Read It In Spy Novels

Powerline reports Europe is poor and getting poorer. In the recent spy novels I've read, there is usually an allusion to the British spy services as being proficient, yet sadly poor - so poor, they require the CIA to make any moves of substance.

I noticed in a film I watched last night as well, Morvern Callar, a great film, and super low-budget. Even the characters were poorer than their American equivalents. It took place in Scotland. Something to think about when talking political systems...