James O'Brien debates private education with stubborn caller | LBC

Discussing the new Labour private schools VAT plan, this caller has a go at James O'Brien over the private education of his kids.
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[@kaiuus7919]

It is so comical how his voice changes when it is his children who will have to put up with the fact that 'life is not fair' 🙂

[@tobiasmccallum9697]

I'm so glad that lefties like you are helping right wing wealth like me keep our private schools clean of those pesky middle class graspers who can barely afford Eton, they have no place being there! Keep private school for the toffs, boo the middle class! Hooray

[@markwelch3564]

That was truly _epic_

[@iainwares6361]

Don't know how this guy was so successful with his 'entrepreneurship, he's thick as mince.

[@DrownedInExile]

Conservatism in a nutshell. If someone else is experiencing hardships, life isn't fair. If I'm experiencing hardships, it's the crime of the century.

[@hellovicki6779]

That winning point actually came as a shock to him, priceless and the perfect example of him being treated how he is happy for others to be treated. Game, set and match to James.

[@seans8479]

Wow, turn the argument back on him and suddenly it's not fair.

[@tobiasmccallum9697]

Agreed, keep the middle classes out of our cherished posh schools please, they have no place there!!

[@xero0083]

Yep, all of a sudden, his feelings hurt, and it's not fair 🤔

[@DrownedInExile]

James flipped the script to perfection!

[@Elcore]

B-but... I'm very entrepreneurial!

[@danielbevan9024]

The point is your pulling innocent young children out of a safe environment for a Class War. For ideological reasons. Something that could very likely have a downward effect on the attainment of our children and will most likely cost this country money. Leveling down to score points with the Corbynite party members. Don't use children as bargaining chips. James o Brian is just a left wing Nigel Farage.

[@Kazekou]

I shouldn't increase the size of James' ego but that's got to be his best one. The speed with which the guy found himself arguing directly against something he had literally only just said 1 sentence before was blistering.

[@jamesrangi1988]

Cool!!!!!

[@MartinParnham]

There are quite a few callers like this. If you listen a lot to JOB's show, you can spot them a mile off. They start by appearing to agree with James, or putting up some kind of common position but then get to the main point of their call, which is usually that he's wrong for whatever reason. It never ends well. I actually have a bit more sympathy for those callers who just straight off disagree with him strongly, at least they are honest about it.

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

Handed him his sword and allowed him to fall directly on it hahaha

[@AdAd98961]

James O'brien is a complete champagne socialist, shouldn't be a voice for the people who crave equality

[@bwilliamson3887]

When you show weakness against a bully they pounce. With James you have to be a bully.

[@NevilleSmith61]

It's a strange mindset that sees sending your kids to a state school as being a 'burden on the state'.

[@permabear6025]

It’s true though…Most workers in Britain take far more out of the system over their lifetime than they give. Few could ever admit it to themselves though.

[@chrisspencer6502]

Are we missing private education is a business

[@jordanwood3150]

@@permabear6025 Except the existence of our state as we currently know it necessitates children going into education. Sending your children to state school isn't a burden on the state, it's enabling the state to function.

[@lukesandland5254]

​@@jordanwood3150 Not to mention the fact that the right to education is a human right. Absolutely right to state that no human right should ever be labelled a "burden".

[@stephanguitar9778]

​@@permabear6025 Not true. Firstly our employers take our productivity which then puts the rewards of our efforts into their pockets. The truth in this is evident if you read up on the return to capital vs Labour, something that has increased enormously over the last few decades. Also much of what the lowest earners pay in tax is ignored when expressing your argument, such as the multitude of taxes that add up to circa 25% of everything we spend, ie not just income tax. You also conveniently only include earned income in regards to the apparent higher tax payers, conveniently forgetting the low tax regime on unearned income and indeed 100% tax avoidance on much of what you stash away via all sorts of schemes and scams.

[@Mooray27]

His reaction when James turned his own argument back onto him was priceless.

[@ThomasKing19933]

The Tories are living proof that private education does not always mean intelligent. Just look at Boris.

[@waynebradford7779]

So no labour mp's when to private school?.. that old stereotype went out the window years ago

[@nick1065]

Or O’Brien

[@ThomasKing19933]

​@@waynebradford7779sorry if the truth upsets you.

