State of the nation not as good as it’s painted

WE are told by those who claim to know that our society is becoming ever more prosperous and progressive. Not a day goes by without somebody hyping this country up as shining example for others to follow.

However, the truth is elsewhere. Official reports have pointed out that many people still live in poverty while serious crime is growing rapidly — so much so that our prisons can’t cope and early releases are becoming the norm. Murders, vicious assaults, rapes and burglaries are a daily occurrence.

You are more likely than ever before to be robbed or assaulted while the perpetrators are more likely to get leniency from the courts.