Bread and Circuses in the UK

How is it that the government is responsible for my overall quality of life? Don't get me wrong, we pay these people in the government to do their best to minimize dangers in my life like foreign and domestic terrorists, violent criminals, and the dumping of toxic sludge in my back yard. My quality of life would be much worse if any of those things weren't curtailed by government activity.

But, beside that, how is it that the government is responsible for me enjoying cultural activities or eat better or, somehow, wake up every morning feeling happy and refreshed? In my mind, my overall quality of life is a culmination of choices that I make to make my world better or worse. What will I eat for dinner? How often do I exercise? Would I rather go to see a play or just hide myself away in my home?

In the UK (and, in other situations, here in the US) some people are taking a very different view: that my quality of life is largely defined by my government. This is the question being asked by the Beeb:

The report says quality of life is still not at the heart of government decision-making and that it is vital for the future well-being of society.

Should politicians pay more attention to quality of life? Do we pay a price for prosperity? Send us your comments.

Some of the answers? Just check out the extended entry.

I'd be readier to believe that obesity, poor diet, excessive car-use, reading tabloids and not being involved in any serious culture are lifestyle choices if I could see children actually being given a choice. Those things are given to them without the suggestion of any alternatives. We need to stop bleating about the 'nanny state' and force people to engage with the better, healthier things in life. Paul Keeling, London

We should "force" people to "engage with the better healthier things in life?" That sounds like a strange, cultural tyranny to me. And, hopefully, children are being given guidance and choices by their parents and families, not just by the government and schools.

When did every aspect of a life become the province of the government?

Tax the rich more. Let's start with a 50% tax band for those earning over £50,000 a year, rising to 60% for those earning over £100,000 a year. All the extra money could go towards better public transport, free prescriptions for all, and free education. Surely the rich people could live with owning two luxury cars instead of three?
Peter, UK

Unfortunately, this is a stock answer and it plays into an already accepted practice: progressive taxation. Of course, it ignores anything resembling fair play, the long term effects of denying those who are self-sufficient the ability to maintain their self-sufficiency, and the effect that oppressive taxation has on productivity or the economy as a whole. Brilliant.

Yes, they can start by scrapping the UK opt-out on the Working Time directive so we have more time with our Families and to do some exercise. While in theory an employer can not force you to work more than the average 48 hours per week, the reality is that many employers just expect you to work longer hours or expect to have this reflected in promotion/pay prospects.
Richard, Kent, UK

That Working Time directive is one of the things that will help ensure that the EU never overtakes the United States in productivity or economic growth. In the UK, companies and workers can opt out of the directive, but through much of the rest of the EU the opt out isn't in use. Employers simply cannot allow their workers to work more than a set number of hours per week.

I propose that we call this the "Protect the Lazy" directive.

Luckily, there is a voice or two of reason in the bunch. And thank God for it.

Oh come on, lets not blame the politicians here, it is the choice of individuals to drive places rather than walk, to eat fast food rather than fresh vegetables, to smoke rather than to inhale clean fresh air. Why not ask the question: "What could WE ALL do to pay more attention to our quality of life" rather than laying all responsibility on the Government as usual.
Victoria L, Westminster, UK

Yes, what could we all do to make our lives better?

The most interesting thing here is to see what people think the government controls. One gentleman says, simply, that the government should lower the cost of living--of course, how that is to be done is left to the imagination as is any basic understanding of a market driven economy.

Of course, I've chosen to hi-light the overwhelmingly foolish responses. Unfortunately, the foolish responses were far easier to pick out of the crowd than were the reasonable ones.

Posted by zombyboy at April 13, 2004 10:04 AM | TrackBack