On the edge of war, possibly on the brink of Nuclear war. What madness is this. Tony Cliff talked about this era being like the 1930s in slow motion. It is also Very much like living in a dream. It is quite possible to understand the social excesses of the 1920s, as you feel so much less in control, scared and exilerated at the same time. the small sphere where you do feel some control, immediate friends, private social scene - is under pressure to deliver the sense of being alive. The questions, concerns running through your head and not normally allowed (because of social taboo) to be expressed are forced out, and perhaps diverted into a desire for desire . . for proof of worth, proof of being alive. Its all meting into air.