We tend to think that being grumpy is a peculiarly British pursuit - maybe it is. We're very good at it, after all. And we've plenty to be grumpy about.
But just in case any of us fall into the trap of thinking that other countries don't have their problems too, and that sensible people in those countries don't get just as wound up about it as we do, here is a little rant from our American correspondent, who styles herself "Put it in Writing" ...
USA Presidential Campaign
I am so angry with my country's presidential campaign that I am thinking about giving up my television. Every channel seems to be clogged with more gook about what one of the candidates said and how he or she is trying to put down the other candidates.
My biggest gripe is the special interest groups that permeate this campaign with their propaganda on religious beliefs. Hey, we are not electing a Pope to oversee our value pack. That, my friends, is a private matter. We need and want a president who will work with all middle-east countries to find a way out of Iraq and initiate a good health care plan for Americans. Anything else is a bit of pudding for dessert.
Tonight Mitt Romney, whose only claim to fame is having a wealthy father and using it to climb the bully pulpit to spew his verbal garbage, took a cheap shot at the former major of New York City on immigration policy. Hey, Mitt, we are all immigrants ... every damned last American (with the exception of the American Indians) is an immigrant.
Then we have Mr.Obama, who is a snake charmer. "I represent change," sayeth the candidate. Well, give us some details ... hmm, not likely. Get some experience before you take on those who have it.
If there is one thing we Americans have learned over the past seven years is to beware of those who are charming and somewhat likable ... the Bushie cowboys have become George Orwell's prediction of "Big Brother" and only they know what freedoms to keep for citizens and what to take away. Who made you king, George Bush? Not even Dad can get you out of this mess.
Then there is Hillary Clinton. She is really getting roughed up, not only by the other candidates in her party and the opposing party, but by the American media. Walk her walk in life and then find out if you can survive, let alone produce anything worthwhile. Until then, listen and learn. Don't get me wrong, she can take it.
Why, oh why, would anyone want to be President of the United States?
Me, me, oh me, miss, pick me! I'll do it! Let's face it, I couldn't do it any worse. And when my Term of Grumpy Office is over, just think of the massive after-dinner speaking fees.
The GOS says: How odd. My email programme decided to add Put it in Writing to its address book.
It entered her as "Surname: Writing", and "First name(s): "Put it in". So now I look down the list of my contacts and read "… Smith, Josephine; Wilson, Bill; Writing, Put it in …". Stupid machine.
Mind you, I have one correspondent who addresses me as "Dear Mr.Sod", which I find rather charming. Ho hum …
either on this site or on the World Wide Web.
Copyright © 2007 The GOS
This site created and maintained by PlainSite