To be amazed at just how amazing our infrastructure is?

[ElderAve]

I know we all have moans about how one aspect or another doesn't work quite as well as it should but on the whole, isn't it amazing that "we" have systems that work almost all of the time and can respond quickly when needed in an emergency, often without the public even being aware what's going on.

The organisation and detail behind some of the emergency plans is mind blowing IMO.

Which is a very good thing because it's also terrifying to think how bad things would be if some of these aspects failed for any period of time.

Amazing

My mum and dad live in a country that doesn’t even have a constant supply of electricity or water ...

I think it is always too easy to poke holes and find fault in things we take for granted.

Exactly, Theknacktoflying. The UK doesnt know how well it is run compared to lots of the world.
Yes, sure, bits could be better, but on the whole we have it pretty good.

I am always humbled by how great our infrastructure is and how blessed we are to have an NHS. My bugbear is when it gets taken advantage of by companies that don't pay their tax (and the politicians that facilitate tax avoidance) to keep it all going, especially since its so desperately underfunded. I gladly pay my tax for our infrastructure. Xxx

I think our bodies probably have the most amazing infrastructure!

I agree OP, we take so much for granted here

Yeah I agree, it's mad really!

I was particularly thinking about it when there was that sonic boom before Christmas due to the fighter jets being scrambled. That whole system in place, and all that happening whilst most of us are asleep!

We do, but on the other idea we have little idea just how efficient countries are that genuinely invest in their infrastructure. Spend any time in Germany or Japan and you'll see what I mean. Sure, we're a first world country, so we are very lucky,l relatively speaking, but after years of Tory government cuts are beginning to run very deep. Our a&es are run on a hope, a prayer, and the goodwill of hideously overworked staff. It wouldn't take that much to send it all crashing to the ground.

After encountering Italian motorways for the first time I gained a much greater appreciation of British motorway design, especially our sliproads. The Italian sliproads are clearly designed with encouraging regular church attendance so your hail Mary’s will be heard & you have the afterlife sorted as plan B.

Yep. This country is run amazing well compared to many others. Of course there are problems - life is never going to be perfect, but when it matters, the people here do what is right or necessary. I'm proud of our country on a daily basis. The way people stepped up and tried to stop the recent terror attacks, the government response to potential threats, or the way we are dealing with the coronavirus cases. Whatever level you look at, we try and do what is best/right.

Our NHS is amazing when you really need it, despite the funding-linked inefficiencies and delays, and largely because of the dedicated and principled staff. Our research base and universities are world class. IME, the researchers, medical experts and policy advisers who swing into action during crises, like that we're seeing around the novel coronavirus, are highly competent individuals working within a well-practiced system with strong international links.

Having lived or worked in a number of Scandinavian or other western European countries, I can't say that I'm particularly impressed by the UK approach to roads and transport, schools, utility infrastructure, social care, welfare and many other areas. Lots of other places in Europe are the same or much better. Personally I'd be very happy to pay more tax for a better-run country. I'd be even happier if big corporations paid theirs too.

"Personally I'd be very happy to pay more tax for a better-run country."

Me too, but history shows that no-one who runs for election on that basis in UK will win. I stayed with locals in a remote part of Finland (and as you say their roads are amazing and so few people to pay for them). They were proud of the tax they paid and the contribution it made to their infrastructure. British people don't seem to feel that way at all.

I think when I made my post I was thinking more of the way we seem to be able to step up to disaster rather than everyday services. The NHS is a prime example, brilliant for the big stuff, very frustrating if it's an ingrowing toenail you're suffering with.