicator to me as to the level of improvements willing to be made. I think Ireland is 'the' shining example to the world as to what can be accomplished once the chains of the oppressor have been thrown off. A united Ireland, independent Scotland and Wales, dissolution of the crown...it's only a matter time. England has done the world a great deal of good on alot of levels w/cultural influences, etc. And certainly we have them to thank for the structure of our government with the 2 house system, etc. However, the idea of being a 'subject' as opposed to a 'citizen' is going the way of the dodo bird in western culture. The crown beyond being a tourist attraction has outserved it's usefulness and needs to be abolished. We may or may not live to see it happen, but our children certainly will.