h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Cheers Novosibirsk,

Dont' forget I do know where it is!

..and I am approaching our 19th wedding anniversary with some excitement,so seem to be doing OK in that respect.

I totally accept that there is discussion to be had on the topic and a great deal of education required to deal with the perceived problem. I still cannot agree with the parties using this issue in the way that they are. I am sensitive to it as part of my work involves the managment of an inter-faith youth council and it is painful to listen to the stories of prejudice and violence that these young people experience, simply because of ignorance, and an ignorqance which is being fostered by the presentation of assylum in this election.

cheers, SGG.

Fostering ignorance. Is that a new skill or has it been going on for ages? (Do not exceed 2500 words)

Brilliant post. I think it is very true what you have said and I agree that we should let all in (well not the fourth group but as you said it it dosn't really exist). Actually the people who complain about them the most to me seem to be the ones that are actually doing theese things.

As it happens, does anybody know what economic migrants tend to do with their new-found riches? They send them home to their families in their home country. They work in Britain so they can support a family in Africa, Eastern Europe, whatever. Given half a chance they'd be doing the same job in their home country. Except they aren't given that chance, are they?

I'd just like to say that I actually agree with Paul Moss all those posts ago. Although offered with a nod an d a wink, it's a serious point.

Not to mention the fact that anyone desperate enough to do all that is highly unlikely to have been motivated by the idea of a land of milk and honey and benefit paradise.


Who, incidentally, has first hand knowledge that group 4 doesn't exist, though it is mighty tempting to assume they do.

I agree with him too. I think this kind of panic probably says a lot about how we see ourselves as a nation. America takes about 1% of its population in immigrants EVER YEAR. Granted, it's a much bigger country with lots more elbow room, but in order to become an American citizen you don't have to be white or Christian: you just have to sign up to the ideals of the country. What do we ask people to sign up to in the UK, I wonder?

Don't be too easy on the US ~ i spent most of yesterday at the embassy watching many many people geting turned down for visas.

>I think this kind of panic probably says a lot about how we see ourselves as a nation.<

Undoubtedly. What I do wonder (and it's probably not a discussion for here really) is how much of it is down to what Jeremy Paxman highlighted in his book 'The English', that is the English nations perceived lack of a national focus?

I was out to dinner with two friends last night - both immigrants - both have worked illegally in the past - both have sent money home - both have exploited our free health care system..

They're Michael Howerd's nightmare...

Except they're white, pretty and blonde so nobody notices..

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