Contemporary Issues

[Lexmarker]

Just found this website, looks really good. I am at Uni and would like to know what social issue's in the UK, really get your back up. This would help me choose a contemporary social issue for my coursework! Thanks All

[Theland]

So, Lexmarker, housing is emerging as a contemporary social issue of ultra high importance. What do you think? What of your future? Will you ever own a home?

[paulos66]

Naomi, just to be clear I was pointing out where the problem started I have no allegiance to the current labour govt - I'd prefer a left wing party (well to be fair I'd probably prefer anarchy but .............)

[Theland]

paulos - with islam, your dream will come true.

[paulos66]

Naomi, - I did not blame 2nd home owners for the problem I just said that's where I'd start to redress the balance -

[naomi24]

paulos, Why? Have you ever travelled to socialist or communist countries, and seen first hand the results of their systems of government? If so, can you tell me what you found so attractive about them?

[paulos66]

Naomi, because I hate greed and greedy people. I'm not convinced there have been any yet and think it could only truly work on a global scale but I've spent enough time in capitalist society.
We could take Russia as an example where life expectancy has plummetted since the fall of 'communism'
I would also love to have seen what Cuba could have achieved if it was allowed to without american influence

[Theland]

paulos - how do you think people are motivated to work and build if not for some reward? Your hopes are based on a flawed human nature, that won't work. The only way it can work, is through self sacrifice. Do you want to embrace Christianity?

[paulos66]

Theland, After my parents failed attempts to indoctrinate me into christianity I don't hold out much hope for yours. But I agree that human nature has a bit of evolving to do before we get there.
In the meantime as a compromise I'll go: No one person in a company owner/manager/shareholder etc is allowed to take out more than 10 times the amount of the lowest payed person

[Theland]

paulos - Your parents sound like wise people. The Kingdom of God will only be established .... by God.
Mans' attempts to build Utopia are doomed to failure, due to the flawed human heart. History abounds with examples as well you know. Empire and political systems fail, all for the same reason. The temporary advances hold out much promise, but are houses built on sand, and cannot withstand the storms of time, greed and lust.
The bible offers the hope you yearn for, but you harden your heart and trust in Mans' wisdom instead.
I respect your views, and short term, you have some good points, but they are only temporary solutions.

[naomi24]

paulos, a commendable ethic and I understand completely where you're coming from. However, you are talking about Utopia, and that will never exist. In any society, man will always crave power and wealth - and in any society, some will succeed. There will always be the rich and there will always be the poor. You cite Russia as an example, but I've been to communist Russia (amongst other places), and it was far from ideal. In such societies, there really is no equality. The elite still exist and the poor are far worse off than any working person in this country has ever been. Shops are lined with empty shelves so there's little to buy, doctors expect bribes in return for prescriptions, electricity is at a premium; water, even in the major cities, often comes from wells, and if people are lucky enough to be able to afford a car or have a telephone installed in their homes, they go on waiting lists - often for as long as five years. Additionally, personal freedom doesn't exist. If you lived under such a regime, you wouldn't be able to travel the world and neither would you be able to speak your mind, even on Answerbank. Haven't you ever wondered why the citizens of such countries are so eager to flee to the west?

[China Doll]

Well I'd like to know why perfectly sane and apparently normal woman hit 30 and decide that their life until then has been meaningless and now only a man on the arm and a baby in the pram will make it all better.

I want to know why mental health problems appear to be on the increase when we're at our most affluent.

I'd like to know why when educating yourself is so easy there are still ignorant tw@ts frequenting this site and my everyday life.

The contribution of religion to society is always an interesting one too.

And also... drinking til you throw up is ok but having a spliff and eating too many twixes is frowned upon.

These are some of things that go on in my head.

[naomi24]

Theland, forgive me, but we are talking about real life, not about some airy-fairy religious dream. How can your Utopia ever be established when as a self-confessed Christian, you do not follow the Christian ethic to love your fellow man? Your intense hatred of Islam, and it's followers, and your obvious blanket refusal to even attempt to understand and embrace those of another culture does nothing whatsoever to bring peace or unity to the world.

[Skreecheeboy]

Naomi, it's because man wrote the bible but he's been convinced that it was actually "God." I bet he goes to a fundamentalist church too, I went to one of them, they preach lies.

[Theland]

Why wouldn't I hate islam? It worships a demon, has a paedophile for a prophet, and is intent on world domination through jihad?
As for individual, "fellow man," well I am not racist, and wish no harm to anybody, in fact, I support opening up this country to genuine refugees.
My Christianity does not imply a need to let in all economic migrants, criminals, the sheer numbers that would destroy the way of life of our own population.

[Lexmarker]

This is fantastic!!

Debate is soooo Healthy, fascinating and helpful.

I credit you all who have replied. Plenty of food for thought. I think this is excellent.

I have a really radical social policy tutor (some would say extremist) and would love to give him more food for thought.

Please keep it coming you guys!!!

Thank you so much

Lex

[naomi24]

Theland, why wouldn't you hate Islam? Because you claim to be a Christian, and Christians are supposed to try to love and understand their fellow man, aren't they? While people think as you do, and hate as you do, any sort of Utopia can never be considered - and of course, that also applies to the way radical Muslims think. I don't believe you can sincerely call yourself a Christian when you harbour such intense hatred. It's in complete contradiction to the basic tenet of Christianity as I understand it.

I don't agree with letting all and sundry into this country either, but that wasn't the point of the debate. We were talking about society and political systems. However, you introduced religion into the discussion, and because you think you're right, you will make no effort whatsoever to tolerate and to understand others - as you've just proven. How can this world ever know peace and harmony when religion removes from men's minds all vestiges of rational judgement?

[naomi24]

Lex, maybe your tutor should join AB.

[Theland]

Dear Really Radical Social Policy Tutor, please explain to Lexmark where he is going to live when he has qualified with his/her degree, as unless he/she forms a cooperative with other families, he/she will be living in a tent. Added to that, I hope that you are tutoring Lexmark in how to be streetwise, which is the quality needed to earn your living these days, espcially in the casual agency labour market.
Fraternal Regards, Theland.

[Theland]

Naomi - My intense hatred of islam is my hatred of their weird and violent beliefs. They do not compromise, unless they are apostates to their own religion, and the Wahabbis amongst them will one day whip them into shape. No, I do not compromise with evil. That is like saying, it is the 1930's, and we are going to try and sit down and compromise with herr Hitler. Sometimes lines have to be drawn.

[Lexmarker]

Theland - Ever the optimist - your a gem!