[@TheRealDarkSpoon]

@@waynebradford7779 Whataboutery at its finest.

[@nick1065]

@@ThomasKing19933 Truth = misinformed, biased bigotry.

[@peterpollock8521]

Why are private schools still treated as Charities?

[@parametr]

The definition of "charity" in UK is laughable. It just needs to "be in benefit of society". Hey, my pies make people happy; my bakery should be considered a charity.

[@popeyedish]

​@@parametr well if you recruit a board of trustees, adopt the appropriate charitable governing document and feed the poor and underprivileged, report and submit your finances and annual report, you can be.

[@parametr]

@@popeyedish actually I've done it twice in the past (small stuff to reinvigorate the villages I lived in). Not difficult. And you can have people making lots of money out of it. I didn't make money out of them because I'm an idiot and I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, but not difficult at all as long as you have friends with money (if you obtain the money by fooling people/organizations, that's when they get a bit irritated).

[@popeyedish]

@Never repeats i never said it was or wasnt..i merely stated how he could run his shop as a charity.

[@scottanderson4957]

There registered as charities to avoid tax

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Private School...Where Merit isn't always required.

[@nick1065]

Indeed…..which is why O’Brien flourished there.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

​@@nick1065 Give one example of James punching down on someone who didn't deserve it?

[@AlexAlexon3897]

@@nick1065: Whataboutism. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[@howardosborne8647]

Merit is most often not a requirement at all....let's be rid of this hideous system of bestowed privilege once and for all.

[@sgbh8874]

And that inc

[@Decrepit_biker]

It's amazing how someone's view changes when it's them on the losing side, isn't it?

[@mantistoboggan5171]

I swear being a right winger is almost always caused by a complete deficit of empathy and compassion. Huge ignorance too.

[@IrishFrank22]

​@@mantistoboggan5171Nah mate the left are too busy being greedy and entitled by looking for other people's money to pay them for their existence and lifestyle.

[@jakeblair4215]

As a society, we are sick. Even the Victorians knew the value of empowering the poorest

[@indigowolf8712]

They were powered by the poorest lol. Workhouses, slavery, Catholic churches forcing young women to do laundry 24/7 for no money because they talked to a boy. The treadmill was a torture device created to power machines. 3 year old chimney sweeps.

[@rahuldahoob]

James O'brien didn't sjupoort corbyn shame on him

[@3replybiz]

@@indigowolf8712 The treadmill in prisons powered nothing.

[@DuaneJasper]

We don't live in some dystopian hellscape, the poorest in society get a sizable portion of all possible money available via the DWP and other initiatives. It's only ever a question of how much not whether there is any help. What nonsense

[@amaan8123]

"If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire". -George Monbiot

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

You make a living from the neck down, and a fortune from the neck up. That's why parts of Africa are where that are today.

[@blueshirtman8875]

Where do you live in Africa ?

[@Station9.75]

@@trytellingthetruth.2068 - Sure. Spending all your life trying not to die definitely has nothing to do with it. Why don’t they just start using their heads for God’s sake?

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

@@blueshirtman8875 To whom are you asking the question, "where in Africa do you live".

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

@@Station9.75 Has nothing to do with what?

[@ThomasKing19933]

James absolutely destroyed this caller. Absolute perfection.

[@nick1065]

🤥

[@James_Doyle83]

Yep

[@James_Doyle83]

​@@nick1065 🤡

[@UdumbaraMusic]

@@nick1065 They're calling you a clown btw.

[@nick1065]

@@James_Doyle83 💩

[@Station9.75]

Private school isn’t valuable because you get a better education. It’s valuable because it’s difficult to get into and you make life-long connections there.

[@Gman-nb9ge]

Like prison

[@andrewstevenson118]

@@Gman-nb9ge Very funny. 🙂

[@permabear6025]

Imagine thinking all private schools are like Eaton…

[@Station9.75]

@@permabear6025 - Who said that? If you need to make things up to have your random musings be relevant, then maybe your point wasn’t that clever in the first place.

