Bring back Guy Fawkes

[Aidey]

Interesting question Aidey, but 18 years was it, of record number of businesses going bust, council house being sold off, record number of repossessions and homelessness, personal bankruptcy, massive unemployment that touched nearly every family in Britain, reduced funding in schools and hospitals, closing care homes, kicking those who cannot look after themselves out into "care in the community", poll tax, riots in the streets while a few at the top lived in yuppie luxury.

Isnt this the same point weve just about reached now? Poll tax riots? This could happen again soon if the stories about new council taxes are true. And this time it will be the people who are paying the tax!

Sorry Roxxo, I must have lived in a very different 1980's to yours, and having started from just about the very bottom (now doubt the comics on here will have fun with that) I know that those times were not that bad for most of the general population back then. Yes, it was hard for some, I wont deny it, but life is very much harder for some now.

 

[shropslad]

Paul

Chasing the golden calf though can blinker one to contentment

I am very wealthy,& content with my lot,, great wife,, 2 smashing kids aged 23 & 20 all of us are healthy,, Good job because I certainly wouldn't want to be ill with the NHS has it is. More peeps die of super bugs (around 5000 a year) than die on Britains roads. They keep that quiet don't they.

We are concerned for the kids,,thats why I don't share your optimism for the future,, to many MP's in my opinion,, should take a lead from the USA regarding the numbers,, one for every state, one for every county here would be enough. Tax on fuel is going up again,, do they really think that we are going to make a difference on global warming,, the UK is responsible for 2% yes 2% of all carbon emissions,, its just another excuse to hike up taxes,, or am i being cynical yet again.
good discussion though. :bang:

 

[roXXo]

Mark

I am pleased that you are wealthy and content and that you are all healthy.

As a family we have had exemplary service from the NHS, ranging from chronic conditions to emergency treatment.

I am not naive enough to know that it is the same for everybody. We all have different expectations though and doctors and nurses cannot perform miracles.

What does annoy me is that our surgeries and hospitals clogged up with folk who don't need to be there.

Coughs and colds - take some medication, rest and hey presto you get better
Cut finger - basic first aid.
When I was a kid and fell off my bike and tore a hole in my elbow and when I ripped my arm open on barbed wire, my mam used her first aid skills. OK she was a red cross nurse but we could help ourselves a bit more. Carol and I have been trained in first aid by our employers, which is great but I believe first aid should be taught in schools.

This government is trying to relieve the workload of GPs and hospitals by having clinics where nurses can sort you out. Not everybody needs to be seen by a GP or doctor.

Going off track a bit, but similar delegating of duties is being done in the police service. Let the administration and more mundane tasks be done by other grades and leave bobbies to do what they are supposed to do and what they joined up for.

Back on track. This superbug business, I must admit is a bit concerning and while basic hygiene may help (see my previous posts re Simzie) I believe these new strains of bug/virus need more attention.
Perhaps we are too clean, in our air conditioned, sealed, disinfected lives.

I shouldn't worry Mark, you're as strong as an ox

Regarding reducing CO2 emissions. Every little helps.
Having said that what is bloody annoying is that we do our bit but western economies are now heavily investing in Asia, especially China where anything goes.
You cannot advertise fags in moto gp or formula 1 in Europe but you can in Asia and give away free ciggies to kids. Brand loyalty starts early.

As you say good discussion though, and I do like a good discussion. Don't like arguing, though I sometimes fall into the trap.