BRITAIN DESTROYING ITSELF FROM WITHIN

[Paladin]

http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3.htm

"BRITAIN DESTROYING ITSELF FROM WITHIN
BY JOAN COLLINS
UK DAILY MAIL
THUS AUG 04, 2005

A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within, said the American historian Will Durrant about ancient Rome. This self-destruction of values is exactly what is happening in England today.

Yes, I still call the country of my birth England, in spite of the peculiar political correctness that insists that it be called 'the UK' and that we, its denizens, must be 'Britons'.

Even though the Welsh are proud to call themselves Welsh, as are the Irish and certainly the Scots, woe betide the Briton who calls himself 'English' -- a much-frowned-upon no-no.

I believe that when a country loses so much respect for itself that it can no longer even be identified by its historically correct name, insecurity and lack of respect filter down to its inhabitants.

Recently, I have concluded that London is no longer the 'seat of civilised society' that the world once considered it to be, and is certainly not the safe city I grew up in.

A particular incident demonstrated the lack of respect and manners that is but a small example of the horrible, encroaching decay of the country that I love dearly.

My husband Percy and I were at a ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel -- a black-tie event attended by the socalled 'elite' of the city.

As Percy held the door open to let me through, a 6ft tall, middle-aged, horse-faced male pushed past me, trod on the hem of my dress and rushed outside to climb into the taxi that the doorman had waiting for us.

This was a person who should, or at least looked like he should, have known better. The cause of his behaviour? The awful pervasive disregard that we have for civility today.

Bump accidentally into someone in the street these days and you are soundly cursed. Look at a poor derelict collapsed in a doorway for more than a second and they'll spit at you. Surely everyone has experienced the barely suppressed rage lurking behind the faces of a vast number of car drivers.

We've become the 'Whatcha lookin' at?' culture. Why do young people consider it cool to be arrogant, swaggering and rude? Why do so many people in England seem so cynical and self-centred?

I witnessed young, drunken yobs roaming the streets kicking cars, screaming insults, pushing people and even pushchairs out of their way, attacking each other viciously and then turning on the police when they tried to maintain order.

THE WHOLE scene evoked the image of hordes of inebriated Vikings sacking devastated towns. Even during the day, feral mobs roamed the cities with absolute disregard for anyone else's property or well-being. Traditional virtues of male chivalry and female propriety were very far from view.

After all, a lack of manners and politeness in a society can only be a reflection of what the society thinks of itself.

It's frightful how being told that you are no good makes you hate yourself, and hate others. And it's frightful how quickly a whole country of self-loathers can be bred."

--------------------------------------

Sounds like gun control, limited self-defense laws, and a lack of individual responsiblity really aren't working out so well in England.

[stevie_d_64]

I saw that this morning as well...

You know in some perverted way, I almost think she makes sense in this little ditty...

And to think they (british authorities) feel more compelled to restrain the "football" crowd, from taking to the streets and destroying the muslim community because of all the bombings over there...

More than doing the obvious...

Good thing it hasn't gotten that bad over here...

[Baytown]

An armed society is a polite society.

Glenn

[dws1117]

This self-destruction of values is exactly what is happening in England today.

I witnessed young, drunken yobs roaming the streets kicking cars, screaming insults, pushing people and even pushchairs out of their way, attacking each other viciously and then turning on the police when they tried to maintain order.

THE WHOLE scene evoked the image of hordes of inebriated Vikings sacking devastated towns. Even during the day, feral mobs roamed the cities with absolute disregard for anyone else's property or well-being. Traditional virtues of male chivalry and female propriety were very far from view.

Good thing it hasn't gotten that bad over here...

Is it really much different here in America?

I agree with Glenn.

[dws1117]

Here is an example of the rudeness in society here. Just 2 days ago while getting lunch at Subway, this young man was getting ready to check out when a rather large woman, who was dripping with diamonds and jewels, literally pushed the oung man out of her way and told the clerk that he need to check her out first. The young man, myself, and every other customer was dumbfounded by her actions. The clerk actually didn't say a word and checker her out. When my turn came, I asked why he let her get away with her actions? I was told that he didn't want to cause a problem.

[gigag04]

myself, and every other customer was dumbfounded by her actions.

I would've called bull as soon as the clerk didnt do anything, or at least asked her what made her more important than the rest of general society. Way to keep cool though for you. I could learn to stay outa trouble by keeping my mouth shut half the time.

[dws1117]

Personally I try to avoid any confrontation. Since I was packing at the time, I felt it more important to avoid confrontation and not escalate the situation.

[anygunanywhere]

I often see where we packers avoid speaking up for obvious insults because we are carrying just to avoid confrontation. Why do we do this? Just because we pack, we still can stand up for civility and manners when the slobs of the world step on our toes. Really, folks, did we give up all semblance of our identity as human beings when we chose to carry?

True students of history know that past societies who were armed were truly polite. We are armed. We are polite. If someone offends me in public, they will know about it. Politely. The conflict resolution comes into play when the true jerk of an individual surfaces, then back off and if necessary, call professionals.

The wench in diamonds needs to learn her place. Teach her.

[gigag04]

Good point on standing up for yourself. I don't mind honking at stupid drivers. Maybe that's somehow related.

-nick

[Baytown]

Don't honk, don't get into confrontations over "little" things like your pride or someone being rude.

IMO, when you strap on a gun, yes you do make a decision to be very passive until that moment when you must defend your life.

I am telling you that if the situation escalates and you are unable to stop it (as the other may not back down), you will wind up in a world of crap for no reason.

We attempt to do all we can to avoid shooting someone. Why then would you want to speak with anyone, much less some jack-ass about his lack of manners.

There are people out there who are willing to fight at the drop of a hat. It's not worth it.

Glenn

[gigag04]

There are people out there who are willing to fight at the drop of a hat. It's not worth it.

Glenn

I'll receive that. Good point.

[anygunanywhere]

If Miss Wench wants to raise an almighty stink cause I object to her cutting in line, fine. Let her. There is a difference between letting something go because it is not the time or place, like on a freeway at 70 mph, or in line at Subway.

Yes, there are maniacs out there who will fight at the drop of a hat, but they are not everybody.

I am not submissive. I am not agressive. Be polite with me and I will return the favor, probably be more polite and gentlemanly than most.

[dws1117]

anygunanywhere,

In principle I agree with what you are saying.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I just didn't feel that it was the time or place. When would it have been the correct time and place? I don't know.

My point in in relaying the story was to show that even in this small event values are starting to break down here. Just as in the posted article, we all this type of behavior everyday, and it isn't just the young. It seems as there is no respect for others anymore.

[anygunanywhere]

Agree.

Believe me, I do understand what you are saying. We really must be careful. I do not have all the answers.

I do know that politeness and courtesy begets politeness and courtesy. Direct eye contact and a smile works great as well.

More often than not, if it is just me, I pretty much let it slide. I'm a big boy, I been walked on and stomped on lots of times. I hold doors open for the ladies no matter what they look like. Screaming kids on airlines do not bother me. I get a laugh out of most things going on around me. Be rude to my wife? I'll nail your hide every time. There are just some things I do not let slide.

Be safe!