Why should the rich pay more tax than the poor?

[Essex Lad]

The problem is that much of the funding is only available to those people who already agree with the hypothesis that climate change exists. Most of the scientists whose names get put forward are not actually meteorologists. Check out Christopher Booker's excellent book - or Nigel Lawson's

[alicia_fan_uk]

I would prefer to read those books in e-book format; hard copies are the cause so much carbon emission.....

[Essex Lad]

Lol... although if I am right and you are wrong it won't make any difference...

[alicia_fan_uk]

Yeah, that's why I said it!

Cheers.

[Essex Lad]

On the subject of waste and how it can be defined - this is a waste of public money:

The NHS in Strathclyde is advertising for a 'Hair Removal Specialist - Transgender Services'. The lucky applicant will be paid up to ?21,798 a year. Professional electrolysis and laser treatment qualifications and experience of working with transgender clients is essential.

[alicia_fan_uk]

I am not sure who you quoted that from, but I am dubious as to whether that individual is fully informed on this specific case given his/her reference to "the NHS in Strathclyde" - I presume they actually mean NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. If the journo/commentator you cite can't get simple facts like that right, my sceptic altert bumps up a notch or two!

I fully acknowledge your underlying point though, particularly in such austere times. I suppose one of the key determinants of whether this is waste or not depends on your view on what drives the demand for gender realignment (ie "choice" or "need/medical drivers"....not strictly a topic for this thread, I suggest).

We could well be here forever citing individual roles/case studies and arguing over whether it's waste or not; context and personal persuasion would be two key factors which would influence each individual's response, and agreement would be far from universal.

alicia_fan_uk