Yesterday I received a letter from my bank referring to a loan that I settled early back in 2001. Apparently I had taken out the optional payment cover. They were writing to inform me that they had subsequently discovered an error. It seems that when settling the loan, the insurance had not been cancelled. They were very sorry for this and were returning the premiums along with interest accrued. Attached to the letter was a cheque for £615. Er, wow, wasn’t expecting that…
I don’t even recall taking out the optional insurance. I don’t usually. I guess the best thing to do is bank it and not complain. Manna from heaven is a rarity, so I’ll make the most of it.
I’ve long since given up on expecting rational behaviour and argument from politicians. Indeed, my perception is that they are little more than power crazed egomaniacs who are seeking office for their own ends rather than any sense of duty or desire to serve (which is what they are supposed to be there for). So, as a consequence I regard all that they say as self motivated, cynical or downright lies.
The Identity Cards bill has produced some fascinating insight into the machinations of government. They have shifted from devious avoidance of debate to outright lying and all shades inbetween; everything but a straight answer to a straight question.
Most recently, there is a row currently brewing over their costing of the bill. The London School of Economics is prepared to reassess its original figures (something the government seems unable to do), but as a consequence the overall figure is likely to rise. In among the discussion on the BBC website article is this:
Home Office Minister Andy Burnham, who cannot give a cost estimate, says the LSE now says its figures were wrong.
While it sound innocuous enough, compare it with comments made to me in a letter written by the very same Andy Burnham:
Our assessments to date have indicated that the benefits outweigh the costs of the scheme.
Hands up who can see the contradiction?
Perhaps this genius will explain how, exactly, the home office can conduct a cost/benefits analysis without having access to one of the components in the equation?
You’re right about most politicians being self-serving. If they really wanted to show the world their caring for humanity, they’d have become nurses.
A bank gave you back your own money?! Truly amazing – change your account quickly before they realise what twats they’ve been. I assume it’s a bit late/early for April Fools’ Day antics … or maybe somebody was trying too hard to win that coveted ‘Nerd of the Month’ award?