November 19th 2024.
There has been a lot of talk lately about how to improve our country, but not enough about how to fund those improvements. In a letter from a reader, they expressed their frustration with people who want it all but don't want to pay for it. The reader encourages others to share their thoughts on this topic in the comments section of the article.
Another reader, Richard, suggests that Sir Keir Starmer should prioritize the needs of our citizens over treating them as "cash cows". He points out that in order to fix the issues in our society, the government will need money. So where does Richard think this money will come from, aside from businesses and citizens? It seems that those who complain about taxes also want the benefits of excellent schools, transportation, homes, and hospitals without acknowledging the cost.
B Dhadli from London shares their view that too many people want the good things in life without accepting that they come at a cost. They believe that a lower tier associate subscription to the EU, similar to what Switzerland has, could be a model for rebuilding EU relations without fully rejoining.
Another reader, Carlos, disagrees and believes that rejoining the EU is the best option. They suggest looking at the European Single Market and Customs Union access enjoyed by non-members like Norway and Switzerland. Carlos uses the analogy of a social club, saying that it's like having a lower-tier associate subscription with benefits but without the opportunity to sit on the decision-making committee. They also mention the potential consequences of standing alone outside of the club.
There is a petition on parliament's website calling for a debate on whether the UK should rejoin the EU. However, as Carlos points out, countries would not tolerate receiving member benefits for free. Only Leave campaigners made this promise, which was just one of many lies told during the Brexit campaign.
Moving on to a different topic, a reader named Roger Smith from Witham shares their thoughts on the recent £1 billion boost to bus services. They hope that the money will be spent wisely, such as on more bus lanes and traffic signals that give priority to buses. They also suggest implementing fines for motorists who park in bus stops and lanes.
In another letter, a reader named Gareth discusses the topic of legalizing assisted dying. They mention their own experience with a loved one who suffered at the end of their life and believes that the state cannot be trusted with life and death decisions. They also mention the frustration of not being able to hold anyone accountable for their loved one being put on end-of-life care without their knowledge.
Clive Morris from Epsom echoes this sentiment, saying that the state has a track record of not being trustworthy in matters of life and death. They believe that giving the state the power to decide on assisted dying could have dangerous consequences.
The conversation then shifts to climate change, with a reader named Dan Hartley being criticized for saying that Labour is going to bankrupt the economy in pursuit of net zero emissions. Another reader, B Butterfield from Leeds, points out that China is not the most polluting country per capita and is actually making significant efforts towards sustainability.
Neil Dance from Birmingham emphasizes the need for all nations to take action against climate change, as the combined impact of smaller countries can be significant. They believe that the cost of doing nothing is much higher than the cost of taking action.
Moving on to a lighter topic, some readers share their thoughts on a statue of Harry Kane, which was funded by Waltham Forest council and now has a permanent home in Walthamstow. Some question whether it was a wise use of public funds, considering that Kane has not had much success in his career. Others suggest that we should not celebrate failure and that a statue should only be reserved for those who have achieved great things.
In a lighthearted discussion, a reader named Simon from Essex shares their thoughts on how Emma Bunton reminds them of Olivia Newton-John, and asks if others have similar associations between artists. Another reader, Graham from Uxbridge, brings up the difficulty of the quick crossword and reminisces about simpler clues from the past.
Lastly, a reader suggests that the famous bullet-dodging scene from The Matrix is not the best stunt in a movie of all time. They argue that Harrison Ford's train jump in The Fugitive should be in the top ten. Overall, there are a variety of opinions and discussions in the comments section, showcasing the diverse perspectives of readers.
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