TALES FROM THE PLAYGROUND PART II

There is a London saying which is designed to express a combination of embarrassment, ridicule and incredulity; it is employed as response to hyperbole or any statements that are clearly ‘over the top.’ The expression is, “leave it out!”
Some unnamed Russian official apparently said of the UK, “[it] is a small Island that nobody takes any notice of any more.”*
Most grown up citizens of the UK, adults who have lived a little, who have ‘been around the block’ a few times might reflect, as did I, “well it takes more than that to make me cry!”
BASTARDS!

Not so David Cameron, it seems his feelings were hurt and he responded by saying, and here it gets a little nauseating; “Try finding a prouder nation that has a bigger heart.” When I read this my response was “oh leave it out!”
It gets worse. He went on to list a series of ‘achievements’…“sixth largest economy, fourth best funded military, some of the most effective diplomats, the proudest history…”One half expected him to say, “and our tallest building is much taller than your tallest building!”
This tirade would be embarrassing from a teenager, coming from a senior diplomat let alone the Prime Minister it is excruciating. It provides further proof of David Cameron’s immaturity and unsuitability for high office. It also, incidentally, suggests he needs to develop a thicker skin; all this petulant sensitivity is baggage no serious statesman can afford.
Finally some free advice, there is a good rule of thumb in responding to insults of this nature, if you cannot respond with wit, stay silent.

*Apparently some Russian officials were ‘boasting’ that they are the largest nation in world by land mass, this seems about as childish, empty and pointless as pointing out that the British Isles enjoy a very long coastline. This makes me  want to respond “and…?”




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