Dear Everybody,

People complain sometimes about ours being a “compensation culture”.  If you burn your mouth on a hot drink, you sue.  That’s why there are so many stupid instructions on products: “Caution.  Product is hot when cooked.”  “Shampoo only for external use.”  “Do not microwave cats.” – that kind of thing. 

On the other hand, things have been called “accidents” that were the result of the negligence or tight-fistedness of those in authority.  They had a duty of care that they didn’t honour.  And usually you only get compensated for the damage that actually happens to you, most people can’t make a living out of it.

But have we turned into people who like to blame others, and not take responsibility ourselves?  There’s an increasing amount of paperwork workers have to keep to show they have not been negligent. But negligence is not just about causing accidents.  During Christian Aid Week, Christians think about those who are often neglected and have no other chance of compensation.  Please support it if you can.

Something that can’t be regulated is spontaneous acts of niceness.  We haven’t yet got to the point where we will be sued for smiling at someone who happens to be in a bad mood.  Nobody’s going to sue you for ringing them up when you know they are anxious or have a problem, or for giving a gift.  Friends are the compensations we have in daily life.  If we’re going to have a “compensation culture”, why not become one of life’s compensations to others?

Enjoy your hobbies, take a few risks (but don’t sue me for saying so…)

And God bless you