On the Scene: Feeling Bad

THE BRITISH are in a dangerous mood—pessimistic, angry, frustrated. Their concerns are very much like those dramatically demonstrated by American voters in November. But there is a vital difference. In Britain the Republicans—in the shape of the Conservative Party— are already in power, and the only foreseeable alternative, the Labour Party, has actually been modeling itself on the Clinton Democrats. Disillusionment with politicians in general, indeed with the whole system, is a reasonable response.

No election is pending in Britain soon. Prime Minister John Major, whose personal clinging to office makes limpets look feeble, has let it be known that, unless his administration, eroded by death and dissension, becomes unsustainable, he will carry on until the last possible minute—just over two years from now.

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Anthony Lejeune

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Britain

British Conservative Party

THE BRITISH are in a dangerous mood—pessimistic, angry, frustrated. Their concerns are very much like those dramatically demonstrated by American voters in November. But there is a vital difference. In Britain the Republicans—in the shape of the Conservative Party— are already in power, and the only foreseeable alternative, the Labour Party, has actually been modeling itself on the Clinton Democrats. Disillusionment with politicians in general, indeed with the whole system, is a reasonable response.

No election is pending in Britain soon. Prime Minister John Major, whose personal clinging to office makes limpets look feeble, has let it be known that, unless his administration, eroded by death and dissension, becomes unsustainable, he will carry on until the last possible minute—just over two years from now.