"The nation that built the most far-flung empire in the history of the world -- not primarily through conquest but through trade and colonization -- is now convulsed by protests as the coalition government imposes austerity. "Tory scum!" shouted protesters outside the Conservative Party congress in Birmingham last week. Half a dozen nearly naked, portly, middle-aged pensioners unfurled a banner (held strategically at waist level) proclaiming "Stripped Of Our Pensions." They were part of a massive rally (7,000 strong) of teachers, health care workers, and other public-sector employees who swore to "fight back" against the cuts proposed by the Cameron/Clegg government. Even the queen has been told to accept reductions to her generous yearly stipend -- though her response has thus far been more temperate."
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