BIT of a rum letter from John Riseley (HAS, Nov 16) where he seems to be suggesting that child poverty might be reduced if only wealthy men were allowed to procreate.
There are quite a number of holes in this theory, the first would seem the assumption that wealth equates with moral integrity. In fact, it is often the reverse. Some of the most dysfunctional families have great wealth; feckless fathers are not exclusive to the pauper class.
If any government considered Mr Riseley’s measures, the practical problems would be insurmountable. How would wealth be calculated and what amount of wealth would qualify a man to reproduce?
The logical outcome of such a programme would also require impoverished men to be sterilised.
That would certainly keep the NHS busy.
Again what would happen if you fell on hard times? Perhaps a letter from the hospital along the lines of: “Dear pauper, It has come to our attention that your wealth is below the level at which you are allowed to breed.
“Would you please attend your local hospital for a vasectomy?
Please bring an overnight bag, your own painkillers and a piece of wood to bite on during the procedure.”
No, I can’t see it working Mr Riseley.
VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland
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