one of the very worst periods in this country's history? The downward rollercoaster of the last few years from the Iraq war and enquiry, the banking scandal, the economic crash, the complete loss of faith in politicians, the rise of Simon Cowell/Britain's Got Talent and the ringtonization of mass culture, and now this hacking thing.

Feeling really depressed about this country tonight. I hope this is a tipping point, the lowest we can get.