The 'compassionate' society

Ahh. More results of the 'compassionate' society or what Russel Norman would inaccurately describe as Mickey Savage's applied christianity. Over 5,000 people on benefits because they are drug dependent. Bear in mind there will be many, many more people also on benefits for this reason but it is not listed as the primary cause. They might appear under depression for instance.

In earlier times, before we were a 'compassionate' society, when benefits were available but strictly monitored, such rules applied.

Rule (3) (dispensed with after 1965); Applicant must be of good moral character and sober habits

Rule (2) (dispensed with after 1969); That incapacity for work was not self-induced or in anyway brought about with a view to qualifying for an invalid's benefit.

By the way, in 1965 there was a grand total of 8,744 people on an invalid or sickness benefit.

Now I am no wowser. I like a drink as much as the next person. But I am totally opposed to the idea that one person is forced by the state to pay for his neighbour's over-indulgence. Fine if he wants to but that's not what's happening here.