"I cannot understand"

A small article in The West Australian epitomises the arrogance or the ignorance of the WA premier. "Premier, doctors disagree", 24 Aug 13:

"I cannot for the life of me understand why the AMA would oppose training for home-grown, local West Australians as doctors," Mr Barnett said.

A doctor in training requires practical hospital experience. This requires supervision. Each student doctor must be closely supervised. Or does Barnett think that a hospital can simply let students do whatever they want with patients ?!

Each student doctor must be closely supervised. A full-time, fully trained doctor must spend time with each student doctor. This takes time and effort.

Hospital doctors -- the best available, fully trained -- already work full shifts treating patients. They work a full shift *plus* they supervise trainee doctors.

Does Barnett have a secret supply of fully qualified doctors who will have the time to supervise even more trainees ?

No.

Barnett simply displays his ignorance: "I cannot understand," he says. Proudly. Because in his arrogance, his inability to understand is a source of pride.

Perhaps the AMA should argue on grounds that the Premier may understand: money.

An extra trainee doctor will drink two cups of coffee per shift. That's hospital coffee, paid for out of the health budget.

Two cups of coffee per shift is about 400 cups a year. Fully costed, that could be $800 per year.

$800 ! That's almost enough for one seat in the yet-to-be-named Barnett Stadium at Burswood ! One extra student equals one less seat with Barnett Stadium imprinted on its plastic back !

There's an argument that would sway even the ignorant and arrogant premier...

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Problems ? Solved

Juror texts during case

Interesting story in today's paper. A jury member exchanging texts with a friend. ("Juror texts insults and jokes while case still on" by Amanda Banks. The West, 2Aug13)

As the judge says, there's no surprise that jurors get bored, angry, amused, frustrated... But the woman was kicked off the jury because her texting included discussion of the case.

So far, so good. Jurors are not allowed to discuss the case with people outside the jury. Everyone knows that. It's in every TV show which includes a trial scene. Her text-friend -- a lawyer -- even reminded the texting juror. "Stop" he told her.

Jurors are real people. That's the point of the jury system. Real people include idiots.

What's really worrying... is that the texting juror is a law student.

A law student. Studying the law. Preparing to go on and practice the law.

This idiot law student does not understand a basic -- essential -- concept of the legal system. Does not listen to the judge's instructions.

Or chooses to ignore what she should know and has just been told.

And this person is intending to practice the law.

Pity the poor legal system.

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Problems ? Solved