Blog 2023 Malcolm Blair-Robinson

Bonuses at the MOD

I think the authorities who run things need to learn a simple truth. Times have changed. In Thatcher’s day a bonus was a good and clever thing which said everyone should be open to reward for extra effort. Now we have been busted by the bankers and deceived by our  MPs. No longer will this form of enrichment, however worthy, regain its acceptability, certainly not when out of taxpayers’ pockets.

We have to return to the old idea that you get paid a fair and adequate rate for the job and that’s that. It is supposed you will do your best and show initiative in your post. Your bonus is to keep it.

If you want extra you can set up on your own, take the risk and the sky is the limit. That’s the difference between being an entrepreneur and an an employee. Each has worth and merit. We cannot have the one without the other. But we need to remember there is a difference between the two.

Drugs and the Elderly

I agree that too many drugs are given to older people. As we get older various infirmities and malfunctions occur. This is part of the ageing process. Sometimes drugs are available which will make a real difference to the quality of life, but few are free of side effects. These have to be weighed against the potential improvement in life quality and a judgement taken. Older people cannot take too many drugs at once. It can set up an immune system reaction which is itself an illness. I know. It happened to me.

Never should drugs be given just as a matter of routine care procedure without proper cause.