Susyq5

I agree completely, however, age brings advantage often in life experience. We rarely learn from others mistakes/ experiences but often, as we too age, discover the oldies were right all along in many cases.

My money, my choice where to spend it.
One of the first things I was told when I started working was that as a service industry our only advantage over competitors was to offer better service than they did.
So yes the customer is always right
That doesn't, however, mean that they can be sexist or misogynistic towards you and this should always be reported to whoever manages you.
Those sorts of people are objectionable all the time and not just as a customer!!!

Sounds utopian. I have to come out against this one.
Not sure how you'd legislate for unplanned pregnancy. You'd have to do psychological tests quickly to be withing abortion limits assuming that is even ethical for so many reasons.
Having a child matures and improves so many parents that to withdraw that right is unjust.
It has to be the role and responsibility of society as a whole to detect at risk children and report via social services or the like.

Again sounds a good idea but the more training and procedures we put in place the less parents listen to their natural instincts.
So much about child rearing now is published theory that parents follow the latest fad that then goes out of fashion for a new one.
Nobody knows your child as well as you do all that is needed is support.

I'd question the cook if you find a roast dinner bland and dull.

Good that we are blessed with variety to please all our tastes

Marriage is not outdated because it constantly evolves.
What was a traditional expectation of marriage in earlier decades is not how it is lived today where partners are equal.
Marriage is not just a ceremony it is a life together, sharing and supporting your partner. Naturally there are times when disagreement can arise and if there were no Marriage it could be so easy to walk away in the heat of the moment and later regret that action. Divorce takes time allowing space perhaps to rethink or decide properly.
It is a demonstration that you care enough to make a public commitment that doesn't have to be religious or formal but meaningful to the couple.
Marriage gives a level of legal safety for partners and any children.
Today there is no pressure to marry. It is perfectly acceptable to live together but in my view a Marriage entered into voluntarily by two people gives a security that is unsurpassed.

It is life experience that colour ones views and outlook not the number of years one has lived.
Where the number of years lived become relevant is in others preconceived views of what age that represents

I'm not overkeen on WITH the headphone either if I'm honest.
When I am walking people are often wrapped up in their own portable little world,they sing along, completely unaware that we are not party to the music they hear and often they are hopelessly out of tune.
Others are having animated conversations, possibly with themselves who would know. Years ago before mobile phones I would have been very wary of this sort of behaviour wondering if they had a problem of some sort, but now this intrusion into a peaceful walk is accepted behaviour.
Why are people unable to exist without being wired up to this life support? Incapable of walking without speaking on the phone. Why not listen to the birds, exchange good morning greetings with others or just enjoy the calm. Human interaction should be encouraged.
Of course busy city life may be noisy and they are attempting to drown out the noise but therein lies the danger of being unaware of what is happening around you. I've seen cyclists and motorists absorbed in this way rather than paying attention to their road safety.

It would be impossible to have a civilised society without taxation.
Taxation provides not only for policing, schools, refuse disposal, street lighting etc but for all the essential provisions of the welfare state.
Whilst I am often at odds with the way these taxations are spent, controversial cuts to ,for instance library services, I am absolutely sure they are essential in some form
Taxation in the UK is far too complicated and those who can afford to pay for good accountants who often save in legal and immoral loopholes more than the accountancy cost.
Taxation has evolved over generations but in my opinion would benefit from simplification. Why isn't vehicle road tax spent solely on maintaining roads, national insurance contributions for health provision instead of going into one big pot?

Crimes against women are against the law. Why would any criminal obey a curfew law rather than surreptitiously continuing?

Good balanced argument here with a view toward education, explanation and understanding which seems an appropriate way forward rather than reactionary sides.
As the mother of sons as well as a daughter I have to say I was no less worried with my sons. Danger lurks potentially for everyone and to be aware of that seems sensible to me. Women certainly are easier targets in some respects but knife crime seems to be on the increase and a danger more for men.
In an ideal world it should be safe for anyone to walk alone at night but crime exists in all its guises so to care for each and not put ourselves in danger is necessary.

