socialist paradise of the past. Some people are old enough to remember the glory days of state owned utilities. Some people remember how petty minded and nasty a lot of public servants were. Read Viz magazine. Do you think that Postman Plod was a overstated caricature? He wasnt. What Im trying to say is that people were not happier in the old days. Its just that nobody cared to keep score of the mental health problems of the past. But ... of course I forget that this is The Guardian where it is an article of faith that any bad thing is the fault of capitalism / western ideas / white people / individualists / supporters of freedom and responsibility etc. Since the late 70s I have wanted to place Thatcher on trial in the Hague for her crimes against the British people, including the introduction of 'selfish capitalism'. Her policies were profoundly anti-social, that is, against society, and in favour of the individual. Being held to account might finally bring home to Her the enormity of the harm she brought to Britain and its people. Burning at the stake would seem appropriate, after a proper trial, of course. Don't worry. With the new president of France, no doubt we will be "catching up" shortly. Even the emergency service doctors are on strike now. Poor things. It doesn't actually make any difference, as they are simply "requisitioned" like tractors in wartime. Short of collectively resigning, they will have to continue