Say No - it is great

"No thanks. Not interested." - what a wonderful & respectful response! Good straight forward fast "No" keeps things rolling and sometimes even accelerating. I admit that this is provocative but I claim that not-replying is one of the very clear sign that the "old good" straight forward  Finnish work culture has collapsed... which we (with about half of size of population of London spread around +300tkm2) in my honest opinion simply cannot afford if we want to stay truly competitive. What do you think why is it so tough to just reply No thanks (especially if you have kind of promised to get back)? Is this causing some sort of systemic malfunction, constant lapses in the general machinery, or does it just not matter? Say it loudly, say it proudly: NO THANKS! :)