What would you change about Britain?
Nov 9th 2008, 7:18 pm
#16
I don't give a damn
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: In the arms of my family. Heaven...
Posts: 4,980
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Oh what a lot of rubbish - they started it!!!!
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
Birth of the yuppie i remember... young, upwardly mobile, and screw anyone who gets in my way. And now we are paying coz these idiots are now parents raising the next generation...god help us!
Right... i'm rolling up my sleeves
Nov 9th 2008, 7:24 pm
#17
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 912
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Oh what a lot of rubbish - they started it!!!!
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
Actually, and I'm truly ashamed to say this, I haven't yet seen a decent British government, or a decent British Prime Minister in my lifetime.
Thatcher, Blair, and whoever that dork in between them was were all useless unfortunately. The current guy, (I do know his name but I don't consider it even worth bothering to remember) is no better either.
Clearly the entire political system needs a major overhaul in order to somehow attract decent politicians who have true leadership qualities, a certain amount of charisma, and most importantly the interests of the country at heart, and the balls to make major changes for the better with those in mind.
Sadly I don't see this major overhaul coming anytime soon.
In Australia, while I have been here, they have had 4 Prime Ministers. Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, John Howard, and now Kevin Rudd.
I can honestly say Paul Keating was the only one who was an embarrassment to Australia. The rest have been great. Not perfect, but I don't expect that. Just great leaders. John Howard in particular.
Why on earth can't Britain have such a person in charge?
Nov 9th 2008, 8:27 pm
#18
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Location: Back in the UK after 12 years in Australia
Posts: 579
Nov 10th 2008, 2:32 am
#19
Tea Drinker
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 5,387
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Oh what a lot of rubbish - they started it!!!!
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
You mention the NF, have you seen the sudden rise of the BNP lately?
When Thatcher left the country was stronger than it had ever been before and criminals knew that if they got caught for a crime, they wouldn't just get a slap on the wrist.
Nov 10th 2008, 9:21 am
#20
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Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,521
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Why are you metioning about the rave scene when we are talking about Yob culture? two different things completely. Ravers were a friendly bunch.
You mention the NF, have you seen the sudden rise of the BNP lately?
When Thatcher left the country was stronger than it had ever been before and criminals knew that if they got caught for a crime, they wouldn't just get a slap on the wrist.
You mention the NF, have you seen the sudden rise of the BNP lately?
When Thatcher left the country was stronger than it had ever been before and criminals knew that if they got caught for a crime, they wouldn't just get a slap on the wrist.
, so i guess that makes them one of those wanton criminals you are talking about. Also raves were often held illegally in fields or properties without the owner's permission.
I don't dispute they were a friendly bunch, I was one!
Nov 10th 2008, 10:41 am
#21
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Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Blighty - but still mad!
Posts: 476
Nov 10th 2008, 10:48 am
#22
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,019
Re: What would you change about Britain?
>
Nov 10th 2008, 11:31 am
#23
Junior Showtime
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Singapore
Posts: 3,759
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Licencing potential parents - automatic disqualification for any state benefit with right of appeal - Appeal expeditious within 6 week period - Automatic exclusion for any claimant unable or unwilling to name co parent. Exclusion of named co parent from any non contributory benefit.
Closure of Social fund.
Removal of Fraud responsibilities from DHS to Police controlled units with necessary powers to ban illegal recipients from non contributory benefits for a period of not less than 10 years.
Staffing for this appellant action trained - unlike the pathetic Child Support teams.
Removal of state benefits to single mothers/fathers as an automatic right.
Housing benefit ditto.
Limiting period of receipt of Invalidity Benefit - automatic inclusion to a return to work period during the invalidity period, preparing recipients to support themselves immediately this benefit expires.
Redefining DLA recipients to exclude ex junkies/alcoholics and ne'er do wells who cant be bothered to try and support themselves as they couldn't earn as much if they worked blah blah.
Means testing for free transport to pensioners.
Means testing for Child benefit.
Means testing for any non contributory benefit.
The Benefits Agency would immediately "lose" 70% staffing ...retraining for said staff.
Civics classes to all children from K to 18yrs.
Naturalisation instruction and requirement for all potential citizens including a requirement for Language competency.
Part of the negativity in the UK stems from poor education, low expectations in almost every area of life, a belief that people are owed something by society and government. Dishonesty at both ends of society and a middle section that finds itself paying for both one way or another.
Loose the socialism, loose the nannying and increase both peoples independence and sense of self worth.
Closure of Social fund.
Removal of Fraud responsibilities from DHS to Police controlled units with necessary powers to ban illegal recipients from non contributory benefits for a period of not less than 10 years.
Staffing for this appellant action trained - unlike the pathetic Child Support teams.
Removal of state benefits to single mothers/fathers as an automatic right.
Housing benefit ditto.
Limiting period of receipt of Invalidity Benefit - automatic inclusion to a return to work period during the invalidity period, preparing recipients to support themselves immediately this benefit expires.