As one who is tall I find this interesting. I have always wished to be small, or at least smaller but obviously I have no concept of what being small feels to make a decision although I guess average must be best where clothes are neither too short or too long and fit easily.
The problem with being tall is that you are always noticed. For some this may be an advantage if you are the "front of house" type rather than "supporting cast" so I suppose to be for or against your argument is not as straightforward as it sounds.
The preconceptions surrounding height or the lack of it can be disconcerting, not all tall people are good at sports or capable types for instance whilst I am sure short people are not as helpless as some may imagine.
Evolution seems to be making us taller as many have better access to nutritious food and in this age of equality and inclusivity I assume there is no gender bias in your argument but I think fewer men would wish to be small perhaps.
Personally agree completely, overall I remain mixed.

I wonder how books for syllabuses would be chosen were content warnings adopted. There would surely be objections whichever were selected!

Disagree completely
I find the increased use and acceptance of swearing sad and offensive and I do hope it isn't an evolutionary language process.
Employers, perhaps,judge the use of swearing on the outburst of indicated exasperation and frustration than of displaying a calm approach to problem solving. Swearing may not be indicative of a poor education but it surely is an indication of poor judgement used inappropriately.
Accents, as you mention,if genuinely regional rather than assumed from tv watching, faddy and non indigenous are interesting and good to hear.
The purpose of language is communication and we should aspire to the best possible use not reduce to the lowest common denominator in my opinion.

I am also against but for none of the reasons you offer.
I think it virtually impossible for a person to destroy another with all the advantages existing for both. She may have changed life as he knew it.
Life is about compromise. If the lifestyle of the Royal family doesn't suit them then it is their choice to walk away, a decision made as a couple. They are able to walk away because there is a line of succession established that doesn't include or need them. They are also financially secure which gives freedom.
I am against soul baring in such a public way, it is not a reality show to persuade people to take sides and as in most things I believe there is fault, cultural and lifestyle differences and I do not mean racially, on both "sides". No winners here.
This is not "The Crown" !

Harry being sixth in line means that he is extremely unlikely to accede to the throne and that gives him more freedom to choose his lifestyle.
Has it occurred to you that effectively "asking permission" to see her friends could all be tied up with security and her personal safety?
I would hazard a guess that if you held almost any family up to the scrutiny the Royal family receives then we would find skeletons in the cupboard, hurtful remarks and fallings out.
I accept the differences in the lifestyles led by Meghan and Harry were very different and they have needed to find a way of life to suit them both, that is their choice.
In my opinion the "Oprah" interview was misguided. The Queen herself said you can't be half in the Royal family in respect of the public face but that they are much loved family members.
For any family/friends etc the way to resolve a problem is not to discuss it publicly and in this particular case sensationally but to address it with those you have differences with.
This interview in the greater part has been devisive, taking sides helps nobody, what they all need is resolution and conciliation.

Wholeheartedly agree!

I certainly hope not
They assume an uncomfortable body length that I certainly have never conformed too and in addition my legs are far too long.
They usually involve extensive undressing for calls of nature and anyway I'm far too old now!!!

Ironic that this is controversial while we have a woman leading the Met and a female Home Secretary who would I assume has had some part in the direction.

Agree completely and I am very envious that you have a beautiful language to learn and fight for.
The English, in my opinion, get a raw deal because all that was ours has been embraced/imposed on others resulting in a universality that leaves nothing that is exclusively "ours"

We don't even have our own national anthem!

I disagree because we will only ever hear one side, or perhaps this is where you believe the problem lies.
The Royal family has a public face but also has the same problems as any family.
I find it strange and perhaps sad that at the time Meghan had a problem with her mental health her husband and brother in law were involved quite publicly with the " heads together" campaign to persuade people to speak out.
I didn't watch the interview, for me it feels voyeuristic to watch and I am not a fan of public soul baring.
The monarchy is constantly evolving so to say there is a profound issue within the Royal family seems unfair considering the Queen's long reign and the changes she has seen in her lifetime.

It bothers me that I am fairly neutral on this but I think that is my age group. Time were very different when I was a young woman and what is now rightly seen as inappropriate behaviour was considered acceptable back then.
Clearly attitudes have changed and I can see just how much.
I do not use twitter so the hash tag was something I was not aware of. If I was a man ( sound like Beyonce!) I think I'd be tempted to point out that it's not all men, however all men do have a responsibility to call out inappropriate behaviour amongst their peers, fathers can show their sons the right way to behave although different cultures, sometimes have different views about how women are protectively treated and kept safe that can conflicts with a womans equality.
Sadly there will always be perverts, who as I told my children growing up, look just like anyone else.

