I'm imbibed with a sense of romanticism

I know those of us outside of London hate the place. I know there is talk of costs, and bad planning, and higher taxes. I know there is doubt over the city's infrastructure. I know not everyone likes sport. I know there is a chance we might mess up and embarrass ourselves.

But...

It's a good thing isn't it? To have been chosen? And to have been chosen for vision and enthusiasm over France's more technically competent bid. Just at the moment the idea seems to be spilling over with promise. I know some people are kindly taking the trouble to point out that they don't care, but just at the moment, I do.

Just think. 2012. We'll all be seven years older. The London Olympics will take place just before my 40th birthday - how old will you be then? I'm wondering whether I will get to watch anything live, will I have children by then to watch it with me, will I still be living here?

And I heard on a news report that this is a kick in the teeth for France because their economy is in decline and they have 10% unemployment, and that this was needed to help the country's morale. The news anchorman said that the French are looking over the water at our little island and seeing a dynamic country that is achieving things and wondering what they are doing wrong. Does this not tell us something? Do any of us see our own country in this way? Do any of us stop to think that beyond all the disillusionment with politics, beyond the stories of feral children and teenage pregnancies, beyond the idea that Europe and all Muslim countries hates us, that actually there is a lot right about this country?

Look at the ridiculousness that has become the protests outside of Gleneagles. I understand the ones who are marching in support of the aims of this summit, but I don't get the others, the anti G8ers, the anti-capitalists, the anti-Blairs, the ones who want to break into Gleneagles to "protest". Protest against what exactly? Protest against the fact that the eight men are there to talk about what they can do for Africa and for the environment? I think we can do without those sort of protests. How about applauding our Prime Minister, yes, actually applauding our Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair MP, for choosing these two issues for the summit, and how about admiring the fact that Blair has actually ENCOURAGED this weeks big events because he ACTUALLY BELIEVES in their message and their aims?

Are you not proud of that?

It's the anniversary of the end of World War Two. Look at the battle we had 60 years ago, think how easy it would have been to have surrendered, imagine what would have happened if we hadn't have thrown everything we had at the Nazis. Let's do it again. Let's not talk of defeat, let's not be cynical, let's not care. Let's throw everything we have at Africa, at the issue of climate change, at everything, at the world, and let's be the great nation we know we are. Fuck it. What have we got to lose?