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Britain doesn't HAVE to be the worst place to live in Europe...
Daily Mail (UK) ^ | 13 Oct 2009 | Richard Littlejohn

Posted on 10/12/2009 4:35:31 PM PDT by relictele

Britain is the worst place to live in Europe, according to a new survey.

Despite high earnings, our quality of life is sadly lacking.

We spend more on putting a roof over our heads than any of our continental neighbours, work longer hours and die earlier.

Our grocery and fuel bills are higher and we get fewer holidays than other countries.

Researchers compared data from ten European nations.

France came top of the league, with Britain rock bottom and Ireland second from last.

That probably explains why more and more people who can afford it are getting out. The weather doesn't help, either.

Frankly, I'm not quite so pessimistic as the authors of this report, even though I'm grumpy for a living. We're enjoying glorious autumn sunshine and we still have some of the most fabulous natural scenery in the world.

The British people have enormous reserves of kindness and goodwill and we're celebrated for our sense of humour.

What's wrong with our country is not the climate or the rip-off tax on petrol, though that doesn't help. Almost all our problems are manufactured, not inherent.

Britain leads the world in self-righteous, self-perpetuating bureaucracy.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1219939/Britain-doesnt-HAVE-worst-place-live-Europe-.html#ixzz0TlczKMLm

(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; United Kingdom
KEYWORDS: bureaucracy; government; survey; uk
In a sea of competitors Littlejohn stands alone with his humor and insight. Like the best (Twain, Dickens) his skill lies in showing a society its reflection in the mirror. Naturally this produces a frenzied reaction from those convinced of their moral rectitude and nobility of purpose.

Sadly for Britain the traits that won wars, explored the world and built its Empire (patience, sense of duty, attention to detail) have been used to nefarious ends in the modern age of nanny state socialism. The outcome of policies favored by Obama can be found in the UK particularly in Scotland where a full 70% of the economy revolves around the state.

1 posted on 10/12/2009 4:35:31 PM PDT by relictele
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To: relictele

Nope, the USA is trying to replace Britain as the worst place to live.

Corrupt government? Check!
Racist President and Tsars? Check!
Insane Congress led by Corrupt Millionaires? Check!
Insane Greens that want to tax energy and give to radical racist groups (aka, La Raza, Black Panthers, etc)? Check!


2 posted on 10/12/2009 4:42:12 PM PDT by whitedog57
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To: relictele
Britain leads the world in self-righteous, self-perpetuating bureaucracy

We're catching up fast !

3 posted on 10/12/2009 5:02:08 PM PDT by Timocrat
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To: relictele
Sadly for Britain the traits that won wars, explored the world and built its Empire (patience, sense of duty, attention to detail) have been used to nefarious ends in the modern age of nanny state socialism.

A valid insight and those traits you've noted are certainly a double edged sword.

Now all the Brits have to do is use that same sword's other edge, the one that won wars and spread its ideas throughout the world, on the mess that's been made of the UK's government.

Easier said than done, as we Americans are determined to learn the hard way.

4 posted on 10/12/2009 5:29:38 PM PDT by GBA
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To: relictele

Well, the weather sucks—nuff said.


5 posted on 10/12/2009 5:35:27 PM PDT by rbg81 (DRAIN THE SWAMP!!)
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To: wazoo1031

Ping-a-ling-a-ding-dong


6 posted on 10/12/2009 5:37:17 PM PDT by Allegra (It doesn't matter what this tagline says...the liberals are going to call it "racist.")
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To: relictele
we still have some of the most fabulous natural scenery in the world.

That's ridiculous. Unless clouds are considered beautiful.

7 posted on 10/12/2009 6:49:18 PM PDT by Minn (Here is a realistic picture of the prophet: ----> ([: {()
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To: Minn

Its still very nice where I live (Lake District).


8 posted on 10/13/2009 2:17:38 AM PDT by Vanders9
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To: Minn
That's ridiculous

Not the adjective which would have sprung to mind yesterday as I was cycling across Exmoor in glorious autumn sun.

9 posted on 10/13/2009 3:38:59 AM PDT by Winniesboy (61 years a NHS patient; 7 years a Freeper)
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To: relictele
I hear it's a great place to live if you're an “Asian” immigrant living on welfare.
10 posted on 10/13/2009 8:02:39 AM PDT by HenpeckedCon (1/20/13 - Obama's Last Day!)
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To: Minn

Ever been here?.

Britain is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From Northern Ireland to Wales, Devon and Cornwall to the furthest tip of the Scottish Highlands.

My own part of Britain(Scotland) is arguably the most beautiful country in the world.


11 posted on 10/15/2009 12:19:04 PM PDT by the scotsman
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To: the scotsman
My own part of Britain(Scotland) is arguably the most beautiful country in the world.

To each his own but:

Mountains (the real kind, not highlands)? Nope.
Tropics? Nope.

Most beatiful in the world? Nope.

12 posted on 10/15/2009 4:13:17 PM PDT by Minn (Here is a realistic picture of the prophet: ----> ([: {()
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To: Minn

Oh gee, what COULD the winner be then....


13 posted on 10/16/2009 1:28:44 AM PDT by the scotsman
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To: Minn

Again, I ask have you actually been to Britain?.


14 posted on 10/16/2009 1:29:28 AM PDT by the scotsman
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To: the scotsman

Yes. Nice enough pleace if you can get over everythig closing at sunset and the difficulty of finding something decent to eat. Cute cliffs too. But Switzerland or Cozumel it isn’t.


15 posted on 10/16/2009 4:33:14 AM PDT by Minn (Here is a realistic picture of the prophet: ----> ([: {()
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To: Minn

Well, purely taking about Scotland, many people around the world find it to be if not the beautiful country in the world, then one of the most beautiful.


16 posted on 10/17/2009 1:22:33 AM PDT by the scotsman
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To: Minn

Ah,the old ‘British food is all rubbish’ myth.

Britain has superb food, from NI and Wales, Scotland and England.


17 posted on 10/17/2009 4:11:31 AM PDT by the scotsman
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To: the scotsman

I hate to agree with a scotsman, just on general principle, but you do have a beautiful country. I have friends who travel frequently and they could go anywhere. Scotland is the favored destination by far.


18 posted on 10/17/2009 4:19:15 AM PDT by MARTIAL MONK (I'm waiting for the POP!)
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