Budget 2011: Key points..

Jennifer_Jane

tomterm8 wrote: »

It costs 0.01m just to fill in a pothole? Wow, the public sector has to get more efficient. This is a wake up call.


EDIT: on a more serious note, is there any explanation in the budget of how we are going to pay for this new war?[/QUOTE]

This point was raised in Parliament yesterday and the assurance was that it comes out of some special reserve amount, and is a) nothing to do with the main defence budget, or b) today's budget.

So, apologies that I don't actually have the name of the 'special' account, but do know it won't affect whether we have Ark Royal/warships/Tornadoes/lots of soldiers, etc.

Interestingly, it seems that no-one yesterday in Parliament was against the implementing of the no-fly zone. I couldn't stay awake (!) for the actual vote, but over the time I watched, everyone on every side of the House was for the implementation. I was surprised about that, as many MP's were saying that their constituents were extremely concerned about it.

wotsthat

DaddyBear wrote: »

It's nothing to do with "worth", its the ability to function in modern society. And yes it does have an impact on the gene pool. In the past the strongest survived and passed on their genes, producing a stronger species. In modern society the weak are subsidised by the strong to the detriment of the gene pool.

Thinking that evolution is in any way related to the welfare state or modern society demonstrates that you've picked the wrong argument and seriously misunderstood the complexity involved.

Evolution, and human evolution in particular, has been based not only on survival of the fittest but also on compassion and co-operation.

An example is a families support of older generations or disabled relatives. Being hard-faced you might say that once they stop, or don't even start, making a net contribution they should be cast out. Now if you go out doing for a bit of hunter gathering and get stuck in a bog and die who's going to help look after the children?

Someone who's not such a good hunter but takes the time to support his weak relatives goes out and dies what happens to his children? Well they are still in the c**p but they've a better chance of influencing the gene pool than Mr. Supreme 12,500BC whose kids will almost certainly starve.

MikeJ74

DervProf wrote: »

Only "trouble" for Hamish, good news for homebuyers (and many people who benefit from people buying and moving house).

Yes its looking good for lower house prices.

Lots more new builds going to be added to the supply, as well as lots more commercial properties being turned into flats and houses.

ILW

wotsthat wrote: »

Someone who's not such a good hunter but takes the time to support his weak relatives goes out and dies what happens to his children? Well they are still in the c**p but they've a better chance of influencing the gene pool than Mr. Supreme 12,500BC whose kids will almost certainly starve.

Apparnetly, around 50% of East? Asia are direct decendents of Ghengis Khan. Doubt if he was much cop at changing nappies though.

wotsthat

ILW wrote: »

Apparnetly, around 50% of East? Asia are direct decendents of Ghengis Khan. Doubt if he was much cop at changing nappies though.

If you go back a 1000 years in my family tree you'll probably find a fair % of the UK share my great, great (and so on)....grandfather as a relative. That's genetics - we've all got relatives in common.

J_J_Carter

So overall the budget will make it less grim up t'North?

ILW

wotsthat wrote: »

If you go back a 1000 years in my family tree you'll probably find a fair % of the UK share my great, great (and so on)....grandfather as a relative. That's genetics - we've all got relatives in common.

My point was that historically natural selection tended to favour the strongest and most successful genes. But lately in the UK a rather skewed benefits system etc has tended to increase breeding amongst the least capable members of society.

rakesh_2

Graham_Devon wrote: »

Oh YES. Go georgie.

Can claim 45p instead of 40p per mile now. About time, well done that man!!

When can we start claiming the new 45p rate?

blueboy43

ILW wrote: »

My point was that historically natural selection tended to favour the strongest and most successful genes. But lately in the UK a rather skewed benefits system etc has tended to increase breeding amongst the least capable members of society.

and who said eugenics was discredited.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

ILW

blueboy43 wrote: »

and who said eugenics was discredited.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Nothing to do with eugenics, just seems a bit daft to financially encourage those that are likely to produce less productive offspring, whether through environment or any other reason.