Priceless Paintings from W7

Someone recently commented on the doubled output in new laws per month under the current government, compared to years before. Someone should explain them -the current government, that is- the difference between quality and quantity. I am ready to lecture when ready.

The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is on a rampage again, this time against pole- and lap-dancing clubs. While she rightly argues that the recently doubled number of openings of new establishments is concerning, her thinking doesn’t go much beyond the same old stupid approach: Let’s make a new law against it, or in this case, apply tougher (but previously existing) laws. When being re-classified as “sexual encounter establishments” (I forgot the exact term), it will be harder to obtain new or renew existing licenses.

Doesn’t change the fact that, apparently, there is demand, and doesn’t help those who might be exploited in the process. Doesn’t help finding illegal immigrants and doesn’t help stop unhealthy practices. Doesn’t even help keeping a neighborhood nice and clean; drugs, knifes and whatever else are traded on the high street and through all kinds of legal facilities. They don’t require a lap-dancing club.

When I went for a haircut this week, I praised my hair dresser for allowing certain people to use his toilet. Some people always linger around the shops and bus stop around his shop, and once in a while, some poor fellow comes to us use his toilet. I think this is mighty nice of my hair dresser.

Oh, he says, not everybody. You must be careful, he explains, as some will deposit drugs or knifes or take drugs or count the money or prepare the shots… (his list went on).

In the interest of public safety and the fight against knife crime and drug use, by Jacqui Smith’s logic, I suggest that all barber shops be closed and made illegal with effect immediately. I can cut my hair with the beard trimmer, null problemo.

Thoughts Jacqui Smith