A Punch Line

From "The Local" (Switzerland's news in English) comes news that a Muslim family has been fined CHF 1,400 for refusing to let their daughters partake in mixed swimming classes.


From the letters page of today's Daily Telegraph:

"SIR – Alcohol, cheap or otherwise, is only a small contributing factor to drunken and disorderly behaviour (Letters, March 26). The greater factor is the mind.
In Switzerland, young and old people drink just as much as those in Britain, but seem to manage to get home without vomiting, swearing, urinating or violating others’ property. Why? Because they have always been taught that this is not the proper way to behave and the Swiss police do not tolerate such behaviour.
Perhaps the Government should consider a more moral education system.
Blaise Craven
Zurich, Switzerland"

When considering an ultimatum that should be given to immigrants whereby they are informed that if they wish to live in our country then they respect the rules of our society, coupled with the question of acceptable behaviour among society; then a certain 'Punch' line springs to mind in regard to the two items above:

"that's the way to do it"

Just saying..................... 

Whaaat?!

It would appear from this report that MPs are suggesting that those of us who enjoy the 'fruits of the vine' or 'the hops from the fields' should have two 'dry days' a week.


What rings the proverbial alarm bell is when one reads that "few people understand what constitutes an alcoholic unit, the basis of the drinking advice, and tell ministers that the guidelines do not seem to change behaviour."


And we all know what follows when guidelines don't change behaviour, don't we?


Any MP that tells me that I need two 'dry days' a week will promptly be introduced to a lamp post - his feet won't touch the ground!