Pat Riot
During the last fifty years many of the establishment rules, laws, processes, systems, methods, and attitudes have changed dramatically. Not all for the better in the eyes of some.
The book aims to dissect a small selection of topics and related issues, which form part of everyday discussion by the resident population, across the range of ages, genders and races.
It aims to compare the best perceptions of these subjects fifty years ago, to worst of present times, and how some people or groups of minorities are debated by modern society today.
Some topics are controversial and some sensitive. Each topic is addressed in a manner that starts gently, maybe with a slight humor, and then transitions to a very cynical, satirical, and semi-humorous approach, sometimes with some deviation to opportune worst case scenarios, or hypothetical situations. This may at time be considered ranting, reflecting the manner in which the topics affect some groups.
The book attempts to compare the more relaxed past with the manic, chaotic and confusing replacements of the present, and some probable reasons for this change.
The observations and opinions are drawn from general public debate, discussion and media representation of the subjects selected. They are subjects that affect or have influenced most people in their every day life.
It is intended that the reader can identify to the issues and determine their own relationship to the opinions and assumptions depicted, they could be victims, culprits or both. There are few facts or factual cases identified. The reader may find the content reasonable and realistic or consider them highly contentious. Some may fuel debate or provide a self analysis.
The subjects should be read with an open mind, after which the reader can draw their own conclusion, and form their own personal point view.
Aged 55, I have lived and worked in the UK all my life. My qualification to life is the simple fact I have lived it, and intend to continue to do so.
I had no formal qualification from education and determined at an early age that schooling was not a strong point or even a place I wanted to be. I left school at 15 without qualifications but with the blessing and joy of my tutors. I began work in the real world, where I managed to aspire to many management positions in a variety of industries and products. I still conduct occasional consultancy assignments for major manufacturers.
I acquired a comfortable awareness, and a rather unique first hand knowledge of the changes that have given rise to the basis of my desire to write, and the manner in which to express these collections of shared experiences.
I like most Patriots enjoy the country I was born in, what it had achieved and the legacies from former generations, some of which still remain in several places to remind me of what British was all about, and with sadness, grieve over their demise.
Humour is vital to an individuals well being, I am no exception, and even if times are hard or circumstances less than favourable, being British meant an ability to make light of a situation, or set of conditions, even if some peers considered it out of place or unwanted. Who cares it makes the world go round.
Having been brought up with traditional British values of respect, discipline, culture and some expectation it would continue. I am like many of my contacts over the last few years, less than inspired by some of the modern day alternatives, replacements, and abolitions.
Public Toilets
As they were seen
Years ago public toilets were a pride. The Victorian engineers and their successors, built beautiful palaces for the purpose of relief, while out walking or shopping. Whilst not centrally heated and affording all the desired facilities, they were functional maintained and open. Sometimes a penny fee was expected if a user requires sitting and contemplating, otherwise they were free, (a penny is one twelfth of a five new pence, in the former British Currency). Attendants managed them, the paper was in the right place at the right time, and soap was often available. Floors were clean, they smelt hygienic if not necessarily dry, and an element of privacy was available within the cubicles. Toilets were in known places, car parks, recreation areas, places of interest and often not that far apart. Signs were easy to see and directed the population to the nearest facility. Toilets were mostly well lit and safe from undesirables, who were mostly locked up, or deported.
As they seem now
Today having gained a lot more experience, some Local Council leaders have managed to close the majority of public toilets on the premise the public don’t need or want them. These Local Authorities have determined that the domiciled resident or visitor has developed quicker in the last twenty years, than the last two thousand, and no longer need facilities for relief available at all times.
Toilets are still about if residents know where to find them. Often upon arriving a sign will advise the user that the facility is closed for refurbishment or has some vandalism issue, and that the nearest one is a mile away. They must remain uncomfortable, and head off hoping and assuming this other facility is functional and open.
Others are more regular, these are the ones with separate male and female facilities, and they may be functional or not. There may be washing facilities, but don’t expect them to be hygienic or functional. Users should always take their own soap and towel. Baby changing is now commonplace in both male and female facilities. There existence in male facilities remains unknown to men, especially real men, but wherever they are beware the infant dose not contract an anti social disease in the process. Expect the floor to be a slip hazard, and if they drop anything leave it there, as to pick it up is life threatening, if not from the contamination on the floor, from another user who takes a shine to their anatomy in the prone position, whilst out on rehabilitation, or day release from the Her Majesty’s school of perversion.
Should the public need to use any of the cubicles provided, expect the locks to be broken of dysfunctional. Privacy is limited due to the unsuitable cheap sheet partition walls, and unruly children who peer under doors, or just kick them in for fun. Paper if provided, may be on the floor and wet, or i
