It will be interesting in the next few weeks to watch the reactions of the British public to the planned cuts across the board in government, along with raising the retirement age to 66 much earlier than planned, all recently announced by the new Conservative government. Labour had planned large cuts as well, so it isn't really surprising, but compare the coming reactions of the British public to the wide-ranging protests, slowdowns and disturbances occurring across France from the news that the retirement age will go from 60 to 62. Kind of makes the French seem a little silly, all in all. Then again, the British are always a lot more willing to do what is necessary when the going gets tough...