Originally Posted by brian pearson

Lots of angles to come from regarding the public funding of parenthood.

Firstly, the cost. We just can't afford it. It's not just the odd claiment. There are whole estates of non working mothers who treat having children as a job. The sight of kids pushing around kids is everywhere.

Secondly, the social consequences. When you tend to get things free you don't really value them. Therefore you end up with ferel brats who run around with no parental control whatsoever. These will no doubt breed like rabbits themselves and the downward spiral continues.

Thirdly, the unfairness of it all. As a couple who both HAVE to go out to work full time to pay the bills (tax being the biggest) we can only afford one child. We claim nothing. Looking around at the way my tax is spent by those who CHOOSE not to work hardly inspires us.

The welfare bill is incredible and rising. The welfare state is supposed to be a safety net, not a way of life. Yet it is set up to encourage recklesness and social breakdown. The financial cost is big but nothing compared to the way it positively encourages social mayhem.

It could take decades to turn attitudes around.