The "debate" thread

[C.A.R.]

Think this is a topic everyone can relate to, seeing as most live in the UK

Here's my suggestions..
-increased tax on cigarettes and alcohol - Why punish those responsible individuals though? I'm not a smoker, but the father in-law is addicted. It's a nasty habbit, but it doesn't affect me. I'm an ocassional drinker; but I'm also a father and on a tight budget, so the next time I want a drink I don't want to be paying even more tax on it!
-ridding the JSA and replacing it with a "pay as you go" kind of system, more jobs you apply for the more you are eligible to claim, capped of course - Disagree, although the system is flawed I don't think that would work out. I can apply for 18 jobs right this minute, but not have a hope in hell of getting any of them. I think there should really be a better system though, it definitely needs review. People who are on JSA for longer than 3-4 months are taking the piss.
-tomato legalisation and taxing of around 40% - I don't get this, why the Tomato hate? :p
-supermarkets to be made fewer to increase local businesses - Supermarkets are fighting a losing battle to the internet anyway, the independant traders / local businesses are the ones losing out most because they move less stock in comparison to their overheads. I can't see a way of fixing it without prejudice to the supermarkets.
-100% British produce to be sold where possible - In theory this would be wonderful, but statistically it wouldn't work well. I read somewhere recently that France is the only country capable of being agriculturally-independant.

I think there needs to be an emphasis on hard work and we need to rid this common attitude people have that they are 'owed' something by the state. You are not.

People I went to school with think it's totally reasonable to have young children and insist on a council house. Why become a burden on society if you can't support a family you started?

"Owning" a council property doesn't seem to bother people, yet it is only 1 step up over being a homeless bum. Why should society support you, what have you done for society?

Raising taxes isn't working - I work f*cking hard for an average salary and barely afford to have a single day out with my earnings after all my outgoings. My car is worth £1000 tops and is one of the cheapest things to run. What matters most is that my daughter and my girlfriend are fed, watered, warm and dry. Everything else can wait. What we really need is greater recognition of hard work and more tax breaks for people like me, I haven't had a hand-out from society since leaving school with GCSE's and working my way up.