New Zealand bars British man's 'fat' wife

**Grahameeboy** · 21st November 2007, 10:06

Originally Posted by jrandom

I don't own anything that could be described as a 'survival knife'.

Well ya stuffed then........................

**judecatmad** · 21st November 2007, 11:15

Whilst I can't argue with the fact that those who are overweight are more likely to be a burden on the health system due to the risk of diabetes and joint problems, I don't agree with the decision immigration have come to (if her weight is, indeed, the ONLY factor).

Assessing those with CURRENT health problems requiring medication and healthcare, and denying entry on that basis - agreed. But those with the POTENTIAL to develop health issues in the future.....treading a fine line, methinks. What about those with a strong family history of cancer, or of polycystic kidney disease, or of any other genetic disease? Are we heading down the track of genetic testing for all those who apply? (immigration shouldn't forget NZ's strict adherence, apparently, to the Human Rights Act - I get it thrown in my face every day, working in insurance) Let's face it, although 'lifestyle' diseases are not in the same category, the applicant is still being assessed for their potential future burden on the health system.

And there's no guarantee she WILL develop diabetes. Many a lard-arse has lived a perfectly healthy life to the day they finally shuffle off this mortal coil.

And one COULD argue that the overall burden to the state posed by those who may get sick in the future is actually less because they will die sooner. Less super to be paid to them in the long term, less chance that the state will end up paying for their nursing home care cos they'll no doubt have carked it long before it gets to that point.....etc, etc!

You can guarantee if she had $6mil to bring in with her, she could be the size of a house and there would be no questions asked.....

And jeez, they let ME in for chrissake! Must really have tightened up their rules since!

**James Deuce** · 21st November 2007, 11:20

They're talking morbidly obese, not pleasingly plump.

Our health system isn't working now, so she's more than welcome to pop over here and die on a waiting list like everyone else if she wants.

**007XX** · 21st November 2007, 11:54

Originally Posted by judecatmad

And jeez, they let ME in for chrissake! Must really have tightened up their rules since!

+1

Yes, and soon, they'll also stop smokers from coming into the country...not that big a stretch when you think about it, since they're considering banning smoking altogether.

Disclaimer:
Now, before anyone jumps on this little pony, I do not condone smoking (11th day without today and still going strong!

), but nor do I appreciate the fact that they would seriously entertain the idea of telling people what they can or cannot do with their own body...

FFS....Bloody mad controlling freaks!!!!

**Ewan Oozarmy** · 21st November 2007, 12:00

Originally Posted by 007XX;1305637Yes, and soon, they'll also stop smokers from coming into the country...not that big a stretch when you think about it, since they're considering banning smoking altogether.:shit:

[U

Disclaimer:[/U]
Now, before anyone jumps on this little pony, I do not condone smoking (11th day without today and still going strong!

), but nor do I appreciate the fact that they would seriously entertain the idea of telling people what they can or cannot do with their own body...

FFS....Bloody mad controlling freaks!!!!

You joke but I had to lie about my smoking at my medical when applying for my visa - the doc 'suggested' I put a 'reduced' figure on the form.

And good luck with the quitting. I've now quit 93 times.

**judecatmad** · 21st November 2007, 12:04

Originally Posted by Jim2

They're talking morbidly obese, not pleasingly plump.

Hmmm...it's a good job I consider you a good mate........LOL!!!!

(will I ever be able to see my feet again do you think???)

**007XX** · 21st November 2007, 12:05

Originally Posted by Ewan Oozarmy

You joke but I had to lie about my smoking at my medical when applying for my visa - the doc 'suggested' I put a 'reduced' figure on the form.

And good luck with the quitting. I've now quit 93 times.

Cheers...I'm now on my...hang on...painful recollection...12th time I guess?

When interviewed as to wether my husband and I were serious about being together (he has the citizenship and I didn't in those days), after our recent marriage (of course, implying we'd gotten married just for the "green card" effect), I pointed at my then 6 months pregnant belly, and said very sweetly: "I think so, but then you never know..."

