Money Laundering Rant

lush_walrus

Ember999 wrote:

I see your point entirely, but what if you DON'T HAVE a passport (as you don't go abroad) and you DON'T HAVE a Driving License as my husband doesn't??? He has no interest in driving, it's my car and I am the driver is his opinion. What then?

I see the need for checks but to ask for documentation that everybody is not liable nor legally expected to have causes problems. I have a driving license, my husband doesn't. He also doesn't have a passport. So what now???

I can completely see your frustration, I think then this starts to form the arguement for ID cards being introduced.

lush_walrus

Jimj40 wrote:

I'd say that encapsulates it pretty well!

For my part, I find many offences considerably more worthy of the government's attentions than money-laundering, especially since it's an offence which doesn't directly impact most people's lives, or certainly not to the extent which makes it acceptable to have another litlle chip taken out of all our liberties. Regrettably, governments of all persuasions in what used to be a democratic country have very different concerns to the rest of us. Offences which impact the exchequer are viewed much more seriously than those which keep the average citizen awake at night. For example, I'd much rather see burglars and muggers targetted than money-launderers.

In addition, knee-jerk legislation aimed at what is perceived as "popular demand" leads to such farces as the Dangerous Dogs Act, the banning of hand-guns (the Olympic Pistol Team complies, law-abiding gun-owners comply but surprise, surprise gun-toting crims don't...) and the continuing quarantine laws which have detected zero (count 'em...zero!) rabid animals.

If we are really so concerned about crims and their illicit activities, might we start by looking at the gang which invaded another gang's turf and created such a stir in Bagdhad?

There are many problems in society, but money laundering is still a crime, and relatively easy to monitor in comparison to monitoring people who are yet to commit their first murder.

We in the UK do not have a huge problem with money laundering, at least it is under control here more than in many countries, but before you dismiss it as a lesser crime it is a good idea to look to the countries where it is turned a blind eye to, Nigeria is a very good example. Consider the problems which occur there under money laundering and the effect it has on those who are honest and law abiding. It can create a whole knock on effect of problems.

I however completely agree that many bills are rushed through without a complete grasp on the consequences such as that regarding toy guns at present.