Until now I've depended on oral explanations which I've immediately forgotten. Today, from the dictionary, I see it refers to those born post-WW2 during a period when procreation was wildly fashionable. Which seems to say more about the BBs' parents than anything else. I had wondered - idly, very idly - whether I qualified as a boomer. I don't. Dating back to 1935 I was lucky to be born at all.
Have I capitalised on my own good luck? The jury is still out, presently being haranged by centenarian Henry Fonda in a triple-locked jury room.
Members of the British government, at each other’s throats over Brexit, are constantly looking for someone to blame for their own collective inanition. Months ago they blamed boomers - for living longer than they should, owning their own homes, spending their pensions (to which they had contributed), and generally committing the crime of quiet contentment. Conveniently forgetting that these same boomers had lived through bread rationing (1946 - 48), the Korean War, the Suez invasion, 13% unemployment (1981), 20% inflation (thanks Mrs T.), "the Troubles", recession (2009) and the popularity of "How Much is That Doggie in the Window?"
Colette says she was "roughly, not gently, bred" in the industrial upper Midwest. Obviously she is entitled to be a boomer, even an exploder. But "boomers" doesn't sound British - too dynamic, I suppose. Muddlers we have been and must be. Defy me!
I think, irrespective of party, the whole damn lot at Westminster need putting in a large bag, shaking up and dropping into the Thames. We do not seem to have any politicians of vision, integrity and determination. Trouble is they all seem to come into politics wet behind the ears and treat it as a career, starting as youthful helpers, then applying for a seat to commence ascension of the greasy pole (from which all will eventually slip). A long time in the outside world to get experience of life and then parliament at about 45 might be the answer. I wonder what the NHS would be like now if it was decreed that ALL politicians, from the PM down, were denied private health care and had to take their turn with the masses? No immediate treatment and no private wards.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you don't qualify as a "boomer." It was great fun and I hope you were able to join in. However, this means you are able to avoid any of the blame and all of the guilt that accompanies the title.
ReplyDeleteAvus: When did we ever have politicians of "vision, integrity and determination"? WW2 didn't count since the alternative to inter-party co-operation was defeat by the Nazis. The proof lies in the fact that once Churchill had done the job he was voted out since a majority didn't believe he could (wasn't inclined to) bring in the newer society people reckoned they'd fought for. The Atlee government did just that but lasted just one term since the economics of the time were beyond them. Macmillan built the most houses but was eventually undermined by cronyism. De Gaulle united France but then failed to understand the power of youth. Mrs T reduced industrial strife but showed how out of touch she was with poll tax. Blair brought about peace in Northern Ireland but lost out by overdoing the so-called "special relationship". To persist with worthwhile policies which may be temporarily unpopular is a hard row to hoe given that you may lose out before the benefits are perceived.
ReplyDeleteHere's a point: have you noticed how much nicer politicians are once they've left the HoC? But while they're politicking niceness can be risky.
Colette: I take comfort from having sired two boomers - if you'll forgive the agricultural overtones of that claim. As to avoiding guilt I have a special talent for assuming it at any time of the day or night; it may even descend before I finish this sentence. There! It has.