The economic problems we have today could be laid at the feet of the politicians, but most importantly we are seeing a natural social progression.
All societies have a period of creativity, a cultural explosion, a levelling off, and then a descent into obscurity. The cycle could take centuries. We are probably in the last stage.
The pivotal point came in 1945 with the dissolving of the Empire. We were then faced with a 60 year debt for lease lend due to winning the war!
The Second World War made the USA rich and with the loss of the Empire we had to create an exporting nation in order to survive, and at the same time losing all influence.
Since the post war creation of a Welfare Society by the left we also created a paradox of political dogma. These two dogmas are like a tug of war, sometimes to the right, sometimes to the left, going nowhere in particular and an absence of a common purpose. A benevolent society is a great conception but it only can be superimposed on a responsible society (the reader must form their own opinion on that).
Each successive generation think this is a right, unaware of how it must come about. Most benevolent societies are now privatising welfare having fiscal problems but at the same time creating more difficult social problems.
The right wing is presenting a low tax system, but where does the National Health Service and welfare fit in with this?
One can expostulate at length about the forthcoming slump but the West has spent wealth which it has not created and not likely to (mainly Great Britain), so it is now pay back time.
Such is the mind of the general public who will not accept lower standards, and think that lower taxes and higher wages increases will redress the situation, truly pathetic!
If these demands are met it will only exacerbate our problems to a more serious level. I apologise for my sardonic outlook, it must be with ageing but I will seek solace when I see the pictures of the Rooney wedding and viewing more of Big Brother, this will give me a better perspective!
G T Reeves,
address supplied.

Population boom is greatest 'threat'
I watch and listen to the many meetings that take place between the different countries to try and find a solution to global warming, high energy prices and food shortages.
But I am afraid I've been waiting in vain for one of these very highly paid people to at least mention the real problem facing the world today and that is the world population explosion.
It is estimated that the world population will increase in the next 40 years by 50 per cent. Where is the point in trying to reduce present greenhouse gases by 30, 40 or even 50 per cent by the year 2050 if the population is going to increase by the same amount each wipes the other out.
Where are all these extra people going to go?
With global warming, we are going to lose land to the seas and land to the deserts, places like Bangladesh which floods every year now, will become permanently under water as will many others, moving millions of people onto already overcrowded countries.
All the extra people in the world will need feeding meaning more clearing of rain forests which are the lungs of the planet.
We need to start now to pay and educate people to have fewer children in all the overcrowded countries of the world including Great Britain.
Where are we going to house a population of an extra 20 million. The estimate for the UK is that the population will increase to over 80million by 2050.
Recycling tins and newspapers etc is a very small step in the right direction but it will not save this beautiful planet of ours. Only a serious stabilising of the population will do that.
Mr N Hilton,
Maple Drive, Abram

Thanks from an injured stranger
On Monday evening, June 30, while jogging along Atherton Road in Hindley Green, I fell and landed heavily with my face and shoulder on the pavement.
Disorientated and bleeding I sat trying to compose myself as many cars passed by, either unaware or choosing to ignore.
To my relief a young couple travelling towards Hindley stopped to offer assistance and drove me to a friend's house enabling me to seek further help at a local hospital.
Being two miles from home this was a tremendous relief and they even waited to ensure my friends were home and I wasn't stranded. Although I thanked them at the time I wish now I had taken the opportunity to get to know their names and thank them properly for being there and offering assistance to an injured stranger. If they are reading this – thank you so much for your kindness.
Christine Howell,
Wardens Bank,
Daisy Hill

Am I not entitled to have a say?
What a silly letter by W Fielding, Wigan Observer, June 26.
How this gentleman ( I assume it is a gentleman writing) can find the time to sit and write such patronising tripe is beyond me. Someone should sit W Fielding down and explain to him/her slowly and carefully that we live in a democracy and I am entitled to criticise and voice my opinion, and also that for every action there is a reaction, so for every George Formby fan, there is a George Formby critic.
I would not like George's statue in my garden and if I did, I would not be too shy to ask for it, but gargoyles should be confined to churches, and as for Beech Hill taking over as the number one tourist attraction, what on earth is that all about?
I realise this is tongue in cheek but outlandish opinions like this should be buried on Fantasy Island.
J J Kenyon, Sandway,
Beech Hill

Help us find our Goa holiday pals
I wonder if any of your readers can help us contact a Brian and Margaret from Wigan.
We met the couple in Goa in January, we exchanged addresses and phone numbers but unfortunately I lost them.
The couple are both retired, as we are, both support Wigan Rugby League Club and Brian is a keen fisherman.
We have just received a postcard from them in Crete but of course, no home address included. We have some holiday photos for them and would like to keep in touch, we would be delighted if they could contact us again.
Brian and Heather,
Keighley, West Yorks