Redefining DLA recipients to exclude ex junkies/alcoholics and ne'er do wells who cant be bothered to try and support themselves as they couldn't earn as much if they worked blah blah.
Means testing for free transport to pensioners.
Means testing for Child benefit.
Means testing for any non contributory benefit.
The Benefits Agency would immediately "lose" 70% staffing ...retraining for said staff.
Civics classes to all children from K to 18yrs.
Naturalisation instruction and requirement for all potential citizens including a requirement for Language competency.
Part of the negativity in the UK stems from poor education, low expectations in almost every area of life, a belief that people are owed something by society and government. Dishonesty at both ends of society and a middle section that finds itself paying for both one way or another.
Loose the socialism, loose the nannying and increase both peoples independence and sense of self worth.
Nov 10th 2008, 1:53 pm
#24
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,781
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Oh what a lot of rubbish - they started it!!!!
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
So I guess skinheads and the National Front etc weren't prevalent when Thatcher was in eh? Nor the rave scene and associated huge amounts of drug taking, no? How about the widening gap between rich and poor and the focus on materialism/consumerism as an aspirational life purpose in itself?
Thatcher's policies started the rot by shifting the focus to 'I'm alright Jack and bugger everyone else'.
Nov 10th 2008, 1:58 pm
#25
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Blighty - but still mad!
Posts: 476
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Licencing potential parents - automatic disqualification for any state benefit with right of appeal - Appeal expeditious within 6 week period - Automatic exclusion for any claimant unable or unwilling to name co parent. Exclusion of named co parent from any non contributory benefit.
Closure of Social fund.
Removal of Fraud responsibilities from DHS to Police controlled units with necessary powers to ban illegal recipients from non contributory benefits for a period of not less than 10 years.
Staffing for this appellant action trained - unlike the pathetic Child Support teams.
Removal of state benefits to single mothers/fathers as an automatic right.
Housing benefit ditto.
Limiting period of receipt of Invalidity Benefit - automatic inclusion to a return to work period during the invalidity period, preparing recipients to support themselves immediately this benefit expires.
Redefining DLA recipients to exclude ex junkies/alcoholics and ne'er do wells who cant be bothered to try and support themselves as they couldn't earn as much if they worked blah blah.
Means testing for free transport to pensioners.
Means testing for Child benefit.
Means testing for any non contributory benefit.
The Benefits Agency would immediately "lose" 70% staffing ...retraining for said staff.
Civics classes to all children from K to 18yrs.
Naturalisation instruction and requirement for all potential citizens including a requirement for Language competency.
Part of the negativity in the UK stems from poor education, low expectations in almost every area of life, a belief that people are owed something by society and government. Dishonesty at both ends of society and a middle section that finds itself paying for both one way or another.
Loose the socialism, loose the nannying and increase both peoples independence and sense of self worth.
Closure of Social fund.
Removal of Fraud responsibilities from DHS to Police controlled units with necessary powers to ban illegal recipients from non contributory benefits for a period of not less than 10 years.
Staffing for this appellant action trained - unlike the pathetic Child Support teams.
Removal of state benefits to single mothers/fathers as an automatic right.
Housing benefit ditto.
Limiting period of receipt of Invalidity Benefit - automatic inclusion to a return to work period during the invalidity period, preparing recipients to support themselves immediately this benefit expires.
Redefining DLA recipients to exclude ex junkies/alcoholics and ne'er do wells who cant be bothered to try and support themselves as they couldn't earn as much if they worked blah blah.
Means testing for free transport to pensioners.
Means testing for Child benefit.
Means testing for any non contributory benefit.
The Benefits Agency would immediately "lose" 70% staffing ...retraining for said staff.
Civics classes to all children from K to 18yrs.
Naturalisation instruction and requirement for all potential citizens including a requirement for Language competency.
Part of the negativity in the UK stems from poor education, low expectations in almost every area of life, a belief that people are owed something by society and government. Dishonesty at both ends of society and a middle section that finds itself paying for both one way or another.
Loose the socialism, loose the nannying and increase both peoples independence and sense of self worth.
Yikes!
Nov 10th 2008, 2:09 pm
#26
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,781
Re: What would you change about Britain?
I would largely agree with you rabsody. The conservative / tory government where far from being anything like a good government last time they were in power.
Actually, and I'm truly ashamed to say this, I haven't yet seen a decent British government, or a decent British Prime Minister in my lifetime.
Thatcher, Blair, and whoever that dork in between them was were all useless unfortunately. The current guy, (I do know his name but I don't consider it even worth bothering to remember) is no better either.
Clearly the entire political system needs a major overhaul in order to somehow attract decent politicians who have true leadership qualities, a certain amount of charisma, and most importantly the interests of the country at heart, and the balls to make major changes for the better with those in mind.
Sadly I don't see this major overhaul coming anytime soon.
In Australia, while I have been here, they have had 4 Prime Ministers. Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, John Howard, and now Kevin Rudd.
