Quiet Competence

I am impressed by the UK's new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

Within days of his ascension to the top of British government, he was faced with a terrorist threat - the discovery of two car bombs, in central London, followed the next day by a botched attack on a Glasgow airport.

Instead of frightening his people, he went on TV and told them that the British police and government were investigating. As a result of vigilant police work and with the aid of CCTV cameras, within two days seven doctors were arrested and charged with the acts. A day later another co-conspirator was arrested in Australia.

To me this underscores the fact that basic technology (closed circuit cameras) and fundamental police work are effective tools, not only against common street crime, but also against terrorism.

The UK didn't stand up their army. They didn't blame a foreign country. They sought to bring the perpetrators to justice. Remember the good old days when that's what we used to do?

There was no rhetoric about fighting them there so we don't have to fight them here. The Defense Minister didn't get on TV and tell people about his gut feelings. The only people eager to mention al Qaeda, were the US networks, eager to jack up the tension.

Several weeks later, the UK was hit with devastating floods. Six people died as a result, including two premature newborns, who weren't rescued in time for medical treatment. While the world watched, I noticed that something was missing.

Then it struck me...

There were no Brits standing on rooftops holding signs saying "Help US!".

Britain marshaled its rescue services and they went about their business - just like FEMA used to do in response to hurricane devastation (when they were a standalone government agency, run by competent leaders).

The other fact, that won't get any press, is that no one in the UK will suffer medically from any effects of the flooding, because they all have access to universal health care.

Gordon Brown's tumultuous first few weeks have been soothed by a combination of calm, steady leadership and government executing their duties to serve their citizens.

A quiet competence.