> > If you want examples of the return to despotism/tribalism, > look at the Indian sub continent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka > (or whatever it calls itself now) and Bangladesh) and I'm
IMO bad examples, they are all democracies (albeit, Bangladesh & Pakistan only in the last few months) all far from perfect, but only 60 years since independence, it took us a long time to mature as a democracy. I would have thought Iran, Iraq, Burma, Saudi Arabia are better examples of where we left the countries in the hands of despots - some have survived some not, most of our African Colonies were "given back" to individuals we thought would guarantee our access to their natural resources. As for infrastructure, political reforms in India only started in the early 20th century after 350 years of British hegemony. Sure we built train lines, but only to move those resources from mine to port or British goods from port to market. And in many African countries after decimating their long established societies thru slavery we then imported proxies from South Asia to run the countries for us, so we could settle down with a G&T and survey our wondrous works. One of the British empires finest acts was to force the Chinese to smoke Indian opium. oh yeah, 2-0 but that Beckford is a right twat and should of got sent off. ttfn Richard _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist Sorry Macca - it's the curse of Bates old lad