I believe and hope that personal viewpoints on most subject will be inconsistent. As we travel through life , experience can change our views in so many ways and I think this is preferable to being unmoving and fixed. Others views may present a different perspective for our consideration so listening is valuable. Empathy and understanding will change our often narrow views of so many situations.
To me argument and debate are very different things.

Agree to a certain extent but we have to be mindful of the effect on others if we choose against vaccination. There is an individual responsibility to protect those most vulnerable and perhaps unable to be vaccinated themselves, by having the vaccine ourselves.
We are very fortunate these days that such a severe virus is a rare occurrence, people have forgotten that the publics' health has improved, in part, because previous generations have subjected themselves to a variety of vaccinations, smallpox, polio, tb and in more modern times MMR.

As someone who rarely imbibes I am against this proposal.
It must be individual choice. There is very little in life that we do that potentially doesn't harm us. Should we ban driving because people die in road accidents or smoking because of the known health risks, although personally I think I'd vote for the latter! Exercise has its dangers and sugar is bad for us. The list goes on......
I consider it very wrong to limit freedom of choice in this instance .

Agree but not sure how this could be achieved without the break up of the union

Do weekends as we knew them actually exist these days?
Now that 7 day opening of everything is the norm people often have to work on a traditional weekend and though they will then have days off during the week actually coordinating family time together is becoming increasingly difficult for many.

Agree completely.
Essential also as a quiet place to study and for Internet access for those without that facility at home, particularly now so much is booked or applied for online.
It is a social meeting place for young mums taking their children to story time and somewhere to read newspapers or magazines.
The importance of libraries is sadly overlooked , a great number closing down to reduce council budgets denying access to many.

Looks good painted............

I am old enough to remember the introduction of the pill and whilst I agree with many of your points it is hard for younger people to understand the absolute difference the pill made to womens' lives.
Before the pill women entered into "shotgun" marriages rather than face a pregnancy alone with the resulting censure, women had baby after baby, large families often without the means to support them and often late in life when medical risks were greater. Women died in back street abortions.
The pill gave women freedom and its part in the whole womens liberation movement is huge. I remember having to prove I had a date for my wedding before they'd prescribe it for me!
I'm not discounting the side effects by any means, and further research is certainly necessary, just pointing out that in the scheme of things they are preferable to the alternative.

As I say I think you are right about this aspect but the pill has to be easy to get, perhaps with more counselling for the very young, living with acne is less life changing than an living with an accidental pregnancy and ramifications.

Instinctively I agree , however I can't discount the discipline necessarily acquired through this sport. There are many cases where aggressive tendencies can be correctly channeled and much is gained.

Agree, ban the term chicklit too.

Agree completely. Love is never wasted whether or not it is forever. We learn from the experience and if we move on without bitterness it enriches and helps our understanding in future relationships both in knowing ourself and how relationships work.

I have been told that only old people insert commas, that the text may be misleading without is of no consequence.
I wasn't aware of a full stop (period) meaning, thank you. I'll stick to x

I agree.
It seems there is so much hidden meaning in the way a text is sent and it concerns me that intent is misconstrued,
certainly for my generation not familiar with this. I am told emoji can mean different things to what I imagine them too.
Who invents these rules, why aren't they universally understood?

Surely the point of good language is that it is understood by the most people.
I actually dislike the use of slang, for instance, in news bulletins.
Slang and the use of the vernacular can be very hard to understand for anyone not of that particular generational group as slang terms used by other generations would be equally perhaps strange today.
Although maybe that is the purpose!

Older drivers usually will have many years of experience, often having driven cars much more difficult to manipulate than models of today.
Whilst I accept that reaction skills may slow they may have developed a range of anticipatory skills that more than compensate.
They are less likely to be distracted by other occupants in a car, bickering children for instance and are less likely to be charged for driving under the influence of drugs/ alcohol.
In addition they are governed by the same highway code as any driver .
To hold such a view against a section of society merely because of age seems extremely unjust.
I have witnessed poor driving in all age groups, it is not the perogative of the elderly alone. I would have a guess that few drivers of any age would pass the driving test after general driving experience and the inevitable bad habits acquired .

I decided not to point the finger at a particular age group, just wanted to restore the balance a little.

Agree, caution is needed also because many essential oils are extremely toxic to pets

The one time it exists and lasts forever is a mother seeing her child for the first time

I understand your argument to a degree but where should they compete?

Not entirely sure what is meant. I've always considered it both.

