Food Banks and Poverty- was Nye right?

I do wonder how poor souls with dogs in tow afford the dogs. A dog doesn't come free.

Lets think now Baggs......a dog or spice......maybe the dog.

Is there seriously something wrong with you.

A dog on a string tugs certain heartstrings. It’s a canny ploy.

Bagg But ExperiencedNotOld seems to think that some people don't deserve to be helped, but claims some do. How does she suggest sorting them out?

As the current level of benefits for people of working age is totally inadequate, is she suggesting raising it - maybe even doubling it, so those who "deserve" it can actually cope?

BTW ENO I've been very close to somebody not coping with life. I suspect I know more about the level and availability of benefits than you do.

I don't have a dog and would find it difficult to cope on £73.10 a week. How would you manage?

It's a cany ploy.....My God, you have excelled yourself

There are optimists UG and irrational optimists. They are considered insane. I, optimistically, hope for better times ahead for our country. I believe relying on Johnson to make that happen, based on what we know about him is insanity.

If he improves and does things that actually improve the lot of those who have been left behind for decades rather than just enriching those like himself I will be happy to change my mind but I will not change my thinking that basing optimism on what we know so far seems to verge on insanity.

But then, we are all entitled to our opinion, insane or not. I just wonder if you wear a seat belt or rely on your optimism and impune others when they do choose to wear one.

*Lets think now Baggs......a dog or spice......maybe the dog.
Is there seriously something wrong with you.*

Knew someone would react like that. Daftly.

Does spice mean drugs in this context?

There's a book called The Rational Optimist that I mean to read one day.

Your cynicism is astounding Urmstongran.

I always wear a seat belt. I’m not stupid.

You may call it cynicism GagaJo. I call it pragmatism.

Selfishness even.

So much not giving a s**t. Beyond belief.

I am definitely not a selfish person.

I have only seen you express compassion towards Boris or other Tory politicians. None towards the disabled, the impoverished elderly, the homeless. In fact, you heap derision on them.

express compassion towards Boris

Eh? Boris doesn’t need compassion! I’ve never expressed compassion towards him. How daft would that be? He hasn’t ever needed it. He’s a leader. He won!

OK, I take your point. I've NEVER seen you express compassion. I don't understand people like you. Hate the vulnerable, total coldness.

Why???? Humans are social creatures. We are designed to interact and care for others. And yet...

I haven’t derided anyone or any group.

I'm afraid I have to break my promise to myself not to post.
My brother was a hard worker but didn't earn enough to save. He rented. Every time he was ill he had to go home to live with mum as he got £65 SSP a week to live on and couldn't afford his rent. My brother was lucky. What if you had no one to turn too.
Also I am on a forum of people with a long term illness. Many of them are very poor.
Some people need to listen to the truth. Certainly some people get by quite nicely on benefits but they are a minority. No system is ever foolproof but you can't stop helping those in need because a few abuse the system.
Too many people lack compassion.

Growstuff. If they’re capable of work, then they should and thereby more money, which in turn would be used positively in the economy. Simple as. If no formal jobs, then something that benefits the individual as well as their community. Introduce the concept of pride through achievement, a positive. What’s positive about upping handouts. I repeat differentiation is needed to determine those in real need from the shirkers.

Certainly some people get by quite nicely on benefits but they are a minority

Why a minority? Living on benefits is proven to be a lifestyle choice in some families. Tattoos aren’t cheap. Acrylic nails. Several children - sometimes with no daddy around to financially support said children. Never mind, the state can be ‘dad’!

As I have said its a minority. You can't punish the innocent. You haven't a clue Urmstongran if you think lots of people are getting tattoos and gel nails on benefits. I would laugh if it wasn't so serious. One of my young relatives had the task of visiting those in rent arrears to discuss the problem and was shocked at how poor some are and the conditions in which they live. Things are going backwards in this country. Fact.

Perhaps we need a Poor House for the surplus children Urmstongran

No, just less ‘baby-daddies’.

No doubt you will approve of this.

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/28/two-child-policy-costs-families-thousands-financial-support-figures-show