Should public sector workers be out clearing the snow?

[SeeFive]

I've lived in a house in a small close with 8 other houses for about 10 years now. In that time, we have paid £24,000 poll tax and saw a gritter for the first time today. Previously, we have had to dig the whole street out (3 times last year)

I am happy, great value.

[mrmaggit]

MilleniumFalcon said:

Hang on - so if you pay tax, you pay the wages of every public sector employee?

Im public sector and pay tax. So i must be self employed!

A mate of mine who used to install police radios always used to say that.

[scenario8]

I live in a small cul de sac that backs onto a major road. The major road is gritted every time it snows and traffic moves as well as could be expected. The cul de sac is never gritted.

The good news about the cul de sac side is that it sees very little traffic ever and thus is a pleasant place. Nice and quiet.

The bad news about the major road side of my place is that it is effing noisey 24/7. Literally all day and night every day of the year. I guess more poeple use the major road side of my place and each receive a benefit from it being gritted. The pound spent gritting per person use on that road must be miniscule.

Still, the good news generally is my "Poll Tax" is wasted on an awful lot more than gritting the major road half a doezen days a year. For example, it's used to pay private sector companies huge amounts to add road humps every hundred yards. When are they going to run out of un-humped roads to ruin (at great cost)?

edited for crap spelling etc

Edited by scenario8 on Friday 3rd December 15:51

[Fittster]

robuk said:

I run my own business and the funding is strictly one way - I pay tax and therefore pay the wages of every public sector worker out there, likewise every dole scrounger.

You weren't educated by the state, use the NHS, drive on public roads, etc. There is a return on taxes you paid.

[DonkeyApple]

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

[spikeyhead]

Sheets Tabuer said:

4Q said:

Rant

Excellent

4Q said:

Fist yourself.

If you ever get the chance, there's a young lady who performs with the stage name "Mouse." This is her speciality and very entertaining it is too.

[scenario8]

DonkeyApple said:

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

Dare I type "Thatcher's children?"

runs off to hide

[DonkeyApple]

scenario8 said:

DonkeyApple said:

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

Dare I type "Thatcher's children?"

runs off to hide

That would fit my bigotted belief that the Baby Boomers (as a collective) are the biggest s to have walked the Earth.

[4Q]

convert said:

I don't think that I'm the one with the attitude, rather then one with an idea

Maybe putting your idea across with less of the self-righteous "I pay taxes therefore you're my bh. No, I don't care you're a 64 year old teacher just fking shovel the snow" slant would have been better..?

As for this

4Q said:

some 'how to use a shovel' training, assurance the person undertaking the work is fit enough to complete the task, how to spread grit properly.

I was being a little tongue in cheek with a dig at modern H&S/hoop jumping/box ticking bullst...I am affected by it too, and hate it.

(A Cat C would be required to drive a big fk off mega cool snow plough though...however, if we're all de-camping to clear snow, I'd like early dibs on that job)

Edited by 4Q on Friday 3rd December 16:33

[Gorvid]

convert said:

words

This is what's wrong with the world I think.

People intelligent enough to function highly but sadly, still dumb enough to spout incredible rubbish.

[Engineer1]

If this snow is causing some much trouble for the PRIVATE sector, surely they should be out clearing snow or commissioning people to clear the snow. Surely it makes sense as if it is costing lost sales if you clear the road to your shops/ shopping centre then anyone planning to go out shopping will head for your centre, if Merry Hill, Meadowhall etc where known to be clear of snow and ice with a route cleared from the motorway of main road then people would choose them over heading for a town centre.

The above makes as much sense as getting Public sector workers to clear the snow.

[crankedup]

DonkeyApple said:

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

Morals, I was p*ssed over by Tory Toffs in a previous thread for suggesting that I make every effort to maintain personal moral standing.Pleased to see that at least one poster recognises that morals do play a part in society and sadly we need to look at the other posters and point the finger of shame.

[RichardSole]

convert said:

With so many schools being closed around the country, should the teachers (and other public sector workers) who can't get to work, be out clearing the snow from the side roads.

