Qt

[swamp]

People are paid just enough money so that they don't leave.

A solider can't leave, so normal rules don't apply.

If MPs were paid less they'd all leave and make money doing after dinner speeches.

[Tarquin Farquhar]

Good question that a politician will never answer, from a woman has lost her son in Afghan...

"Why is your salary, Mr Rammel, so much more than a soldier putting his life on the line?"

Why are you paid more than a cleaner?

[wurzel]

I couldn't believe the way that, on 3 separate occassions after she spoke, Paddy Ashdown and Piers Morgan patronized the Respect woman .

"I don't agree with a word you are saying but I think you state your case with a lot of passion and do it very coherently and eloquently. My, I had no idea you ragheads could speak English so well!"

They may as well have just patted her on the head. Not that I agreed with what she was saying or anything.

[NotAllThere]

I getted pissed off with the constant moaning about MPs. As if no-one had ever voted for them.

[cailin maith]

There are only, 690? people in the country that will get to be an MP, anyone with half a brain can join the army.

They join up knowing the risks, I do get a bit pissed off with the persistent moaning of the bereaved.

If you go to a casino and lose do not blame anyone.

I agree they do join up, knowing the risks. However, the country had a duty of care to the armed forces. If the Government wants them to fight a war, they should at least provide them with the equipment and tools to do that job.

[RichardCranium]

Good question that a politician will never answer, from a woman has lost her son in Afghan...

"Why is your salary, Mr Rammel, so much more than a soldier putting his life on the line?"

It's because soldiers get heavily subsidised rations and meals whereas MPs ... oh yeah. I forgot the sumptuous meals at the Commons are only about £1.

It's because soldiers get accommodation at home provided at subsidised rates whereas MPs ... oh yeah, I forgot about the 2nd homes.

It's because soldiers get given uniforms to wear whereas the rules on expenses prevent MPs from claiming for clothes ... oh yeah, I forgot about their expenses rules being so generous.

It's because soldiers are actually trained properly to look after themselves whereas the MPs are undefended ... oh yeah, I forgot about the armed Police guards and Diplomatic Protection Squad.

It's because soldiers are properly equipped to defend themselves whereas MPs are unprotected ... oh yeah, I forgot about the drivers and free limosines and free hotel accommodation and clamp downs on security whenever MPs gather.

It's because soldiers have a reputation for drunkeness and debauched behaviour whereas MPs ... oh yeah, I forgot about the MPs and their lying under oath and screwing around and drug-taking.

It's because soldiers don't have to be on the front line 12 months a year whereas MPs have to ... oh yeah, I forgot the Commons is only open for 33 weeks a year and squaddies are on call 24x7.

Hmm.

"Why is your salary, Mr Rammel, so much more than a soldier putting his life on the line?"

It's because MPs determine their own salary.

[Moscow Mule]

That was my point, it's obvious why you can't pay soldiers as much as an MP. You've got two hopes of getting a politician to admit it though...

[minestrone]

There are only, 690? people in the country that will get to be an MP, anyone with half a brain can join the army.

They join up knowing the risks, I do get a bit pissed off with the persistent moaning of the bereaved.

If you go to a casino and lose do not blame anyone.

[Moscow Mule]

Good question that a politician will never answer, from a woman has lost her son in Afghan...

"Why is your salary, Mr Rammel, so much more than a soldier putting his life on the line?"