Monday 25 January 2010

Can't See The (Red)Wood For The Trees

John Redwood, Conservative MP for Wokingham, was one politician I have had time for, but his latest 'idea'  is more in tune with the ill-thought out policies of his leader than those of the John Redwood we have come to know in the past.

James Kirkup picks up on Redwood's ideas with an article on the Telegraph website: "If someone stole my car, for example, I would like them to buy me a new replacement". So this 'toe-rag' who steals his car is a drug-addict on the dole, who promptly sells it to fund his habit. And John Redwood would like this person to buy him a replacement?

"Of course if the thief was unable and unwilling to work and refused to pay the bills then prison would be the last resort." and "The second is the wide range of new crimes this government has dreamed up to pursue its political correctness and power of the state agenda." Leaving aside the bureaucracy and costs involved in setting up yet another NGO to handle the 'repayment' period - are not the Conservatives supposed to 'cut' unnecessary quangos and NGOs and does this idea not 'pursue political correctness and power of the state agenda' - why bring in a 'middle-man'? It could be suggested that the Conservatives would do better to concentrate their minds on annuling the numerous trivial laws, subject to a prison sentence, that the present government has created!

The only lesson those who break the law will understand is: Commit the crime, do the time!

Afterthough: That last sentence will no doubt bring one of my commenters, named Jim, down on me like the proverbial 'ton of bricks' - but hey!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Prison is hardly a lesson, they just go out and do it again. A financial penalty for a financial crime however can be seen to be a very good lesson