[@permabear6025]

@@Station9.75 You literally just said the value is not in the education but simply the connections, whilst not only wrong you then go onto smugly attack the opposing view in a very JOB fashion… There are many, many private schools with pupils from actually quite ordinary families, certainly not landed gentry nor aristocrats. Their parents saved and made sacrifices for their children to experience that education and more intimate class sizes.

[@bigcrazewolf]

The fact he thinks educating children is a burden on the state, says it all. A well educated public is a societal benefit. Also he couldn't connect the counter argument for some reason.

[@lindacurrie8817]

Yes children are a burden on the state when it comes to education really fires me up with anger. Let's just put children up the chimneys or in work houses. Disgraceful caller. All children are our future teach them well and let them lead the way. Feel a song is there somewhere!

[@onlythesongsilike4856]

it literally is a burden as it costs money to run a school, if that kid is not going to a state school the existing budget would be divided on fewer kids i.e. higehr spend per kid, it is not difficult to understand. labour wants to make it a rich vs poor war as they have zero arguments about anything else this proposal in particular will just increase the gap between state and private education

[@Elcore]

Educating poor children is a burden on the state because they are a different breed to us and will never contribute anything to society. Educating lovely rich children like mine is so important that VAT shouldn't apply.

[@niallevans2375]

"Giving out handouts that are not deserved." What, like making school fees VAT free?

[@Darkmouse20001]

In return for VAT free status they have to open their facilities to state schools - everyone wins. If Labour go through with their plans, I suspect many schools will withdraw use of their facilities, and guess who loses out?

[@BreakBeatStu]

“The role of government is to make life fairer”….. absolute Bs! No thanks.

[@alexjeffrey3981]

@@BreakBeatStu what then, it should be to amplify the advantage of those who already have the silver spoon in hand?

[@BreakBeatStu]

@@alexjeffrey3981 should not be that either! The role of government should be simple, maintain the basic services and regulations that enable a safe society where there is a basic stand of living and everyone has the opportunity to do well and prosper. The government should not be trying to give some people a leg up and pull others down by taxing some and giving to others on a large scale. Just create a fair environment with basic tax and regulations that give everyone equal opportunity, and I say opportunity not equality! There will always be rich and poor, give the poor the opportunity to do well without pulling down the rich who already have done well. Robbing Peter to pay Paul doesn’t work. Paul needs to earn his way, and the governments role should be just be ensuring he has the chance to earn his way. If he fcks its up then that’s on him and yeah the state should help with very basic welfare, but don’t go robbing Peter because he’s done well and Paul’s a fck up!

[@davidbatthews3811]

@@Darkmouse20001That is actually their charitable status that requires them to do that? 🤔

[@cazbah72]

It's not a burden. Education is an investment in the future.

[@TalesOfWar]

We have no concept of investment in the future in this country and haven't for some time. That's why we're in such a mess. The "Royal we" of course.

[@GoodVibesForFree]

The arrogance of that caller! All he cares about is that he has money. No empathy for us who work hard for nothing but also help others. He wouldn’t help a stray cat.

[@Station9.75]

“I’ve got mine and everyone else can go swivel because life ain’t fair” The height of selfishness and the same mentality that’s put the country in the state it’s in.

[@chatham43]

....who do you work for...?

[@grtcara8386]

I send my kids to private school and I have no problem with the VAT if you give me a tax credit for not sending my kids to public school! It works both ways people and I can tell you this if Labour don’t peddle that back then they won’t win a majority next year

[@ersojyn]

But why is there a compulsion for empathy ? If I work for my family, don't commit crime and pay my taxes, why shouldn't I be left alone ? If you want to help people or animals, go do it yourself. But nooo... people like you want to force others to do things that you deem are right. It's a new form of terrorism.

[@grtcara8386]

@@ersojyn agreed, that’s the disease of socialism cos ultimately you minding your own business will have to pay for every feckless and irresponsible person in the country until you have nothing hence why the left are dangerous

[@TheIkaraCult]

Caller is a classic example of someone who started on square 10 in Snakes and Ladders and thinks he's just like the rest of us who started on square 0.

[@SamoIsKing]

Born 3-0 up and acts like he scored a hattrick.

