But I am happy that this young women’s efforts were recognised.
What we need though is not simply anonymous generosity but public respect.
Besides dropping us a fiver and helping us with our bags, the ultimate kindness would be to relieve us of the baggage of nasty and negative preconceptions.'Respect' for single mothers? Why? For a start 'single mother' is a title with many causes.
Widow? Yes, huge respect.
Divorcee? Mmm, maybe not as much, but mistakes happen in all areas.
Slut who spread her legs for half the male population of her postcode without bothering to even get their phone numbers because the taxpayer will fork out? Get outta here!
But the whole point of the story, which Suzanne has clearly missed, is that the reason he gave her the note and money in the first place is that her actions are so bloody rare!
The very fact that she wasn't, as most I see are, engrossed in her smartphone and even noticed that her child was taking up a seat is almost miraculous.
And, more to the point, in what way was it evident that she was a lone mother and not just someone travelling without her husband/bloke?
ReplyDeleteSlut who spread her legs for half the male population of her postcode without bothering to even get their phone numbers because the taxpayer will fork out?
ReplyDeleteOK, but the story does say:
Her relationship with her partner and father of all of her offspring ended in 2013 because he could not handle having so many children.
Since his genitals were not entirely under her control, I wonder why he did not wear a condom or have a vasectomy? He does not need her permission for either of these. He also has half the genetic inheritance and, despite what you read in parts of the bloggosphere, a court would consider his rights in respect of the children even though he is not married to the mother.
His surprise and distress at this situation changes nothing; he is liable to pay towards the upkeep of his children and is just as culpable as her for thinking that the taxpayer will fork out.
Good luck with trying to get the money, though; a quick glance at 400 years of bastardy courts suggest that this doesn't usually work because the sires usually haven't got any money.
The underlying question is about what our state policy, if any, should be towards people having children. I know several bloggers here have strong views on the matter but I believe there has to be an accommodation otherwise we get the pressure for uncontrolled immigration, which stores up long-term problems for short-term gains.
My preference would be for the generous funding of only the first two children of any British woman, but there can be a debate about exactly what it would work out to in practice.
A well behaved child can only be achieved by some form of child abuse, every Grauniad columnist knows.
ReplyDelete"...What we need though is not simply anonymous generosity but public respect..." - Suzanne Moore
ReplyDeleteShe obviously doesn't know what respect is if she feels it is something to be demanded.
Respect, Ms Moore, is something which has to be earned!
Oh "slut", can you use this word more often,lol.
ReplyDeleteWe took our two on a flight to Japan when they were quite young. While we were getting of the plane at Tokyo, a couple who had been sitting nearby came up and said how well behaved they had been. I can honestly say no amount of money could have made me feel better.
ReplyDelete"...and not just someone travelling without her husband/bloke?"
ReplyDeleteHmm, good point! It's a wonder the sisterhood aren't crucifying the poor sod for jumping to conclusions...
"My preference would be for the generous funding of only the first two children of any British woman..."
I tend to agree, but can't help but quail at the necessary bureaucracy needed to administer this.
"I can honestly say no amount of money could have made me feel better."
:)