Its so common now to hear people talking about how everything is going down the tubes. In the past few weeks I've heard that status attributed to television, transport, education, customer service, the quality of beer, the commitment of the bin men, the reputation of Woolies and the selection of shops in the town centre.
If you were to listen to some commentators you'd feel that we have descended to the level of a third world country when we have previously been a successful and vibrant economy. Of course we will almost always look back through rose tinted glasses, its human nature.
However I must admit to feeling a certain smugness when I hear these sort of things. So I know that I'm the last generation that got taught English properly so we can all spell and write good grammar. I can remember when the local shop keepers knew all their customers. As a barmaid I can remember being able to get a regular customer's drink onto the bar before they reached it as I knew them all well enough to remember their particular tipple. I used to be entertained by TV. I can remember the excitement of going out for proper fish and chips.
So whilst bemoaning the passing of all these historical idylls spend some time wallowing in the glorious memory of the good times that you have experienced because you were there. No matter what your experience you have the knowledge that you've lived through times that are popularly believed to be "good" .
