We're Up There with the Yanks for Not Listening

Evening Standard - London › August 19, 2009

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Summary

EVERY so often the people of the United States of America get together to hold a massive Screaming and Not Listening Festival. There's one going on right now, this year's theme being healthcare reform. As far as I can tell, they seem to be enjoying themselves hugely: there are Who Can Make The Most Sweeping Statement competitions, there are big, communal rant-alongs and at the end there'll be the crowning of the Froth King and Queen (the couple judged to have produced the most spittle while screaming into the face of a man who's trying to help them).

It's very easy to make fun of Americans -- indeed, it's something of a national pastime, along with fearing teenagers and wondering who gives a toss about Big Brother any more -- but we should look to ourselves before we get too carried away with mocking the level of debate over the Atlantic.

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Extract

We're Up There with the Yanks for Not Listening

Politicians in this country are constantly calling for a national debate on whatever they happen to be in the Today...

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