The wrong sort of rights

In a last ditch effort to stave off defeat, G.Brown is producing a welter of slogans which have in common that we can't afford them. If by some chance electors bought these clumsy lies, we wouldn't be able to afford them.

One of the proposals is to grant rights, especially in health and education.

These administrative rights, like those imposed from Europe have a number of common features.

They do not come without costs - to the community or to other people.

They are administrative, and so open to political adjustment - you may promote your religion ( because we fear what you may do) but he may not promote his. Some groups may protest, others may not ( if they are likely to upset the government), and so on.

They are conditional on continuing state support, which may change or remove them.

Brown's latest set include the right to report your school if it fails. Whooppee! You must report it to the people who manage it. If they reject your claim that there will be legal costs to take it further, which you must pay or for some there will be public funds provided by taxpayers.

The simpler, cheaper and more effective solution would be to provide alternatives so people can vote with their feet. Competition in place of monopoly is the best way to guarantee value and efficiency.

Brown's proposals also suggest penalties for poor performance. You will be able to see your specialist within x weeks or else.... If "else" operates then who will pay pay any fine - not the nursing or medical staff, but the hospital. Ultimately other patients will pay as resources are redirected, or if more more money is supplied then taxpayers will pay.