The interrogator had the good grace to look suitably flustered and embarassed!

**Deano** · 21st November 2007, 13:16

Originally Posted by 007XX

but nor do I appreciate the fact that they would seriously entertain the idea of telling people what they can or cannot do with their own body...

FFS....Bloody mad controlling freaks!!!!

You're not allowed to commit suicide or assist euthanasia either.

But, the Government should ban the sale of all tobacco products. If someone invented them now they would not be legal.

Jim Anderton has shown how easy it is to ban a substance - they just need bigger balls to tackle the smokers.

If smokers could take a magic pill to stop, they would.

Rant over - back on topic.

**007XX** · 21st November 2007, 13:37

Originally Posted by Deano

You're not allowed to commit suicide or assist euthanasia either.

But, the Government should ban the sale of all tobacco products. If someone invented them now they would not be legal.

Jim Anderton has shown how easy it is to ban a substance - they just need bigger balls to tackle the smokers.

If smokers could take a magic pill to stop, they would.

Rant over - back on topic.

Idealistic comes to mind, and I'm torn between agreeing and disagreeing...If they banned the sale of tobacco products, it would be that much more chances for our future generation not to get started.

However, I'm a little grated the wrong way by your choice of words on "tackle the smokers"! Not that I take it personally, cos I am no longer one, but surely there could be a more diplomatic approach here...

As you said, most smokers would love to stop smoking tomorrow if they could (some can, but not many)...and honnestly, I don't see how being seen as an issue to be tackled is going to make them feel better about it or help.

As far as suicide and euthanasia is concerned, that's a can of worm best left for another thread.

Damn cravings are a f*ing pain...I'm off to chew some gum and drink a biiiiiiiig glass of water!

**Deano** · 21st November 2007, 13:44

Originally Posted by 007XX

However, I'm a little grated the wrong way by your choice of words on "tackle the smokers"! Not that I take it personally, cos I am no longer one, but surely there could be a more diplomatic approach here...

As you said, most smokers would love to stop smoking tomorrow if they could (some can, but not many)...and honnestly, I don't see how being seen as an issue to be tackled is going to make them feel better about it or help.

I'm over diplomacy. And smoking too.

Bad choice of words perhaps - tackle the smoking industry is what I mean't.

Everyone can stop. And I'm yet to find one person who would continue to smoke if they were offered a magic pill. Those that say they wouldn't are probably lying, cause they feel silly.

**007XX** · 21st November 2007, 13:52

Originally Posted by Deano

I'm over diplomacy. And smoking too.

Bad choice of words perhaps - tackle the smoking industry is what I mean't.

Everyone can stop. And I'm yet to find one person who would continue to smoke if they were offered a magic pill. Those that say they wouldn't are probably lying, cause they feel silly.

Ok, then I agree wholeheartedly!

**Ewan Oozarmy** · 21st November 2007, 14:01

Originally Posted by Deano

Everyone can stop. And I'm yet to find one person who would continue to smoke if they were offered a magic pill. Those that say they wouldn't are probably lying, cause they feel silly.

I would!

Trouble is with banning stuff is that the supply just goes underground as I'm sure we'll see with party pills.

Mind you, in the case of this thread I don’t think banning this fat bird from moving to NZ will push the supply of fat birds to the drug dealers.

**James Deuce** · 21st November 2007, 14:31

Originally Posted by 007XX

As far as suicide and euthanasia is concerned, that's a can of worm best left for another thread.

Doesn't worry me, I'm already dead.

**007XX** · 21st November 2007, 14:37

Originally Posted by Jim2

Doesn't worry me, I'm already dead.

Bugger...My CPR skills would be wasted on you then, eh?

I guess these two very controversial subjects would make for an interesting debate though...I'd be just worried that too many people would take it the worng way.