In light of new events do you think all politicians are corrupt?

In the light of all the shit that happens in the world, I think all humans are... human.

It is ok to make mistakes, misjudgements and be wrong because that is a part of being human.

As for the expenses rows - they do not matter.

If a politician is doing a good job, why should I care if he charged for an extra pen or something?

The thing that should be worrying people is the erosion of civil liberties, not this storm in a tea cup.

You

If a politician is doing a good job, why should I care if he charged for an extra pen or something?

The thing that should be worrying people is the erosion of civil liberties, not this storm in a tea cup.

Ermmm... have you read what some of the claims were for?

But I think lots of people have done a little bit of fraud if they thought they could get away with it... paying child fare on a bus (back in the day before oyster/photocards)... not paying council tax... free satelite... pirate dvds...

It doesn't mean that it's ok for the MPs to swindle, it just means that a lot of the righteous indignation by everyone is a bit rich.

And about the original question, of course not ALL politicians are corrupt! Do you think ALL Muslims are terrorists?

Yes I do know, but still - it does not really matter.

All the refunds in total are mere pennies per taxpayer, and I am sure most people do not mind spending an extra penny a year if the job done on their behalf is a good one.

YouYes I do know, but still - it does not really matter.

All the refunds in total are mere pennies per taxpayer, and I am sure most people do not mind spending an extra penny a year if the job done on their behalf is a good one.

Personally I think they should be given higher wages in the first place, and that should 'include' all the necessary expenses.

Think, if you want the 'best people' to run the country, you should pay them wages that are equal with the top jobs in business, management, consultancy etc.

120 grand a year sounds about right.

Otherwise you get second-rate people. Like we do now.

the business people also have expenses.

If your job requires you to travel to another place a few hundred miles away, why should you have to carry the burden of that cost? Surely the business should provide for that?

Youthe business people also have expenses.

If your job requires you to travel to another place a few hundred miles away, why should you have to carry the burden of that cost? Surely the business should provide for that?

But they can't claim for getting their house done up. I don't think anyone is complaining about flights too and from the middle east or whatever.

I would think that would still be cheaper than renting a hotel room...

I say let them take liberties as long as they don't take our liberties.