gleam wrote: We live in the wealthiest country in the world, enjoy the best standard of living (what other country could come up with something as self-indulgent as bulimia).

I really hope you are not serious. OK, let's face it: you live in the wealthiest country in the world (not sure what Saudi Arabia has to say about that, but anyway...) You enjoy the best standard of living: who are "you"? I think there are millions living in your country well below the level of poverty. Let me tell you something: your country can provide today the very best treatments for cancer, maybe the very best in the whole world... did you know that here in Spain we have a survival rate to cancer much better than yours? Why? Because you get the best treatment available here, no matter how rich or how poor you are. Of course, if you are very very rich then you can go to the USA and pay for the very best treatments.

And please, before saying again that bulimia is a self-indulgent condition you'd better get some information (and some respect for people suffering from this serious disease). Of course, the symptoms of bulimia will never be evident if you have nothing to chew...

nacho wrote: gleam wrote: We live in the wealthiest country in the world, enjoy the best standard of living (what other country could come up with something as self-indulgent as bulimia). I really hope you are not serious. OK, let's face it: you live in the wealthiest country in the world (not sure what Saudi Arabia has to say about that, but anyway...) You enjoy the best standard of living: who are "you"? I think there are millions living in your country well below the level of poverty. Let me tell you something: your country can provide today the very best treatments for cancer, maybe the very best in the whole world... did you know that here in Spain we have a survival rate to cancer much better than yours? Why? Because you get the best treatment available here, no matter how rich or how poor you are. Of course, if you are very very rich then you can go to the USA and pay for the very best treatments. And please, before saying again that bulimia is a self-indulgent condition you'd better get some information (and some respect for people suffering from this serious disease). Of course, the symptoms of bulimia will never be evident if you have nothing to chew...

Nacho,

Once again, I am very serious. 

First, the wealth of a nation is first and foremost measured by it's economic diversity. Saudi Arabia has two industries; one is oil the other sand, mix them together you get sludge. Joking aside, it's not a good example for comparison purposes.

Poverty as defined by the U.S. Census are persons earning below $9,000 of which there are nearly 35 million in the U.S. or 12% of the population. Take into consideration that 15 million of those are illegal immigrants repatriating that income back to their homeland, namely Mexico.

What about the other 20 millions you don't comment? Are they happy with Coca Cola being the first company in the world? How well would you do with $10,000? You wouldn't be poor then? What kind of animals are those 15 millions of illegal immigrants?

Cheers to Spain if they have high survival rates for people suffering from cancer. Ido appreciate the concesion that you can get better treatment if you come to the States.

Sorry I didn't explain that well. I can't get better treatment in the States: I'm not rich enough for that. With my income it would be better for me to stay here if I want to survive...

Finally, I think you should read up on bulimia. The disease is brought on by repeated binging and vomiting in order to remain thin. This is primarily a female sickness which has more to do with self image than having access to a meal. That is why I call it self indulgent and haven't any simpathy for those who put themselves through it.

Sorry I'm not being too polite here, but you are an ignorant.

Tony R wrote: I am 43 years old,am a senior manger,earn a reasonable salary,own my own house and car.I am not rich by any measure but I pay my taxes and do not carp.I dont want to see my contributions frittered on quick-fix ventures but I definitely dont want them spent on tax breaks for the mega-rich. How dare you suggest "that once you have worked hard to earn something you become what us Republicans call "a conservative". Some of us do actually have integrity,you know.Two of the most disgusting platitudes I have ever had thrust at me-your one above and that other vacuous assessment that we all "give up atheism on our deathbed".     PS I was not arguing that Britain has a very large economyWhat I was saying is that we have the best Economic performance. Re the Dole-Margeret Thatcher put millions on the dole in a matter of 18 months.What were these people supposed to do? Can you imagine how long and how much money it takes to re-employ millions of people?

Tony,

No one is questioning your integrity, I'm sure your an honest person and well meaning. If my comment offended you, I apologize. However, I meant what I said about being a conservative. I am self employed, pay my taxes and go on living. However, I try to retain as much as I can for myself and my family.

As far as the other vacuous assessment, when W.C. Fields was on his deathbed, someone caught him reading a bible. When asked how someone with his reputation could be reading a bible at this late date, he replied "I'm looking for a loophole".

In reference to Thatcher... we deserve the politicians we elect. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe she was elected twice. You should have known better.  

Sorry I'm not being too polite here, but you are an ignorant.

Sounds like the last refuge of someone who has run out of arguments. Now lets' see Spain...

OH yes, the country that brought you...

Los conquistadores (Francisco Pizarro, Hernan Cortes, Ponce de Leon and a cast of thousands bent on converting South America to Catholicism). what was their saying "A dios rogando y con el mazo dando".

The Spanish inquisition (the rack or thumb screws, the garrote or dismemberment by four horses pulling on your extremities). That Torquemada guy was such a prankster.

Let's not forget that bastion of justice and fairness for all, El generalisimo Franco! 

Please Nacho, give me the Spanish slant on humane treatment towards others.   

The Conservative/Republican parties of the UK and USA are there to serve the very,very rich.The trick is to get mugs like you to keep sl*gging off socialism as if socialism is the devil.
I hear Ivan talking about "socialists" but his "socialists" sound like Communists to me.I here you talk about "socialist" policies almost with a hint of distaste.Socialism in the modern world as demonstrated by The Labour Party in the UK has a many faults-however it still tries to follow the basic principle of a fairer deal for the most vunerable in society and is a million miles (only some would say unfortunately) from Communism.Do not confuse the two.And do not make the mistake of thinking this country has not done well under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown-au contraire.

Even if you believe that Socialism cant work its principles are at least moral when compared with Capitalism.

Tony R wrote: The Conservative/Republican parties of the UK and USA are there to serve the very,very rich.The trick is to get mugs like you to keep sl*gging off socialism as if socialism is the devil. I hear Ivan talking about "socialists" but his "socialists" sound like Communists to me.I here you talk about "socialist" policies almost with a hint of distaste.Socialism in the modern world as demonstrated by The Labour Party in the UK has a many faults-however it still tries to follow the basic principle of a fairer deal for the most vunerable in society and is a million miles (only some would say unfortunately) from Communism.Do not confuse the two.And do not make the mistake of thinking this country has not done well under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown-au contraire. Even if you believe that Socialism cant work its principles are at least moral when compared with Capitalism.

For a  look at real working socialist governments, see Scandinavia. (Iceland, etc.)