Department of Meaning

Sunday, 12th April 2009

How can someone at the BBC write this without bursting into laughter?

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged to ensure every young person has done 50 hours of voluntary work by the time they are 19-years-old.

In fairness, the Press Association also doesn't understand the meanings of compulsory and voluntary, nor the oddity of suggesting they can be coupled together.

[Thanks, via Facebook, AC]

Filed under: Britain (679 more articles) , Hackery (213 more articles)

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Boudicca

April 12th, 2009 2:51pm Report this comment

I believe they're quoting the Great Moron of No.10.... who obviously doesn't understand that compulsion means it is NOT voluntary. But then, what can you expect from a man who says that vile and libellous emails are 'juvenile.'

Alf Tupper

April 12th, 2009 5:46pm Report this comment

I keep telling myself that things can't get any better in the satirical play that is our present Labour leadership. And then they do.

Cheered my day up no end.

Andrew

April 12th, 2009 7:30pm Report this comment

Great idea, actually.

I think the best way to hit the quota would be to participate in the monthly Spontaneous Displays of Youthful Affection for Our Inspirational Prime Minister (Whitehall, second Wednesday of the Month, 1100h prompt, book now to avoid disappointment).

Ken Hernden

April 13th, 2009 4:20am Report this comment

Don't laugh; in Ontario, high school students are required to do 40 hours of volunteer work before graduating. Welcome to the land of do as you're told -- and like it.