Brass In Pocket

And brass neck too

I read recently about Michael Carroll, who won £9.7 million on the Lotto in 2002. Apparently he has spent the entire amount and is now claiming unemployment benefits. He admits to spending a large amount on drugs, gambling and prostitutes (after his fed-up wife departed), although he also gave millions to friends and family.

I have often wondered what it would be like to win a vast amount of money. Time after time we see people who are ill-equipped to manage their winnings and who become prey to Uncle Tom Cobley and All (Ltd). Indeed, Mr. Carroll is actually quoted as saying he was ‘glad it's over' when he finally spent the very last of his winnings. It's as if the money was a double-edged sword. It's almost possible to feel sorry for him as he breathes a sigh of relief to be living on his £42 per week dole money.....

Except for the fact that it's at the tax payers' expense. Granted, he would have paid a pretty penny in tax on almost ten million quid, but he gave not a thought to his future. Don't get me wrong, I fully support the notion of those that can pay taxes to support those that can't. I voted for Obama despite dire warnings of a tax hike to support his ‘socialist/communist' policies, but I draw a big fat line when it comes to scroungers like this. I'm sure there are incomprehensible rules which make no distinction between Mr. Carroll and deserving recipients of benefits, but it's time for reason to take over.