Politics - opinions on tax, benefits, aid and national service

I do not pretend to be a politics anorak, however I do have a few ideas about improving things.

Firstly, cut tax. This would enable everyone to spend more, thus increase demand which creats jobs, which would increase the tax revenue the Government recieves. I also believe this would bring a feel good factor in, as we all feel happier with more money in the pocket. Something which I feel is underrated.

Now what about benefits, I think a majority of us can agree it needs to change

• Provide reasonable benefits for the first six months for when people are first out of work. After they will reduce considerably, let's say, every six months after.
• In order for those who have been long term unemployed to receive any benefits a form of community service should be mandatory. This would help to cover the gap in council services due to recent cuts.
• Government funded/subsidised child care for parents should be introduced. It should not be cost effective to be on benefits and this is a barrier to that.

National service should return, not for everyone I hasten to add. But for repeat offenders who should serve time not in jail but learning discipline and respect serving in the forces. This would have the benefit of learning a trade and adding/giving something to society.

For young offenders and first time offenders, a form of community service should be used. As mentioned above this would help to fill the gap in services caused by recent government cuts and taking these kids off the streets out of the environment that put them there.

Finally, overseas aid. I am forever reading about food being used as a weapon against those with whom it is meant to help and of development projects that are paid for which are never completed, money being siphoned off into the pockets of those in powerful positions. Costing this country millions of pounds.

I am sure I am not alone in this but I believe that countries that rely on food aid are becoming dependant on it. Where is the incentive for the people to produce their own? The Government should cut this sort of aid and focus on sending out experts who can get the country producing its own goods and services. With training and expertise I am sure we would start to see results within ten years. This could be supported by those who are on national service. This would have benefits for both countries.

Let me know your thoughts, as I have mentioned I am no expert so I may have missed something that makes all of this ridiculous. 

Yellowplay

What am I? Heroin addict unfortunately

I am a 33 year old male, with an addiction. One which, I believe, is one of  the most socially unacceptable addictions available. If decided to confess it is likely friends, family and colleges would keep their distance and, even worse, assume that I'd steal anything that is not nailed down. However I would like to point out, in the words of Bill Hicks, I've taken drugs and I've not killed or raped anyone, essentially I don't believe that I am a bad person!

The reason I started was not due to some sort of abuse as a child, or because I was dragged up by unloving parents. Neither did I suffer from bullying at school. Basically I have no excuse for my addiction as I had a good upbringing with a loving family.

I met and fell for a beautiful girl who I knew to have had issues with heroin. I believed that they were over as like with many other people I did not understand the life long hold that the drug has over you.

Basically, I ended up trying it one evening and I thought it was nice. That one night turned into taking it at weekends and then to week days and finally...


I remember one evening where I made a stand and said that it was heroin or me, it turns out that it was the drug and I had no backbone, how I wish that I had stood by my convictions!

Maybe I am kidding myself but I never felt like an addict and always wanted to be clean. I will not go to the doctors for a prescription. I have a reason, albeit pathetic, my work can request my medical records. If they did I think we could all agree it would hamper my chances of progression. Also I do not want anyone to know!

I do buy meth from my ex, however this is unreliable and at any moment could stop, this fills me with dread. Now that I am on the meth I am told that its more difficult to get off and will cause discomfort for months after. What a hole I am in.

To add to this my finances are in turmoil, I owe large amounts to payday loan companies, one month behind on my mortgage and owe small amounts to various people.

All of this has caused me to stress, and when stressed I turn to heroin. My neck is aways stiff and uncomfortable, I have mood swings and moments of confusion which all makes for an unusual yellowplay.

Has anyone got any suggestions or tips or are you willing to talk about it and ask questions, offer opinions whether good or bad!

Good day, be good and never ever take the life wrecker drug that is HEROIN! Problem is I did and now can not see a end!

Yellowplay