Thank You, Again

The French are always astonished as the number of times Anglophones say "Thank You". I got used to their seemingly rude manners quite quickly, but still find that to express the socially acceptable phrase in any society is essential and as a result this "Thank You" is for Davimack, whose fidelity to commenting is now awarded the usual laurels. Also, it has given more to think about, as usual. The "bread and circuses" refence is especially apt, given that "bread" can also refer to money. It was explained, since most Irish people seem to live in the US and were forever explaining the culture, that the American social class is based on monetary and personal success, not on proximity to the throne or being able to trace one's ancestors back to Charlemagne, as Europeans fuss over. I don't like class systems and Proust is the greatest guide to the havoc they spread. The current generation deny that they exist at all, which is a great relief and I'm happy to comply. However, when a person is short on bread, they are being compelled, increasingly to join the social circus, whether they wish to or no. It is possible that the people who have taken to camping on streets around the world are admired by many onlookers, but my main concern is that they will catch chill. I have seen reports that most of the tents in the vicinity of St Paul's cathedral are empty at night.That simply invites the usual question... whose test machinery is being used and who is funding it...