Britain Post Office Scandal: Lives Ruined, Reputations Destroyed

In It’s a Wonderful Life, the protagonist, George Bailey, runs into some financial trouble. The cause is his business partner, Uncle Billy, who accidentally misplaces $8,000. George knows what failing to balance the books will mean — “bankruptcy and scandal and prison,” a prospect that drives him to the brink of suicide. He prays for help, and heaven sends his guardian angel, Clarence, who teaches him that love and friendship are more powerful than money and its troubles. If only every such story were so heartwarming.

A new TV dramatization in the U.K., Mr Bates vs The Post Office, tells the true story of accounting shortfalls experienced by employees of the British government–owned Post Office. Sadly, its message isn’t that it’s a wonderful life, but rather an unjust one.

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Madeleine Kearns

Madeleine Kearns is a former staff writer at National Review.

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In It’s a Wonderful Life, the protagonist, George Bailey, runs into some financial trouble. The cause is his business partner, Uncle Billy, who accidentally misplaces $8,000. George knows what failing to balance the books will mean — “bankruptcy and scandal and prison,” a prospect that drives him to the brink of suicide. He prays for help, and heaven sends his guardian angel, Clarence, who teaches him that love and friendship are more powerful than money and its troubles. If only every such story were so heartwarming.

A new TV dramatization in the U.K., Mr Bates vs The Post Office, tells the true story of accounting shortfalls experienced by employees of the British government–owned Post Office. Sadly, its message isn’t that it’s a wonderful life, but rather an unjust one.