Icelandic Warmth

At the end of 2008 the three largest private banks in Iceland were taken into Government administration within the space of a few days. The collapse of the banks had a tremendous impact on Iceland's relatively small economy. Many British companies and especially councils had invested heavily in the Icelandic financial system where high rates of interest were available to investors. The crisis, brought about by economic downturn, a huge increase in external debt, increasing unemployment and inflation, had a tremendous adverse effect on the peoples lives. Nevertheless, against this backdrop of personal hardship the Icelandic people, in a massive commitment of goodwill, have put aside their personal problems to send a whole shipload of woolly jumpers to the UK, after a radio interview warned that British pensioners could die this winter because of the cold.
Whilst I have nothing but admiration for the Icelandic people in making this gesture, I must admit, I felt very uneasy whilst watching this story unfold on television. The reason being, that we are more used to seeing Britain making aid donations to other countries who's plight is desperate. Usually, the recipients of this aid are the peoples of third world countries. Having said that, I cannot help but feel that if Britain continues to slide at the present rate we could eventually become one of those third world countries.