Gromit, all I can say is I admire your patience and persistence. The tide of ignorance grows ever larger, and a lot of us are simply worn out trying to reason with ignorance and fear. I salute you, but it won't do any good, sadly.
Evil started in 1997, it must be true because 50 ABer's believe it to be so and shout it from the roof tops. The halycon days of no immigrants, no sleeze (particularly no brown envelopes whatsoever), a cohesive European policy, jobs for all, no dole scroungers, crime free streets and no engagements with tin pot regimes in far flung places (like Chile for example) are long gone.
No wonder I left the country. Serious, it was ironic. I said if Major got back in 1997 I would leave the country, and in October 1997 I was offered a great job abroad, and I have been here ever since. Before anyone whinges about being out of touch, I do read the (quality) press and travel back regularly.