Tuesday 1 November 2011

Brilliant, Edward, just brilliant

Commenting on a post over at England Expects, Edward Spalton hits the nail on the head when the question arises as to what happened to honour and principle amongst politicians. He quotes from Gilbert & Sullivan's 'Ruddigore':
"You supple MPs who go down on your knees,
Your precious identity sinking,
Who vote black or white as your leaders indite,
(which saves you the trouble of thinking).

For your country's good fame, her repute or her shame,
You don't give the snuff of a candle -
But you're paid for your game when you're told that your name
Will be graced by a baronet's handle
"
And on 'democratised dictatorship' (iron control by party leaders) I am prompted to add these words from Private Willis (Iolanthe) - also prompted by Edward Spalton:

"When in that House, MPs divide,
If they've a brain and cerebellum too,
They've got to leave that brain outside
And vote just as their leaders tell 'em to.

But then the prospect of a lot

Of dull MPs in close proximity,
All thinking for themselves is what
No man can face with equanimity.
"

2 comments:

PeterCharles said...

Very apt and still so true.

Perhaps we should start an e-petition to have it made the National Anthem, just to remind them of their public standing, especially since they have insured that the other popular choice has been crushed, whatever else Britannia may do, ruling is not even a hope until we rid ourselves of the political parasites.

WitteringsfromWitney said...

As ES said to me in an email - were not G&S just so spot on? Mind you their popularity fall is probably due to the intellegence fall of the latter generations.....