30. Things British

I am Greg and I want to grumble about things British.

On Monday next week, after searching the diversity of world music, WOMAD will present us with (groan) British folk music! - albeit in the iconic form of Billy Bragg.

Despite sometimes dubious gender politics and a more recent country twang in his music, Bragg has been knighted by the left, partly because of his articulate opposition to the brutality of Thatcherism in the late ‘70s, but also for giving us some decent words to the Internationale.

But there is bigger British news. A royal visit!  William, Kate and what’s-his-name coming here – to see us! I have already begun practicing bowing and tugging my forelock.

And better still, their most esteemed personages will visit Elizabeth – a town whose name pays homage to one ruling institution and its economic base to another.

However Elizabeth (the town not the corgi-owner) is doing it tough at the moment, so the distraction will be welcome as the young royals drop by to cheer the local spirit before disappearing to continue their world tour.

But beyond music and sycophantic flag waving, and sandwiched between the boom of V8 engines and the froth of various festivals, there is a celebration of a much greater British institution – a democratic election.

The South Australian state election. Does anyone actually know what policies are at play beyond sound bites about alleged economic miracles or basket-cases? Who will really help those struggling in Elizabeth or elsewhere?

The lack of policy detail and analysis is disappointing, and as usual we get almost no reporting of the Upper House so it’s a surprise when some marginal player we have never heard of flukes a seat.

To paraphrase Billy Bragg: the best of all this bad bunch is shouting to be heard, above the sound of personalities tweeting.

I am Greg and I am grumbling.

This Grumble can be heard online or by podcast.
First Broadcast: 4 March 2014