YOUR correspondent, Jeff Lewis ('Song is the best form of patriotism', Letters September 22) writes that he cannot understand my statement in my letter ('Jerusalem brought a refreshing change to shopping', September 15) regarding my observation that it is almost a sin to feel proud to be British.

This was not a throwaway comment, given the adverse publicity that this country generates overseas with our sex-crazed, drug fuelled holidaymakers, football hooligans and not forgetting our politicians, with their questionable decisions made on behalf of the electorate, I maintain that on occasions I felt pride in being British.

I referred to political correctness - and most people who know me knew exactly what I meant.

Maybe I was being a tad subtle for Mr Lewis' sensitivities. This country used to be the envy of the world for its education, health and law systems. All are in ruin.

A record number of people are leaving to live abroad. Our newly qualified doctors sign on the dole, while we recruit from overseas.

Parents and pupils run the schools - and the teachers, and the sentences dispersed by the courts for serious crimes are laughable.

Our senior citizens fight for a decent pension while we keep Muslim clerics in luxury, while allowing them the right to preach against our country and whip up hatred against the people who support them and their numerous family members. We are losing our Britishness, Mr Lewis. This England is one of the most heavily taxed places to live - and do we have a land "fit for heroes?" No, there's precious little to be proud of.

I am old enough to remember when people had the sort of patriotism Mr Lewis describes- "a determination to make one's country a place to be proud of".

The majority of Britons are now disillusioned and their patriotism brought out for an airing at cricket, football and rugby events.

Jerusalem would not have been played in Asda were it not preceding the Ashes.

Patriot