Originally Posted by Elmer Fudd (Post 9449912)

Not a bad argument on the benefits to NHS, but factor in harm - all the negative externalities - cost of drunks clogging up hospitals in front of genuine cases & abusing staff on Friday & Saturday nights, long run liver transplants free of charge, the costs to me slipping on puddles of liquid laughs, me paying more tax towards plod to police the streets, me changing route to avoid punch ups, plus costs of cleaning up litter from smokers & the private costs of having to wash all clothes & shower after a night in a smoke filled pub, the benefits might not be as great as you believe? I am all for freedom of choice and expression, but so long as the costs of these activities do not affect others i.e. my wallet ;)

Originally Posted by WakeUp (Post 9449745)

I agree with this 100% .

Originally Posted by Norm_uk (Post 9449926)

Read my post again.

I said "as long as it causes no harm to others"...getting pissed up and bothering hospital staff, wasting people's time, beating your kids, and messing up the place is harm to others and should be dealt with.

Same goes for smoking around people who don't want to breath the smoke, or take drugs or anything.

N.

Originally Posted by Madam Medusa (Post 9449552)

but the issue is that they face possible murder charges the way the law stands...that's why on this programme, even in this swiss clinic, it's the person who has to administer the poison themselves, not even the doctor can do it for fear of a law case...

MM, xx

Originally Posted by Elmer Fudd (Post 9449945)

I agree 100% with your sentiment, but sadly, lots of others do go over the top and in no way think it is their responsibility to consider the effects of their behaviour on others, this is one (minor) reason for me deciding to move out of the UK for a while - try reasoning with such people and it can get very nasty - even fatal :(. That is why governments try to intervene by educating us on the disadvantages of booze & fags and restricting consumption by taxation etc.

Originally Posted by OleJanx (Post 9450593)

The biggest problem the UK has, is for too long, there has been a Nanny-state happily saying to people " No, it can't be your fault, there must be some underlying reason for your actions, but surely you cannot be responsible!" The joys of the blame culture and a lack of acceptance for the principals of being responsible for your own actions. What a crock of sh*t!:huh:

Originally Posted by weasel central (Post 9449932)

:eek: are you sure?

Originally Posted by Blue Cat (Post 9451435)

MM I watched the Terry Pratchett thing last night. Very well done in my opinion and very moving. The Newsnight discussion after brought up various worries about legalising it, however I still think it should be legalised even if it is just for terminally ill patients first.

Originally Posted by Madam Medusa (Post 9451459)

yes, it was very well balanced, wasn't it...very thought provoking...

MM, xx