On the matter of not knowing whether to laugh or cry at the UK's misfortunes, the author would prefer to be able to laugh. As it is, the queue of stinkers who have betrayed the people gets longer and longer, so some sort of reaction is needed. First, people had the bankers, and they certainly have not finished with them yet. However, he had been deeply impressed by the resilience of the snout-in-trough MPs. The British people have spoken or at least voted in the European elections and they have overdone the policy of voting for froth-mouthed, single issue, fringe candidates. An elected House of Lords to scrutinize legislation is a no-brainer. The author was amazed that ex-prime minister Blair simply trashed the place and had no idea about creating a new institution. The simple answer is two representatives elected from each of the ancient counties which would give you two reps from Middlesex and two from Northumberland.

Political behavior
Legislatures
Economic crisis