I can honestly say Paul Keating was the only one who was an embarrassment to Australia. The rest have been great. Not perfect, but I don't expect that. Just great leaders. John Howard in particular.
Why on earth can't Britain have such a person in charge?
Actually, and I'm truly ashamed to say this, I haven't yet seen a decent British government, or a decent British Prime Minister in my lifetime.
Thatcher, Blair, and whoever that dork in between them was were all useless unfortunately. The current guy, (I do know his name but I don't consider it even worth bothering to remember) is no better either.
Clearly the entire political system needs a major overhaul in order to somehow attract decent politicians who have true leadership qualities, a certain amount of charisma, and most importantly the interests of the country at heart, and the balls to make major changes for the better with those in mind.
Sadly I don't see this major overhaul coming anytime soon.
In Australia, while I have been here, they have had 4 Prime Ministers. Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, John Howard, and now Kevin Rudd.
I can honestly say Paul Keating was the only one who was an embarrassment to Australia. The rest have been great. Not perfect, but I don't expect that. Just great leaders. John Howard in particular.
Why on earth can't Britain have such a person in charge?
Relaxed and comfortable but in a simplistic way...much what the country seemed to be in those days.
Can not say if he was any good as a PM as inflation and GBP was devalued from memory or perhaps read it sense,but to a young mind that unflappable style appeared soothing something no politician with their polished style can remotely emulate these days.
Nov 10th 2008, 3:43 pm
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 142
Re: What would you change about Britain?
My way of thinking
I'd moan about all sorts of things, convincing my self that England was a dump ,full of crime and thugs. That i was taking my children to a better country where there was less crime, better schools more jobs, cheaper cost of living.
It's cost me alot of money to find out that Englands not that bad so i intend to change my way of thinking and enjoy it, where i can be close to my family and friends and i'll get my dog back
I'd moan about all sorts of things, convincing my self that England was a dump ,full of crime and thugs. That i was taking my children to a better country where there was less crime, better schools more jobs, cheaper cost of living.
It's cost me alot of money to find out that Englands not that bad so i intend to change my way of thinking and enjoy it, where i can be close to my family and friends and i'll get my dog back
Nov 10th 2008, 4:14 pm
#30
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,188
Re: What would you change about Britain?
Licencing potential parents - automatic disqualification for any state benefit with right of appeal - Appeal expeditious within 6 week period - Automatic exclusion for any claimant unable or unwilling to name co parent. Exclusion of named co parent from any non contributory benefit.
Closure of Social fund.
Removal of Fraud responsibilities from DHS to Police controlled units with necessary powers to ban illegal recipients from non contributory benefits for a period of not less than 10 years.
Staffing for this appellant action trained - unlike the pathetic Child Support teams.
Removal of state benefits to single mothers/fathers as an automatic right.
Housing benefit ditto.
Limiting period of receipt of Invalidity Benefit - automatic inclusion to a return to work period during the invalidity period, preparing recipients to support themselves immediately this benefit expires.
Redefining DLA recipients to exclude ex junkies/alcoholics and ne'er do wells who cant be bothered to try and support themselves as they couldn't earn as much if they worked blah blah.
Means testing for free transport to pensioners.
Means testing for Child benefit.
Means testing for any non contributory benefit.
The Benefits Agency would immediately "lose" 70% staffing ...retraining for said staff.
Civics classes to all children from K to 18yrs.
Naturalisation instruction and requirement for all potential citizens including a requirement for Language competency.
Part of the negativity in the UK stems from poor education, low expectations in almost every area of life, a belief that people are owed something by society and government. Dishonesty at both ends of society and a middle section that finds itself paying for both one way or another.
Loose the socialism, loose the nannying and increase both peoples independence and sense of self worth.
Closure of Social fund.
Removal of Fraud responsibilities from DHS to Police controlled units with necessary powers to ban illegal recipients from non contributory benefits for a period of not less than 10 years.
Staffing for this appellant action trained - unlike the pathetic Child Support teams.
Removal of state benefits to single mothers/fathers as an automatic right.
Housing benefit ditto.
Limiting period of receipt of Invalidity Benefit - automatic inclusion to a return to work period during the invalidity period, preparing recipients to support themselves immediately this benefit expires.
Redefining DLA recipients to exclude ex junkies/alcoholics and ne'er do wells who cant be bothered to try and support themselves as they couldn't earn as much if they worked blah blah.
Means testing for free transport to pensioners.
Means testing for Child benefit.
Means testing for any non contributory benefit.
The Benefits Agency would immediately "lose" 70% staffing ...retraining for said staff.
Civics classes to all children from K to 18yrs.
Naturalisation instruction and requirement for all potential citizens including a requirement for Language competency.
Part of the negativity in the UK stems from poor education, low expectations in almost every area of life, a belief that people are owed something by society and government. Dishonesty at both ends of society and a middle section that finds itself paying for both one way or another.
Loose the socialism, loose the nannying and increase both peoples independence and sense of self worth.
