I can comment on one point…

To privatise police is to give the power brokers of this world free reign to do as they see fit. And if you think the powers that be are altruistic, ethical and compassionate, then I’d ask you all to look to the Multinationals operating in southeast Asia and South America. Even in our current system, there is constant government interference and favouritism. I know this because I am a police officer and see it regularly. At least there are some checks and balances in a services operated by a government. Would the Fitzgerald Inquiry have happened if the police were owned by PBL? Or would money have changed hands to make the problem go away? It is a fight to stay impartial and do the job society expects of us.

It is my contention that any service sold off to the highest bidder no longer becomes a social service but simply becomes a power-brokers tool and money tree. Yes, some services run at a loss. But isn’t that the nature of government? To provide those essential services to all, jointly and on behalf of society? In the modern age seems the ‘knowledgeable’ believe that private operators are best for this world. Though free enterprise is important to the growth of the human race, it is not the answer to the well-being of the race.

Just my two cents worth (can’t afford much more these days… and who’s looking to buy peoples opinions now? Maybe I could recover some of the cost!)

Terje, mate, check the article again. No mention of health vouchers for the unemployed, only for pensioners. Surely even its supporters have realised that with this government, the fine print needs to be checked very carefully indeed. Duh.