Sheplover

A lot of things about the McCann's behaviour doesn't add up to me, I know we all deal with grief in different ways, but the circus show that is continually played out in the newspapers and lapped up by Sky News does make me feel uneasy

No, I'd be committed

I would work - it gives me some pride and self respect that I pay my own bills etc, and more than anything it would be boring to sit at home all day doing feck all

Sorry for your loss Wendy Run free at the bridge Poppy

There are worse things in the world to be than one of the Royal Family, I don't feel sorry for them, just like I doubt if they read my 'hardships' they're feel sorry for me. They have known from day dot that they would be in the public eye, maybe not the Queen as she was never destined to be in the limelight, and look how she has carried herself, unlike her sons who have always known their status. Not that it bothers me really, just that they should know better, they know nothing else but their lives do they so it is not like they have gone from being inconspicuous to being thrust into the limelight so they have lost nothing.

I don't know how I feel about the Royal Family tbh They do generate tourism - or maybe the buildings they own do, they are good ambassadors abroad, look at the work Diana did in raising awareness about AIDS, and various children's charities, being somewhat continued by her sons. I do agree that they have been brought up to know better though and some of their antics have been shocking, more so because of the priviledges they have been given. I think that Wills and Harry will bring the monarchy into the C21st and possibly win back a lot of respect and do a lot of good, atleast I hope. I would rather have our country's Queen and parliament over America's as has been said I wonder how much upkeep our taxes would have to fund if we did have President Blair

I think that those on benefits who are capable of work and have not yet found any should do voluntary work - it will help them feel they are not just sitting back and thus some feel guilty, help boost their CV and will make many feel less resentful of those in receipt of benefits

This makes me soooooo mad The whole ethos of this country and the benefit system is wrong - why work when we'll feed, clothe and house you for free while you lie on your back and get pregnant for the rest of your life

I think you have mis interpreted my quote, it was not about one set of people or the motives behind their situation, merely the fact that *I* would like to see more schemes aimed at helping people who do not have children or who always fall on the wrong side of cut off points for tax credit (etc) payments.

Anything that the government releases that isn't about giving money solely to children, homeless, people on drugs, single parents, benefit claimants is something I potentially welcome. I am sick of slipping through the net of earning too much to receive any help, yet earning too little to actually make ends meet

Completely agree, would have also given the Olympics some positive publicity for a change! The prize could have been to have your logo made up, and runners up prizes of tickets to some events!

Who is to say that if the mother was a stay at home mom, that this accident wouldn't have happened? If the dog was forgotten in the car, perhaps there would not have been an outcry? In the case Wendy posted, I think depending in the children's ages that the grandma was guilty of neglect

I know from talking with friends, that just because you have lots of sexual partners doesn't mean that you have had lots of good sex, etc. I am lucky that I am still with my first

Yes, but what about mothers, and fathers, who don't work and bring up bad/neglected/yobbish etc children? To have blanket statements that ALL parents must be at home to have children is naieve IMO, what about parents who can't afford to have children unless they work atleast some of the time? Should they then not be allowed to have children? That would make the world a very sad place.

I meant loss as in opposite to find. No the parents don't sign up, I agree that their child will always be a child to them, but the comparison is still inadequate IMO.

That's a competition winning photo

I agree to a point about your first part, I think there has been some overkill in the coverage of this esp on the 24 hour news channels, such as when Maddy's parents went to Church, or anywhere, it was very much 'and Maddy's mom is now blowing her nose, holding the bear of her daughter, and now she is crying, and now she is looking away from the Vicar" etc, etc I didn't like that at all, that's not news, that's just wrong. I agree with Mrs Mop however, that anything the parents do to keep her in the news, and thus in people's minds can only be a good thing for helping find her, surely? I disagree with the comparison with British troops and a lost toddler - soldiers sign up knowing they MAY die, the loss of which you are speaking is not the same as actually loosing a child.

I think maybe this should be in a new thread, but it's the attitude (from both camps) of what a mother should or shouldn't be doing that riles me as I think it is no one's business (in most circumstances) apart from the mother (and father) what she should or shoudn't do when she has a child. If she wants (or in most circumstances, is financially able to) stay at home, then she can, in the same vein as if she wants to work while being a mum, then that should also be something that she can do!

Claz summed up my views perfectly

You don't know how many times I have sooo wanted to do just that Alison, I would love to have a group of dog lovers and their pets round for a loud bbq and stay up late til the early hours keeping her awake as payback Back to the class thing, where did the term 'working class' come from, as middle class and lots of upper class people still have to work also I am proud of my being working class, as I guess I am proud (in part) of how my dad worked his a$$ off also. Came over to the UK from Pakistan when he was 16 or 17 with only basic English as few skills apart from agirculture. Taught himself English, written and spoken, worked in various factories in Brum, staying at Cadburys for the last 20 odd years working himself up on the shop floor to retire comfortably, owning a few houses while supporting his wife and children over here and also supporting his parents and sister in Pakistan. Not saying that if he was middle or upper class that this wouldn't have been the case, but I always have respect for people who work themselves up from nothing Sorry, I am rambling

Hi Anne! *wave* I am doing a degree in Theology and Geography, if I pass everything I get to go onto my pgce which means I will be qualified to teach secondary school children in R.E and possibly citizenship and pse Hope you are enjoying your alcohol!!

Speaking of Lost Cheryl, does it come back to the UK next Feb, or is that just America? My RMF: I gave in my dissertation today, which, if I pass, would be the last piece of work I hand in as an undergraduate

No, it is the fact that she is a hooligan who threatened me, my dogs and damaged my property that condemned her.

I don't really either, you just get on with things and it's not something that always comes up But some people were rather insistant on a class debate so thought i'd satisfy their need