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LONDON (Reuters) - A motto for modern Britain in five words or fewer? How about "In America we trust" or "At least we're not French", or "Land of yobs and morons".As Prime Minister Gordon Brown seeks to capture the public's imagination with a search for a national motto, cynicism and subversion are emerging as the most prominent national characteristics.Readers of The Times have posted hundreds of suggestions on an Internet blog asking for a motto to sum up modern Britain.For some, it is an opportunity to express pride and confidence:"Great people, great country, Great Britain" is one suggestion, while others say "Courage, reason, humanity, democracy, monarchy" or "A country so brave and true" could serve as fitting mottos.Some are wary of any sign of nationalism, warning: "Pride comes before a fall".And others have grabbed the chance to have a dig at Brown and the Labour government."Taxation without Representation is Tyranny" is one of the more political suggestions, along with "Created by heroes, destroyed by Labour" or "Our government no longer listens". Nostalgia for the empire also runs deep, with suggestions such as "Wallowing in a post-colonial miasma" or "Once mighty empire, slightly used".But most contributors seems to favour engaging in a popular national sport of self deprecation.Yob-culture, binge drinking, gambling, and street violence feature prominently in many postings on the Times Online site (www.timesonline.co.uk/commentcentral) -- as does Britain's penchant for apologising."Drinking continues until morale improves" says one. "Our glass is half empty", says another.The sentiments expressed in the suggestion of "Fat, rude arrogant, racist, selfish" are put into a more modern socio-political setting with: "Dipso fatso bingo asbo Tesco".One contributor says Britain's motto should be: "Sorry, it's all our fault", another suggests "We apologise for the inconvenience".One reader suggests Britain should be summed up with the words: "No balls, nerve or glory".
"No Empire, strikes, black"
Five words or fewer ?!"Great people, great country, Great Britain" is six words, as is "A country so brave and true" and "Created by heroes, destroyed by Labour". I therefore suggest "A lack of attention to detail". This works on many, many planes.
Is that Gary Numan?
I quite like " Mathematically we can still qualify "
