Minimalist poet, minimalist lifestyle

I've been to two interviews at the jobcentre this morning and have got another one in another office in town tomorrow and yet another interview about doing some compulsory voluntary work out at Bentley on Thursday: I've written 'compulsory voluntary work' because with this scheme it's community service in all but name

It's ironic how twenty years ago when I was doing voluntary work that I actually wanted to do I was threatened with having my benefit payments stopped or reduced because they deemed by putting in the hours I was at the time that I wasn't 'actively seeking work' whereas now, if I'm reluctant to do any voluntary work I could face similar sanctions for exactly the same reason - 'not actively seeking work'. It's mad.

Personally I have no problem with what in effect is a form of workfare; but I do insist that the staff call it what it is....if something is voluntary it isn't meant to be compulsory!

Last night I was watching a news report on TV about a radio station arranging a marriage between two strangers as a publicity stunt. It's making a mockery of what should be a sacred ceremony and life-long commitment between two people (and I'm saying this as an atheist - things can still be 'sacred' to us.) Why make an oath that you don't intend to keep? In order to keep any money they make from the arrangement they've got to remain married for a certain length of time...I'm not sure how long; but after that initial period they're free to divorce.

I've never been in a situation where I'd be required to take an oath (or even sign a contract), but I do believe in contract law...this would probably make me a difficult employee though because I'd always interpret the terms literally.