Not Her Finest Hour

It's come to this sad state of affairs. First, as our friend Lurch at Main and Central informs us, the Brits are surveilled whilst sitting on park benches, lest they leave a stray can of cola behind. An automated voice reminds them that they have forgot something, and they, chastened, must return to the scene of the iniquity.

Next, I hear the U.K. is soon to post alcohol units on all bottles of beer, wine and liquor commencing in 2008. The recommended daily intake is not to exceed two to three bottles of beer for men, one to two for women. Pregnant women must abstain altogether.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said, "It is unacceptable for people to use alcohol and urinate in the street, vomit and carry on (English Booze Culture Targeted.)'' So the good days are over. Presumably, these activities must now be carried out in full sobriety.

What happened to the times when pregnant women were encouraged to drink Guinness for strength? I understand the Irish hospitals still allow a draught, but not England.

Let this be a lesson: superpowers rise and fall. England may have had half a millennium on us. And it's the resistance what remain stout of heart.

--Lisa