I was shocked to hear that our defence services, especially our Navy and RAF are to be facing enormous financial cuts, but even more shocked to hear that foreign aid won't be cut at all, surely this doesn't make any sence?!
Shouldn't we be looking after the defence of our country and looking after our own people before handng out money to other countries?!
Oh go on, then... as no one else has replied. Isn't another way of looking at it that it's better to spend money on making people's lives better than on buying military hardware to kill people? A simple view, I know.
She's been banned, Nick. Don't waste your time.
Hi
I was going to reply to Edwina, but banned in 12 posts, good grief!!!
Back to the topic: I've heard this line about not giving money/aid/assistance and that we should spend that money on our own 1000's of times. I think it's a narrow-minded attitude as it doesn't take into account global realities or even compassion for people that are far less fortunate than ourselves. We have so much as the 4th largest economy in the world. Anycase to be a bit more sceptical, as far as I understand some of this money goes to other countries, which then encourages them to trade with us, and some of this money is going to war-torn Afganistan. Is it right to blow a country up and then leave them with f*** all infrastructure because Daily Mail reading Mr & Mrs Angry from Tunbridge Wells thinks so???
RP
Well said, RP.
xxx
Cheers Sunanda!
Should of mention that Mr & Mrs Angry from Tunbridge Wells is also a parody of the typical caller on the Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2.
😉
Cheers Sunanda!
Should of mention that Mr & Mrs Angry from Tunbridge Wells is also a parody of the typical caller on the Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2.
😉
Don't tar all of us from Tunbridge Wells with the same brush;)
Hi Lotus
I'm sure that there is 1000's of wonderful people in Tunbridge Wells, and of course not everyone ringing the Jeremy Vine Show is a right-wing nutcase! 😉
Best Wishes
RP
Anycase to be a bit more sceptical, as far as I understand some of this money goes to other countries, which then encourages them to trade with us,
I was going to say something along these lines originally (blimey, yes, I take my eye off this board for a few days and someone has been banned in just 12 posts!), but thought I should keep it simple. Yes, the cynical view is indeed that most government aid is self-interested, ie we give cash, we get something back.
I just looked at this thread for the first time. Never mind the topic, I'd like to thank you all for quite a giggle in your replies. Starting with:
Oh go on, then... as no one else has replied.
It seems weird to be taking up a topic started by someone no longer able to respond, but you can understand a few people thinking that way. But it's not a question of balancing out our defence budget against relief to undeloped nations. You see the trick - to link those two? In reality there are larger cuts being made in all sectors, and what is still sent as foreign aid has to be weighed against the whole.
I think most of us on HP are probably aware of how far just a "little" money goes in undeveloped nations to help people. I don't have the figures to hand at all. But just a few pounds can save a child's eyesight; paltry sums can give local water sources which are fresh, so stave off disease. I don't think what this nation gives should be part of the cuts. And I'm proud to be in a nation which gives, gives what may seem a pittance and in a way is, but a larger one than any other nation, is it, per person?
V
Of course we should give foreign aid, so long as the money really goes to useful development assistance and is not embezzled by governments and elites. However from what I hear the money directed through charities is more likely to get to the folk who need it, wheress money channelled through governments often gets siphoned off into Swiss bank accounts.
Mostly though I think this decision is a sop to the LibDems- a pure tory govt wouyld have cut foreign aid along with everything else.
Hi
I was going to reply to Edwina, but banned in 12 posts, good grief!!!
RP
So why did she get banned? For being stereotypically right-wing, pro-Christian, anti-Islamic??
I get the impression I would disagree with her about most things. I might even find her quite annoying- I find al ot of people annoying, and they probably feeel the same about me. But does everyone on this forum have to think the same way, or within narrowly defined limits? In which case what is the point of talking only to people who agree with you?
So why did she get banned? For being stereotypically right-wing, pro-Christian, anti-Islamic??
I get the impression I would disagree with her about most things. I might even find her quite annoying- I find al ot of people annoying, and they probably feeel the same about me. But does everyone on this forum have to think the same way, or within narrowly defined limits? In which case what is the point of talking only to people who agree with you?
I am on my 23rd post, yet still my posts are being moderated and take between 1-5 hours to appear on the board. I get the impression this is a very strict forum. The subjects are all zen this, and peace/holistic that, maybe the mods should practice what they preach and chill out a bit. 😎
hello tuliplady
I was surprised to see that your posts are still moderated.
It is a technical glitch, so will let admin know...
tigress
(moderator hat on)
But does everyone on this forum have to think the same way, or within narrowly defined limits?
No, and there are some robust discussions going on elsewhere in this forum. However, HP is a business and therefore will want to project a certain image. I'm sure that if everyone here started recommending drink, drugs and junk food as the best lifestyle, then we'd all get banned. 😀