The Olympic Games, The NHS

...and why we need to go back to basics.

Last Friday marked the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, and from what I hear, it was magnificent. I haven't watched it yet, though, because I've been busy relocating to Barcelona. For the past two weeks, my time has been consumed by the search for a place to live. It's as simple and as complicated as it sounds. If renting an apartment in Paris was challenging, in Barcelona, it's downright "confusing." I'm still trying to navigate the labyrinth of nonsensical real estate regulations in the city.

Having spent more than twenty-five years as a legislative advisor, I know that regulations are meant to facilitate people's lives, and to be successful, they need to be well-designed.

That brings me to another significant opening: the London 2012 Olympics.

I was especially touched by the tribute to the NHS, with NHS nurses, health workers, and users of the service, participating in the ceremony. There was so much pride on their faces.

I spent some time in the UK during the 90s, and f…