Not our fault, guv!

I was listening to a spokesperson from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) being interviewed on radio the other day. The interviewer was explaining to him a raft of concerns raised by train-using listeners, from the huge hike in ticket prices that are going to happen over the next three years (30% anyone?) to that lack of seats on trains. The answers that this PR-trained lackey intoned went something like this: "It's the government's fault", "That will be due to government rules", "We would, of course, like to do something about that, but those are the rules imposed by government" and so on. Until he reached the last question. A commuter had questioned the state of affairs that allows the rail company to take £4,000 from him for his season ticket and not once in the year provide him with a seat! That's right - four grand to stand everyday. And Mr ATOC's answer? "Well, it just demonstrates that the rail companies are victims of their own success!"

Leaving aside the notion that "successful" companies tend to invest in some capital items (carriages) rather than short-sightedly pocketing the profits, what a glibly cheap response that is, using the term "victim" to describe the train company rather than the poor sod who has been blatantly robbed. In fact, every one of his responses was the same: it's not our fault - it is all beyond our control. If that is the case and they can influence precisely nothing, what is ATOC for? Seemingly for nothing more than taking the money and running.

Yet another example of things being *so* much better since they were privatised.

Saving the NHS thousands of pounds!

A genuine article from that bible of excellent health advice, the Daily Mail. Why are we spending money on all sorts of mental health therapies?

So there you have it. Simple! Next week, appendectomies with a penknife and liposuction with your Dyson!

Thanks to butireaditinthepaper.co.uk for signposting this gem