@Syey2y – Andrew Marr, “You barely flickered a benevolent eyebrow”. #disability #mentalhealth #esa #WOWpetiton

  “Open letter to Andrew Marr    Dear Andrew Marr On the Marr show this morning you said you had “a greater understanding of disability” since your stroke. Yet when the story was mentioned that Ian Duncan Smith is thinking of getting rid of the Work Related Activity Group of ESA, the group that is supposed to help people back into work when they get instantly and terrifyingly sick, just as you did, you barely flickered a benevolent eyebrow. What you actually meant was that you have a greater understanding of disability for wealthy people. I wonder, has anyone talked you through what would have happened if you had been poor? Had you not enjoyed the great good fortune and success that you have? Immediately, I imagine a part of you just bridled – “Good fortune? My success is down to hard work and determination.” But refuse collectors work hard, nurses are determined. Just for a moment, humour me and imagine you were working for minimum wage in the local factory. You worked there for years. But you have no official contract and hours can be patchy over winter. Your wife works too, but between you, you don’t earn enough to pay the bills. You get tax credits and a little housing benefit to make up the shortfall. You’re still 54. That morning you woke up on the floor would have been just as terrifying. The precious candle flame of immortality would have blown and guttered, just the same. The look on your wife’s face w...
Source: Dawn Willis sharing the News and Views of the Mentally Wealthy - Category: Mental Illness Authors: Tags: Mental Health, The News & Policies. Andrew Marr Ian Duncan Smith Work Related Activity Group Source Type: blogs