‘The problems of unaffordable housing, alcohol fuelled family violence, child poverty and youth disaffection are as they
were four years ago. Despite their importance and despite the public concern expressed about them, little has changed.
In effect meaningful social progress has stalled …
‘It is all a matter of priorities.–about what we as a society consider important and about what we have less regard for.
The picture offered by this State of the Nation report and by the previous reports suggests that we have less regard for
the young and the disadvantaged than perhaps we should have.’
FOREWORD
STALLED
‘True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs
restructuring.’
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
‘It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take
yourself too seriously —take God seriously.’
MICAH 6:8
THE MESSAGE TRANSLATION, HOLY BIBLE