[@rodrigohdavila]

A lot of times I get frustrated by James interrupting people instead of engaging more fairly with their points. But here he really nailed it. “I can afford the VAT and you can’t, so too bad for you.” The guy had no reply.

[@fishmanfairclough7530]

He does he will just say in to people who are more skint than he is, oh and probably not ring in to LBC unless it is to talk to Nick Ferrari. I would love to think this caller learnt something but I get the feeling he left still feeling his argument was right.

[@ghani666]

When someone is making a salient point or directly answering a question, he always lets them finish. He only interrupts when people start Gish-galloping or dodging questions and it’s something I wish more interviewers would do because it keeps the conversation focused, on track, and out of the weeds.

[@marvintpandroid2213]

His kids did well because of their education, he doesn't see the problem, if other people do well then the economy does better and we all do better.

[@parametr]

Just a note: "the economy" doesn't matter that much as long as I'm on the top. Example: if UK crumbles and half of the fishing industry goes away, it's fine as long as I'm rich. I'll actuallly buy out the fishing industry and become even richer (even if you are hungry). Brexit explained Please don't buy into the whole "the economy" argument. Let's focus on median income, cost of living, cost of education, suicide rates, etc

[@twolessba1087]

But don't you understand! if everyone gets to become an entrepreneur or an accountant, you cannot lord it over everyone else on national radio that your existence is somehow better than theirs. if everyone can afford a nice warm dry home your own glee that other people, *insert marginalised group here* , are sat in the cold and damp will be diminished.

[@marvintpandroid2213]

@@parametr Spoken like a true tory

[@parametr]

@@marvintpandroid2213 either you didn't understand the point or you are being ironic? Tories keep arguing "the economy" is important while raking it in themselves. Non-tories and/or non-rich people focusing on "the economy" instead of median income, cost of living, cost of education, suicide rates, etc. That's a win for the rich.

[@dreamcoyote]

@@parametr Welcome to the US! :D

[@AB-zl4nh]

Look how fast he breaks when his own selfish argument is turned back onto him. It's disturbing and hilarious.

[@BuIIetBiII]

The thing I like about James is that even though he's benefited from private education, he can still call it out as unfair. He's not like other rich people who looks down on poor people and doesn't care about the massive difference in wealth

[@EskiLdn]

He can call it unfair because hes dishonest. James doesn't believe or really understand a single thing about what he says

[@mogznwaz]

James OBrien is a champagne socialist who can afford to lament the unfairness of society but would never compromise his own privilege. He’s a hypocrite. What does he do that’s more essential than a binman? I bet he has an accountant funnelling his money away just like all the rest. Him talking down to people for an hour every morning won’t change anything and he knows it. Maybe he should run for Parliament instead of pontificating from the sidelines where he feels no impact either way.

[@Bless-cs9ct]

@@EskiLdn nah don't agree. Years and years on this show and he's not come unstuck yet

[@EskiLdn]

@@Bless-cs9ct who has he debated to get him stuck?

[@Bless-cs9ct]

@@EskiLdn he doesn't need to debate anyone. Years on this show and he hasn't shown me anything that makes me believe he's dishonest.

[@Weakeyedominant]

I went to the lowest performing school in my city, still passed all of my gcse's, went to a grammer school for 6th form and finished top in my class in two out of three subjects. Went to uni and worked for a top 4 accountancy company then an investment bank. It had nothing to do with the school I attended but having two parents that mentored me and made sure I studied at home. Stable families has a far bigger impact than if someone goes to a state of private school. Regarding mr entrepreneur i do agree this is something schools and parents should encouage their children to do more rather than be cogs in a corporate environment.

[@3replybiz]

'grammer school' ha ha ha! But I do agree with you.

[@mrbearbear83]

Life isnt fair, its why we need to make it fair and try to make life better for everybody

[@chatham43]

...know what you mean...how much does James earn at LBC...?

[@zuzanazuscinova5209]

You cannot. Most of that is also due to intelligence which is largely genetic. There are plenty of examples of trust fund babies who squander their wealth.

[@IrishFrank22]

I only care about my family and have no interest in making life better for a stranger like you at my financial expense.