After all we're the ones who pay their wages (I expect they'll be paid whether they turn up for work or not), so it makes sense for them to actually earn their money by clearing the roads so that those of us who work in the private sector can get to work.




PS I've been out clearing snow on my road.

PPS My wife works in the public sector, and since work is only a mile and a haf away she's been walking to and from work.

First rate trolling.

[ninja-lewis]

normalbloke said:

" 'how to use a shovel' training," "how to spread grit properly"

Seriously? That sums up some of the issues ruining this country!

We need a common sense law....

Judging by how ineffectively most people spread grit round here (dumping it in piles rather than spreading it properly), the suggestion of training probably isn't far off the mark.

Unfortunately common sense is not all that common.

[DonkeyApple]

crankedup said:

DonkeyApple said:

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

Morals, I was p*ssed over by Tory Toffs in a previous thread for suggesting that I make every effort to maintain personal moral standing.Pleased to see that at least one poster recognises that morals do play a part in society and sadly we need to look at the other posters and point the finger of shame.

I think it was actually because you were spouting biggoted claptrap. Referring to people as 'Tory Toffs' does, i'm afraid show you up as somewhat bigotted, the same way as the likes of Griffin. A little like Galloway who has the brains and the education to talk sense but throws it all away by continually frothing at the gash over this percieved uber class.

Do you honestly think that those who disagree with you are prancing around in a top hat and monacle while pleasuring themselves over a fox they are pushing a Mont Blanc up?

I really do think you haven't stopped to think things through for yourself and like many rely on the rantings in drivel publications or the ignorant rantings of their peers.

[Conian]

On a similar note...

SHOULD JEHOVAS WITNESSES WORK IN ESSENTIAL PLACES ON XMAS DAY?

They dont celebrate xmas so why should they have the days off? they can provide care services, clean hospitals, work in petrol stations etc
they'd be well paid, it wouldnt be slave labour or anything.

[crankedup]

DonkeyApple said:

crankedup said:

DonkeyApple said:

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

Morals, I was p*ssed over by Tory Toffs in a previous thread for suggesting that I make every effort to maintain personal moral standing.Pleased to see that at least one poster recognises that morals do play a part in society and sadly we need to look at the other posters and point the finger of shame.

I think it was actually because you were spouting biggoted claptrap. Referring to people as 'Tory Toffs' does, i'm afraid show you up as somewhat bigotted, the same way as the likes of Griffin. A little like Galloway who has the brains and the education to talk sense but throws it all away by continually frothing at the gash over this percieved uber class.

Do you honestly think that those who disagree with you are prancing around in a top hat and monacle while pleasuring themselves over a fox they are pushing a Mont Blanc up?

I really do think you haven't stopped to think things through for yourself and like many rely on the rantings in drivel publications or the ignorant rantings of their peers.

Ah, in your world you even manage to have a number of definitions to suit your argument, note Tory Toffs is not a bigot statement but one that, for me, counters the word Commie which is happily thrown at me in previous threads. So thats OK for you as long as I don't start silly name calling in response. Throw stones and expect the same back fella. You have a belief in your political bias which happens to be the opposite of mine, therefore I guess that your belief has been nurtured from the publications and other media which support the views which you seem so passionate about. Make an attempt to understand that if we all held the beliefs, in political terms, this world would be much poorer for it. This is often called freedom of choice in a democratic society, some here may think I am a Communist, quite a judgement having only read a few threads. I'm prepared to accept that Torys will be around for a little longer, unfortunately, and I do my level best to restrain myself from insulting those that follow this particular political ethos. But now I'm being all moralistic I suppose But thats OK because you mourn the rapidly escalation of the loss of morals in people, or are you just a hypocrite, which I am according to some. What Eccles stated in a previous thread is quite true, anyone posting onto this public forum who holds and expresses non Tory views will be denigrated by a very small minority of regular posters and they will finally resort to silly name calling should they find themselves in an debate to which they are loosing ground. Try and lighten up its only a internet forum.

[Globs]

So has anyone fisted themselves yet?

