Originally Posted by
Jamie's Boots
So people who are unemployed in this country do not actually own TVs or phones then? - Purchased whilst I was working but rarely used now, downgraded to Freeview and PAYG.
They do not have houses or flats provided by the state in which to live? Not at all, actually.
They do not have access to clean water and money provided to purchase food and necessities? As long as I pay the bill and not at all, actually.
They do not have access to a healthcare system for which they do not have to pay on the gate? Same goes for Richard Branson, what's your point?
They do not have free dental care or eyecare when unemployed? Again, NOT AT ALL, ACTUALLY.
These are all facts: poor people (and the unemployed would be classified as the poorest, I assume) all have access to these things in this country. As long as I pay for most of them.
If you want real poverty, take all those things away and you have it. I know, I lost my job back in 1990 and had a wife and two toddlers to take care of. I made an art form of shopping at Aldi for a family of four for a week and coming away with change from a £20 note. It's amazing how snug you can feel in a house with no heating in the middle of winter, if you wear several pyjamas and wooly socks that your mam has knitted. Etc.
Ask anyone aged 70 plus who was poor when young and they will tell you what that kind of life was like. My Dad said: growing up during World War 2 was a ••••••• for everyone.