[@davidbatthews3811]

Life isn’t fair is just a ridiculous chestnut? What the Nazis were doing to the Jews was obviously not fair, should we have just done nothing about that? 🤔

[@gzs7483]

He really brought that Man to say "fine" in response to your children will suffer ouch!

[@nicholasgerrish6022]

His children didn’t suffer did they? They remained in the private system, and did well! It’s so unfair isn’t it……. Just like the old song,” She was poor but she was honest”, it really is a “bloomin” shame, and like the song, it is the rich wot gets the pleasure!

[@georgedavisisinnocent79]

Having worked in private education, I'd take those grades they get with a pinch of salt. They are like any other business; they depend on people paying for the service/product they offer.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

When I was at uni I plagiarised an essay handed in to the Same lecturer some yrs apart... The writer of the essay got 71% The same essay with all the criticisms of the original incorporated into the essay earned me 54%The arbitrariness of education is laughable

[@jewellui]

I doubt you work in private education or any education system because if you did you would know both private and public take the same qualifications in the end.

[@castortroy5263]

It baffles me that this guy can’t see how the “life’s not fair” argument could be thrown back at him if, in the absence of the government handout of vat relief, he couldn’t afford to send his kids to private school

[@tenniskinsella7768]

If people want to spend their money on private schools it's their choice leave private schools alone

[@castortroy5263]

@@tenniskinsella7768 you either didn’t read my comment or are replying to the wrong comment because there isn’t a world where my comment could be seen as an attack on private schools or the people who want to spend their money on them

[@therona23823]

@@tenniskinsella7768sure….. he can do what he wants, include send his kids to private school… but, with VAT. What’s your point?

[@glowwurm9365]

@@tenniskinsella7768 100%, but then they should be able to pay the associated VAT.

[@davidbatthews3811]

@@tenniskinsella7768A lot of people would like to drive around in a Mercedes or Porsche, they do not do so as the VAT on cars makes this unaffordable? 🤔

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

This Caller is the textbook definition of Entitled.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

​@@alseeineye Learn what context is, yeah he's worked hard, but he doesn't want anyone to have anything either whether they need it or not. But I guess you missed that part.

[@c0222]

No he didn't, do you not understand that not everyone in the world has the same oppertunities as each other? Look at your Elon Musk's and Donald Trump's who already started with millions to play with, and compare with people who can't afford to heat their houses. They didn't work harder than impovrished kids.

[@lewismcdonald9691]

@@alseeineye I’m sorry but education is meant to be the great plan leveller. How can that be if some can pay for a better one? Finland a country lauded for education system abolished private schools a long time ago.

[@IrishFrank22]

​@@lewismcdonald9691If parents want to send their kids to private school, that is their right!

[@elliotg996]

​@IrishFrank22 that's the very point that is up for argument. You are not adding anything by restating it.

[@withoutwroeirs]

If paying for a service, pay Vat. End of discussion.

[@iainmunro438]

It’s paying for a luxury hence value added tax (VAT). But you’re correct 👍

[@withoutwroeirs]

@@iainmunro438 one man's luxury is another necessity. I use a private school for my kinder here in Germany and pay VAT.

[@ReadMyComments]

If not using state schools, you're less of a burden on the state education system and a tax rebate is owed.

[@stefenney3126]

@@ReadMyComments But that's too simplistic. If you read most of the comments on here, not many are debating the VAT issue. They just see someone who is getting something they themselves are not, so need to stop them by any means, fair or foul. It doesn't enter their heads that if all these children were to attend a State school, then it would cost the taxpayer far more than any money raised from VAT contributions.

[@stefenney3126]

@@iainmunro438 VAT when introduced in the early 1970's it was as you say placed on 'luxury' items. However, it is now charged on 'essential' items such as heating your home. I don't see how trying to keep warm is a luxury ?

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Essentially This Caller's whole argument boils down to Me & My Family have ours why should anyone else? That's what I'm hearing.

[@c0222]

I think his point of view is it wasn't his fault that the system is unfair, and all he really cares about is his own children, which is understandable to a certain point, though I'm not a huge fan of it.