Ah thank you for the clarification

My instinct is to say against because I see more and more children with double barrelled names, taking both. Were this practice to continue then the next generation could potentially have quadruple ones.
Many women keep their maiden name(which is most often their father's) professionally but legally take their husband's name for all other purposes.
Both husband and wife could agree to take the wife's surname on marriage too.
I am unfamiliar whether there is an accepted practice if same sex partners marry?
I rather think we are projecting today's thinking on times past, " going from father's property to husband's " could as easily be interpreted as father's protection to husband's
To me sharing a name symbolises unity , a sense of belonging together and as a family.

No it isn't overrated.
It is a joy and a privilege to have the care of a tiny human who will amaze you daily. Who will scare you frequently and worry you in so many stages of their lives.
It is a lifelong commitment but one of such love that has no equal.
I feel great sadness for those who would wish to have them but are unable to.
That said if a choice is made not to have children then that is perfectly right and proper too.
Certainly not overrated I cannot imagine my life without them

For me the positive aspect is that, for a great percentage of the population, there is now choice.
In an ideal world every child should be wanted by the parents, not created to fulfill anybody else's expectation.

I agree with you Anna
If we see simple acts of kindness as sexist then the world has gone mad. Polite action, like holding a door open is natural whether for male or female, child or elderly person , would it be better to let it go in their face? Similarly I would move a child onto my lap to allow an adult of either gender to sit down.

Perhaps there is an assumption that women do not recognise these "subtle forms of sexism", maybe they do ,or don't see it as sexism, maybe they are quite happy.
If a women likes the "tradition" male/female roles as they exist in her life then why should she be made to feel she is letting the side down.

I actually disagree.
There is so much media attention these day about how we should feel, why we should feel a certain way, how to conduct ourselves in virtually every aspect of life that we are losing our personal, individual instints to some extent. If a persons action doesn't offend me or impinge anyone else's liberty in the immediate surroundings then I see no harm.
You say, no matter our traditions, men correctly raised in my generation would naturally open doors, or walk on the pavement closest to the road. It was never seen as sexist but respectful. Common courtesy to fellow humans. In fact I enjoy that sense of protection and in turn I enjoy the nurturing role. We all lean and are leant on at stages in our lives it's how humans exist together, not to necessarily be seen as subjugation.
Surely sexism should be viewed in the same way bullying is in the perception of the receiver.

Exactly, tolerance.
Accept actions in the way they appear to be extended.

As someone who is seriously addicted to dogs and is unable to walk past one without passing the time of day, I don't entirely agree.
Animals are undoubtedly stress relieving but as they also come with a responsibility for their care they can, in turn,cause stress. If a much loved animal is ill the distress is immeasurable and in turn because their lives are generally so much shorter than ours we have to cope with their loss too

Definitely for school uniform, as a parent I was happy to put out what they were going to wear the next day, I can't even imagine the uproar if they'd all chosen their own clothes!
As a student in senior school I preferred school uniform. I wouldn't have had the confidence or budget to express myself with clothing and a uniform made me belong after being bullied endlessly for my clothes in junior school where there was no uniform.

It surely is a question of quantity.
I like more cream than jam so cream first and a little jam in the centre of the cream

I disagree that he has always followed scientific advice. The scientific advisers have squirmed on occasion trying to answer questions truthfully without seeming to disagree with the Government stance.
It must be a difficult business trying to keep the economy going but some decisions have been questionable in the extreme. Eat out to help out a case in point and the unmitigated disaster of Christmas when he must have realised the mixing that would go on once restrictions were eased in early December. Still incoming visitors are not put into hotel quarantine, why?

I find it rather frightening that so much data is collected about us currently. So many organisations collecting data about us from so many sources where we blithely accept the cookie policy pop up.
Click on a link at your peril and your choice of clothing, decoration and DIY needs pop up in email and Facebook feeds, not of course your choice but what the "intelligence" suggests you want or need.
Just walking the dog I'm popping up on dozens of ring doorbell data to the point where I almost feel the need to smile as I pass.
This surveillance is perhaps necessary in some areas of life but I can't help thinking that this monitoring, in the greater part, of law abiding citizens is keeping a whole raft of people occupied in seemingly to me, unnecessary tasks.