[DonkeyApple]

crankedup said:

DonkeyApple said:

crankedup said:

DonkeyApple said:

It was only a few years ago, maybe before the big economic boom where everyone came to believe they were supremely important and that everyone must do their bidding, that we would have simply picked up a shovel and cleared our own streets and side roads. We would have gritted out own space outside our home.

I have to say that it is a despicable state of affairs that a modern Englishman seems to think it is acceptable to sit in one's home and bleat that someone else should be outside his house or shop clearing a path. But I guess this is what happens when the masses get too much money too quickly and begin to get ideas above their station.

Any mature adult will have been clearing the pavements outside their own home and those of their less able neighbours.

I'm sure that many have and I would certainly like to believe this the case but in London it does not appear to be and it would appear that most shopkeepers will no longer clear their bit of pavement and protect their potential clients.

Snow in the UK in one regard brings people together and makes it a more friendly place but it also highlights how far this society has descended towards moral destitution.

Morals, I was p*ssed over by Tory Toffs in a previous thread for suggesting that I make every effort to maintain personal moral standing.Pleased to see that at least one poster recognises that morals do play a part in society and sadly we need to look at the other posters and point the finger of shame.

I think it was actually because you were spouting biggoted claptrap. Referring to people as 'Tory Toffs' does, i'm afraid show you up as somewhat bigotted, the same way as the likes of Griffin. A little like Galloway who has the brains and the education to talk sense but throws it all away by continually frothing at the gash over this percieved uber class.

Do you honestly think that those who disagree with you are prancing around in a top hat and monacle while pleasuring themselves over a fox they are pushing a Mont Blanc up?

I really do think you haven't stopped to think things through for yourself and like many rely on the rantings in drivel publications or the ignorant rantings of their peers.

Ah, in your world you even manage to have a number of definitions to suit your argument, note Tory Toffs is not a bigot statement but one that, for me, counters the word Commie which is happily thrown at me in previous threads. So thats OK for you as long as I don't start silly name calling in response. Throw stones and expect the same back fella. You have a belief in your political bias which happens to be the opposite of mine, therefore I guess that your belief has been nurtured from the publications and other media which support the views which you seem so passionate about. Make an attempt to understand that if we all held the beliefs, in political terms, this world would be much poorer for it. This is often called freedom of choice in a democratic society, some here may think I am a Communist, quite a judgement having only read a few threads. I'm prepared to accept that Torys will be around for a little longer, unfortunately, and I do my level best to restrain myself from insulting those that follow this particular political ethos. But now I'm being all moralistic I suppose But thats OK because you mourn the rapidly escalation of the loss of morals in people, or are you just a hypocrite, which I am according to some. What Eccles stated in a previous thread is quite true, anyone posting onto this public forum who holds and expresses non Tory views will be denigrated by a very small minority of regular posters and they will finally resort to silly name calling should they find themselves in an debate to which they are loosing ground. Try and lighten up its only a internet forum.

What is odd is that you don't know my political bias. My dispute with you is that you have been spouting propagandist drivel. I don't recall calling anyone a commie, I have no issue with commies, I just have an issue with bigotted claptrap such as yours

Terms like Tory toff do tend to give the game away, I'm afraid. It's used by people in the same frame of mind as those you use terms like or yid. It's just a different form of hatred, jealousy and fear.

It is just sad to see it in someone of your age, it can be forgiven in youth.

[Rockape]

Last Monday following the dump of snow, one of the schools local to me closed as only three teachers managed to get into work. I really think thats shocking that in a town where at least fifty percent of the teaching staff live within the town only three can be bothered to go to work. My collegue that I work with every day lives in the same town and travels 20 miles to get to our office. He managed every day.

If I can't get to my work (which will never happen as I only live a mile away) I have to go the nearest office and ring on and work from there or someone will come and pick me up in a suitable vehicle and take me to my place of work. I have worked in various parts of the north east of Scotland for ten years now, I have yet to fail to get to work because of the snow. The only time I have not managed to get to work in my career is when the River Stour burst it's banks around Sudbury and it cut off our village.

To answer the question, clear the snow from the streets, not sure but I really think people shoud man up and make some decent effort to get to their work.