I look at the u.k. as a sign of some of the bizarre liberal schemes we can expect in the u.s. within the next 10-20 years. It is a great shame; I really enjoy the time I spend in the UK (especially Northumbria and Scotland)
"The Metropolitan Police Force is to drop the crown and cross from its insignia for non-Christian officers because of objections from a Muslim recruit."
"A furious row is set to erupt between Britain and Europe over proposed legislation to make car drivers responsible for all accidents involving cyclists - even when the bike rider has broken the law and is in the wrong. "
"The force launched the two-month amnesty following fears over the growing number of people carrying replicas. Police chiefs have said it is only a matter of time before someone carrying a fake firearm is killed by armed officers:
:The British also face the unpleasant prospect of being tried by European prosecutors for offenses that are not crimes in Britain. A few days ago Law Lord Richard Scott asked the government to give more careful thought to the European arrest warrant. The warrant does not require evidence and would permit British citizens to be extradited to Europe for interrogation should they be suspected of crimes such as racism and xenophobia (fear or hatred of foreigners). Surely this spells the end of soccer.:
(did this above issue ever come to pass? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/581137/posts
Youngsters who behave badly or commit trivial misdemeanours will be put on the confidential register so that they can be monitored and supervised throughout childhood. "
The Labour Party itself is divided on the issue. What Blair wants is likely to have very little to do with what he gets. We have a free press and the steady stream of embarassing press regarding the Euro has not gone away.
As for the others - yes madness reigns when Labour sits in office. But we recover, thrive and go on. Things looked pretty insane before Margaret Thatcher arrived, and then we had a Tory government for 18 years.
Regards, Ivan