Whatever makes you sad..

[Bunny]

Of course you  and I know that gambling is potentially harmful as is drinking. And for the majority it's not a problem. But for those with addictive personalities it is. For me it's a difficult one. How does the state best serve those who potentially could be ruined by either? I don't think told you so is the answer but I don't know how prevention could be bought in for an individual circumstance.

It's very easy to believe that in Society we are free to make our own choices. But if we do, and the knock on effect is on Society, I guess the state steps in. It was mooted a few years back that speeding drivers could be billed for any surgery as a result of an accident. But then that makes it easy to bill everyone else who needs surgery as a result of self inflicted injury and that'd be a dangerous line to cross. I don't proclaim to know the answer tbh, but I've never believed we are truly free to choose without some impending regulation.

[Shush]

Some interesting points on Nanny State-ism and I can see sense in both sides. One thing I will add, I think most of us here are old enough to remember when wearing a seat belt was optional. I remember some people moaning when it became law - but how many lives have been saved since.
I heard on the news that  diet related early deaths have now over taken smoking related. No doubt a combo of falling smoking numbers and increases obesity.  I would like to think that the powers that be would do something to try to help the situation.

[Pol]

Think the sugar tax was a knee jerk reaction to a minority shouting loudly. People are over weight mainly due to lack of exercise , modern living.  What next tax cakes biscuits etc .
We already have some of the highest excise duties on cigs alcohol etc . People need to be responsible for there own actions, sure discourage them but also help them , cheaper gyms and health food would pay for itself in the long run.
Think it's excellent that the UK as embraced vaping unlike some other countries ( usa ) who put tax money before health. 

[Bunny]

Think the sugar tax was a knee jerk reaction to a minority shouting loudly. People are over weight mainly due to lack of exercise , modern living.  What next tax cakes biscuits etc .
We already have some of the highest excise duties on cigs alcohol etc . People need to be responsible for there own actions, sure discourage them but also help them , cheaper gyms and health food would pay for itself in the long run.
Think it's excellent that the UK as embraced vaping unlike some other countries ( usa ) who put tax money before health.

Not quite sure about the sugar tax argument Pol. It's added to everything and we're force fed it. Hit the manufacturers and it will change.

[Master Ray]

A visit to Whitworth Park in Manchester on a beautiful April morning today.  First time in a few years, close to the scene of some of the happiest times I had of the last decade.  All gone now... it did put a lump in my eye and a tear in my throat.   

[Master Ray]

Aw heck... looks like Notre Dame cathedral is burning to the ground even as I type this... the spire has collapsed and it appears that most of the roof is gone.

Lovely building... 

[Shush]

Yes very sad images. Reminds me of York Minster in the 1980's. They will restore it, but by 'eck, very expensive long job by the looks of it.

[Ghosttrain]

Shocking images,very sad........looks like the two towers have been saved.As you say they will rebuild it...

[Master Ray]

Blimey.  It appears that the stunning Rose windows are intact.  Astonishing, you'd have expected them to melt or blow out...

Makes you wonder if there really is a 'man upstairs'... St Pauls in London and the Dom in Koln are huge cathedrals but escaped serious damage during massive bombings in that area during WW2.... 'Oy, that's MY house, it ain't gonna burn down, you cu...'

 

[Whirlwind]

... they will rebuild it...

I guess it is sad but fitting to bring up 'Trigger's broom' again. Replace the head 17 times, replace the handle 14 times...it ain't the same broom. You know what I mean, don't ya?

[Ghosttrain]

Was'nt sure whether to use pissed off or sad thread ?.........Just watched lunchtime news it featured a story about a Father who posted a film of his teenage daughter who has Downs Syndrome online dancing.It seems he was trolled and received disgusting comments about the film.What sort of people would do such things,it is totally beyond me..........sad individuals,they should be totally ashamed of themselves..... ... ....

[Master Ray]

Was'nt sure whether to use pissed off or sad thread ?.........Just watched lunchtime news it featured a story about a Father who posted a film of his teenage daughter who has Downs Syndrome online dancing.It seems he was trolled and received disgusting comments about the film.What sort of people would do such things,it is totally beyond me..........sad individuals,they should be totally ashamed of themselves..... ... ....

Saw that clip.  What a sweet little girl. And to get that level of personal abuse... fuckin' disgusting.

'Ashamed of themselves'... sadly not, I fear.   

[Shush]

Well it made sad when I watched the News, so this must be the correct thread. It is sad that some "superior beings" think it is a worthwhile use of their time to post such crap, surely understanding full well that it is only going to cause upset for other people. The internet is a good thing and a bad thing. It can bring out the worst in people, their thoughts and opinions otherwise hurting no one.  Thankfully on the other hand, there are places like this.. 

[Whirlwind]

Oh, go shush yourself.

(Curious, is that phrase used over there in Europe? It's used here in the U.S. of Trump. We walk on the right side of a stairway and say, "Oh, go shush yourself" to everybody.)

[Shush]

Yes, thanks for reminding me - even on a friendly place like this there is Space for a troll