I’ve finally nailed it down.  It wasn’t dwindling force at sea, nor poor finances, nor bad teeth, nor Yankee ingenuity or socialist health care, nor any series of actions/inactions by assorted kings/queens and prime ministers that brought the mighty British empire to its knees in the early 20th century.  Instead, they blew it with sports !   Yes, after soccer season, and after all the rugby players have overrun the hospitals with neck and head injuries, all the Brits have to look forward to is cricket season.    Cricket, as most civilized nations are aware, breeds sullen laziness and absolute madness, as the following commentary (ESPN) from this past week’s match between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester will attest.

“A woeful batting display on the third afternoon meant India subsided to 161 and handed England victory despite Stuart Broad being in hospital with a broken nose.  India lost nine wickets after tea, including one period of 5 for 13 in 29 balls, and it was not the swing, seam, and pace that caused most havoc, instead it was Moeen Ali twirling and spinning his way to 4 for 39.  It took a little longer for India’s collapse to set in as Chris Woakes claimed his first wicket before tea, but their demise to 66 for 6 was in many ways more extraordinary given England were a bowler down, the sun was out, and the new ball had been weathered.  After waiting for the new ball, Jos Butler performed a lovely one to take their stand to 134 as both reached half centuries.”

Enough you say ?  Imagine hearing that gibberish on sports talk radio and in newspapers for months on end.  We in the USA have wonderful seasonal sports all year round, which keeps our men, women and leaders sane enough to take a break from  all the troubles in the world, and function effectively day-to-day.     No wonder the Brits are having trouble even keeping ahold of N. Ireland and Scotland.  Why else would you drink warm Guinness ?          WHAT THE HECK !