Novocastrian

Goodness me. I never thought I'd agree with one of your posts.

But we'll disagree on the answer to this: "Why are the kids in such dire straights?"

bats

NHS has to sort out all those runners knees, expensive MRIs, broken ankles from footie, cervical spine fractures from rugby. We should discourage those too.

Shard

So you don't see a difference between angry young men (and women) drunkenly bashing themselves to bits, and those who inadvertently suffer injuries while playing sport?

bats

Ah, you're talking about violence, thought it was binge drinking you said should be discouraged.

dbd33

Inextricably linked, no? Like playing sports and getting 'roid rage.

Souvy

Straits.

bats

Exactly so. One shoukd be allowed to get wildly blotto. There are many reasons why it's not a good thing to do but it isn't something for state control.

ArthurBrit

The main difference between the two is that the guys playing sport and keeping active will live a much longer life than the alcoholic drinker.

One will be dead by 70 and the other who knows...

Maybe we should start taxing people who may increase their longevity by keeping fit and staying healthy...

bats

Costs the state more if people live longer.

ArthurBrit

Exactly my point,

At least fatties/alcies and smokers die a lot quicker.

I believe I read something about over 80 year old costing more than any other 'group'.

If I take the view point of the healthy people..."Why should I pay for that f**ker to stay alive?, I'll be dead by then"

dbd33

I rather resent my tax monies going to fund people who've wrecked their bodies doing sport. If you end up like Cassius Clay and use the health service, you're effectively asking the public to fund your private pleasure. One might say the same of smokers but, at least, they let other people have a sniff.

bats

c Ah, we agree then. I get irritated by sanctimonious gits who are proud that they have ruined their knees running, that talk of their shin splints as if they have done the world some good.

Jingsamichty

Can you not give them a Dignitas-sized zap from your X-ray machine?

Oink

Apparently 10:30am is a little too early for a pint.

Atlantic Xpat

I disagree. It's all about context. For example, 9.30am in the pub in LHR T3 prior to an 11.30am flight to Canada is an excellent time for that last pint of London Pride. Preferably to wash down the full english.