I understand your mixed position as it is one I share.
I appreciate the decrease in pollution and benefits gained to the natural world but certain aspect exist that are of concern.
The discipline of a workplace usually dictates a set of standards, punctuality, dress, for instance. The interaction with fellow humans is not to be dismissed either even though I can think of some I'd be happy to avoid for life.
If a workforce can be derived from any location for homeworking how will that affect the high housing prices of hitherto expensive areas, will people descend into negative equity or sell up quickly, exacerbating the problem, and move somewhere cheaper?
University students currently complain that the course they signed up for is not the one being delivered, they are missing the interaction of student life.
Working from home is not always beneficial. Rapid change is not ideal so I remain mixed.

I agree with you. I appreciate the convenience of home working and the necessity currently but my experience as a customer indicates a slackening of standard, on a few occasions I've been addressed as "sweetie" and "dearie". I'm not suggesting necessarily a return to "madam" but this lack of professionalism, in my view, does nothing for my confidence in their efficiency and reliability. Without the strictures of colleagues it seems we lapse into home mode.
We grow in many way with interaction within the work environment.

Agree, laws may be passed to dictate how a person must act. It's how they feel that is more relevant perhaps.

I though the House of Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle handled the silence announcement very well when he called for a minutes silence for Captain Sir Tom and all the victims of the pandemic.

How would we know for sure without a time machine.
I've always considered myself to be fortunate, of the baby boomer generation (born 1950) so an optimistic generation with the hope of change for the better, a new world needing to be built.
The change and innovation in my lifetime has encompassed so much and I can appreciate the difference for the good and ill.
I've lived through the space race and the cold War, seen the fight continue for womens equality, the move from women in the home to the workplace even AFTER marriage!!!
Technology has given us so much for which I'm grateful, the Internet in particular and facetime ,my current favourite, but because I was born in the last century I do not take these things for granted and can still be amazed by them - I can still add up quicker myself than using a calculator and that is not just down to dexterity.
I'm sure the Victorians would make a similar case for their era.

The belief that soulmates exist does not mean that they are the only soul mate for you in the world, how could we know when there are so many people we will never meet.
The belief that we need to meet one person to live happily ever after is in most cases the stuff of romantic fiction, but I do believe that if a compatible soul is found then it is possible to live happily ever after providing that the inevitable highs and lows are faced together and you stop looking and comparing.
Partners become soulmates as shared experiences enrich their lives. The happiest couples I know bring out the best in each other.
Relationships are often difficult but to be with someone you couldn't imagine being without is possible, and yes,soulmates do exist.

I have selected "For" because the sociability afforded by dog ownership is such a positive benefit.
For those living alone the enforced walk in all sorts of weather brings more that physical exercise. Often the chats exchanged with other dog walkers are the only social exchanges of the day.
As a dedicated dog lover, even points presented by others as disadvantages are enjoyed by me.

I fail to understand why there is surprise that a baby can't be breastfed in the House of Commons chamber.
Surely it is a place of work and women need to decide whether they are feeding their baby or taking part in debate, both occupations, in my opinion, are worthy of undivided attention.

I actually find the use of social media detracting from the serious business of governance.
It presents a picture, sometimes false, of people often conducted by their PR team and is in no way representative of the real person.
Conversely it can also show their flaws and ineptitude if they dabble without the intervention of the PR team.
Old fashioned as my view may be, social media is for celebrity and too demeaning for those in positions of power

In part I agree as I prefer holders of high office to have experience public administration at least.
I do find, however, that career politicians move in cloistered confines often losing touch or having little understanding of the public they want to represent. Certainly many have little experience of "normal" life as they require huge income to allow their campaign.
It is dangerous allowing pop stars and celebrities to manipulate their following to achieve office.
But

Isn't that the point of a democratic society? If the public is misguided or uninformed enough to elect an undesirable then that is what they deserve.

In theory I agree but doing the "right" thing is often overridden by budget constraints. Amazon often has used books available at a fraction of the cost.

For me equity is preferable to equality with each individual able to decide their personal version of equity. The ability to choose the life you wish to live, the personal goals you wish to achieve within the practical parameter of providing for ones self.
Not everybody wants to pursue a career with the aspiration to reach the top preferring a different work life balance. Some may see child rearing to be their hearts desire. We are all different with our own strengths and weaknesses. Equity acknowledges everyones individual value.

All opinions matter because even if they are ill informed or show inbuilt prejudice they give an insight into the person holding them.
This allows you the choice of disagreeing or ignoring but it helps form your judgement of their stance.
Opinions may vary over time with life experience but everyones' view is valid.