When you first encounter daily life in the UK you (that means me) are struck by how efficiently and speedily the public sector operates as opposed to the private sector -- in particular the civil service.Every matter you refer to is documented and easily found.Action is taken smoothly and accurately. You deal with highly intelligent,highly qualified officers who never patronise you and are unfailingly patient.
This is why I am relieved that so many banks are being nationalised.Certainly the private sector has demonstrated that it is incapable of sustained performance where banking is concerned.I feel far more confident with the civil service at the helm.
The only issue left is getting rid of politicians who are a major hindrance to the effective operation of any body. We don't need politicians anymore.All our parties have the same policies -- their manifestoes are virtually interchangeable. If a two party system is an essential for democracy,let's have another look at democracy.Hasn't it run its course? Are we hanging on to it out of habit,or for the comfort of familiarity like a boring spouse? Where are the great thinkers who will proffer some new ideas,some new systems?
Every political system has a finite life. Two-party democracy with its attendant body of parasitic politicians just does not fit the bill any more.Where are the philosophers for our era? Who will show us the way?

Dilys, the cat was ill and the vet's bill for investigations,treatment and a thyroid operation amounted to well over £1000.00.The cat itself is a 14yr old moggy of evil disposition worth absolutely nothing in the market-place, but a pearl beyond price to me, a normal besotted cat lover.
Extortionate vet's bills are horrifying enough.So is pet insurance which is a real swizz.The excess is huge and therefore does not include annual booster vaccinations or any consultancy fee.Consulting a pet psychologist also does not qualify -at £50 a pop that is a blow. Vets have to reexamine their billing policy and veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers (are you listening Hoechst?)really need to be a bit more realistic with their pricing.
Thank goodness for the charitable surgeries like the PDSA, without whom having a pet would join the ranks of ordinary pleasures that have turned into luxuries. As it happens I trust my vet totally and as long as I can afford him, I will avail of his expertise and his gentle ,understanding handling of Dilys (who hates him with impressive venom).
I promise to return next week.