UpStairs – Downstairs, Gosford Park, and Downton Abbey all have the common theme of the “distinct behavior produced by the British class system.”  They reflected a time that was basic to the British Empire. The title above was a line from Gosford Park. Not only was the Empire finished after World War One, the British class system was finished too.  It’s just been a slow deterioration.

On our visit last summer to London, the fascination with Great Britain’s past was everywhere.  I did not hear anyone say “keep a stiff upper lip” but it was apparent.

How do you march into the 21^st century with your past clinging to your every decision?  That is the challenge for the prime ministers of England.

Their Heathrow Airport, Tube subway system (it‘s really old), and high speed rail to Paris are good starts.  Britain needs to look at motivators from the past. Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert was the promoter of The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.  Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher promoted free enterprise.

This is not to imply that everything in Britain’s past was bad.  To survive in this century the British class system is no longer appropriate.  Today we reach new highs based upon our capabilities.  Race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation are of no consequence.  Finally, most of us have come to our senses.