The other excellent article in my ex-best mate Rupe's newspaper, The Times (see previous post), was by the always intelligent and perceptive Matthew Parris - although I frequently disagree with him! Yesterday he listed six taboo subjects which are immediately hushed up if, inadvertently, they are spoken of. As a definitive proof of how intelligent and perceptive he is, he agrees with me (hurrah!) that our military leadership is cretinous, embarrassing and almost criminally irresponsible. He adds a plug for a book about to be published which my old friend Richard referred to in a comment thread down below: High Command: British Military Leadership in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars by Maj. Gen. Christopher L. Elliott.
However, that is not the particular taboo subject I wish to talk about today. No, indeed, what do a few hundred dead and injured soldiers count for when placed against the Great God of British Public Life - the Nationalised Health Service! It is the slowest ticking time bomb in our society and when it finally goes off it is going to take down countless politicians (hurrah!) but cause enormous difficulties for ordinary people. Not, mind you, that I feel much sympathy for them. If they lacked the brains to understand that the desire for perfect health is infinite but the money to provide it is not, then they deserve what they will shortly get!
The politicans, both of this and the previous government, understand the dilemna and both have surreptitiously instituted minor changes around the edges of this monstrous behemoth but neither dare speak of it. Having tried for decades to push water uphill they have been forced to begin changes or risk being washed away in the inevitable deluge. The bovine GBP (Great British Public) are dimly - and I do mean dimly! - aware of the problem but they cling to the mantra chanted at them over the post-war years that the NHS provides medical care 'free' at the point of delivery. Asking them to point to anything in this life that is 'free' has no effect! Even 'that woman' shrank from instituting changes to the sacred cow of British politics. But changes there will be - or else!
