So, Farewell England

SO, FAREWELL ENGLAND

So, farewell England. Our collaboration has lasted the best part of a century which – for the most part – was memorable and enjoyable. I am now in my mid-80’s and am coming to terms with my physical (and mental?) decline. In other words, I am nearing the end of this existence and am currently engaged in a personal assessment of the years that I have experienced, both in the context of my own life and that of my country.
On the whole I feel privileged to have lived in “this scepter’d isle” during such a momentous period in its long, and arguably, glorious history. I am no dewy-eyed romantic blind to the many injustices of this world, but I believe that – on balance – we in England have every reason to take some pride in our national response to the events of that time.
I entered it at the beginning of an apocalyptic World War and, although then oblivious of the crisis, I learned as I matured of our specific role in preserving liberty and a modicum of civilization. Of course, we did not do it alone. The final victory came about with the co-operation of other nations, but at a crucial time we held the line and made possible the slow but unstoppable response that brought peace in 1945. By that time we youngsters played ‘British Bulldog’ in the school playgrounds and took immense pride in our impoverished nation.
Slowly, we as a nation recovered from the war years and life improved, both for our country and for me. In 1952 a new Queen ascended our throne; a year later Mount Everest was conquered; in 1966 England won the World Cup; the Commonwealth evolved from the ashes of war; and the standard of living rose for all. For me also, these were years of hope and development. I joined the RAF; married and had two children; went to College and got a degree (without incurring a crippling debt); bought the first of my homes and enjoyed life. The future looked promising.
We dodged the horrors of the Vietnam War, but coming to terms with our diminished world status was not easy. We enjoyed a flash of patriotism with the 1982 Falklands campaign, but controversial change was coming with the 2016 Referendum. This caused much dissension, while the potential benefits of freeing ourselves from the restrictive EU were never properly pursued or forthcoming. The years since have seen the nation begin a slow decline which has sadly accelerated to the situation in which we now find ourselves.
Our political system is fracturing to the point that we may see an end to two party politics. A policy of multi-culturalism and open borders has fundamentally changed parts of our society beyond recognition; our economy is teetering on the edge of another IMF bail out with unsustainable levels of welfare, public sector pensions, and interest rates on our national debt. Public trust has been shattered by a string of scandals such as the blood transfusion fiasco, the appalling treatment of sub-postmasters, the grooming gangs, etc. We have become something of a laughing stock world-wide and this is reflected in our general disdain for our elected representatives.
All of this presents me with a dilemma. My fellow countrymen are generally tolerant and law-abiding but trust in our government and institutions has been seriously eroded to a dangerous point. Given the present parlous state of the world with the growing threats we face both militarily and economically, the omens for the future of our “green and pleasant land” are not favourable. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we could be heading for considerable social unrest and disorder and see few grounds for optimism. Sadly, I fear we have done this to ourselves.
I would like to live a few more years both to observe the future of mankind, and to see my wonderful grandchildren make their way in the world. But if my earthly existence is to be extended I may also witness the passing of the country I love. It would be small comfort to endure that when my only consolation would be to say that, “I told you so”.