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

It's your job to bring up your children. It's not the caller's job to look out for you. That's why he pays tax, so your children and everyone else's, can be educated. If your children leave school not knowing much more than they did when they went in, that's down to you, not him .

[@benicolay]

This ends brilliantly. Utterly hoisted by his own petard.

[@matt.bpersy8005]

You would have thought that someone blessed with such a high level of entrepreneural insight would have seen that coming.

[@sueyourself5413]

The guy doesn't seem to understand that the point is that in any average school you should have the possibility to go far. Abolishing private schools would force richer families to put pressure on even the tories to improve schools.

[@Ilcka]

worked in Finland.

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

It's not the job of "richer families", to put pressure on governments, just so other people's children can get a decent education. Not being privately educated, doesn't mean you won't succeed in life. It's all down to determination. Just look at Alan Sugar. Left school with one GCSE, and became a multi millionaire.

[@tobiasmccallum9697]

No, I would educate my children in Switzerland or Germany at one of their renowned private institutions, as would any wealthy elite. You are comically naieve to think you will ever get the better of the rich

[@Para2normal]

"It's not the job of "richer families", to put pressure on governments," lol, the richest families and corporations have always put pressure on Governments, I admire your naivety.

[@c0222]

@@tobiasmccallum9697 go ahead, you won't be missed in the UK with that attitude.

[@isthatujeebus]

I love his attitude of "life isn't fair, but as long as it's only not fair for other people then that's fine". So oblivious it's almost unbelievable.

[@lachlandunn2137]

"life isn't fair!" "It's not fair to raise VAT on private schools"

[@jrsydvl7218]

Whether he burdened the government is irrelevant. He still benefits from the society and is obligated to pitch in.

[@IrishFrank22]

People on welfare and those who pay little tax are the ones who benefit.

[@elliotg996]

​@@IrishFrank22unless you earn over 60k a year you are technically a burden on the state. So realistically that's the majority of the population not just those on welfare.

[@IrishFrank22]

@@elliotg996 That's why we badly need a population reduction. Get rid of those who are a burden!

[@BusyOlfo]

The private school I went to (Yarm Grammer) is currently in the process of getting planning permission and plans ready to build a bridge over the Tees river so that the children can get over to the other side to the fields that they must have purchased since I left. If they can afford to buy land and afford bridges and amphitheatres then I say they should be paying their way in taxes.

[@mbrierley144brierley3]

Eventually he got to the underlying prejudice of his argument - Labour means 'handouts' to the undeserved.

[@mogznwaz]

Unfortunately it does though

[@mbrierley144brierley3]

@@mogznwaz As opposed to Tory supporting companies and private landlords you mean, or the rich who are enabled to dodge paying tax?

[@chris2003ize]

If you buy a luxury product why shouldn't you pay VAT?

[@davidbatthews3811]

There is VAT on toilet paper and toothpaste, yet I would hardly call these items luxury? 🤔

[@Hurc7495]

having come from a working background before studiying at university i assure you the private school system is outstanding... at turning out well connected idiots..

[@davidbatthews3811]

Having gone to a private school I can assure you that the private school system is outstanding at making people altruistic as this caller obviously exemplifies.

[@gabrielfinneran3611]

Ireland has excellent public schools. There is no need to send children to private school.

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

They never like it when they get their own argument thrown in their face.

[@alwhyte6533]

Pull the ladder up Jack, I'm alright!

[@nelsonsailor7524]

Have to say that i really enjoy listening to your shows. As an "entrepreneur" I am intensely aware of the struggles of my staff, without whom i could not be a successful entrepreneur. How freaking hard is it to understand that our success is due mainly to the efforts of our workers?

[@mogznwaz]

That’s a fair point. But do you think they should get paid the same as you?

[@nelsonsailor7524]

@@mogznwaz In short no but then I do pay well above award wages, we look after their welfare very well and there are bonuses for successful years. I don't own a Macmansion or a super yacht but I live a comfortable life.

[@IrishFrank22]

​@@mogznwazShould a doctor and a hospital cleaner both be paid the same wage by your logic?

[@amybock6499]

​@@mogznwaz who is saying that they should?

[@mogznwaz]

@@IrishFrank22 Not by my logic, by the left’s (lack of) logic. That’s what equity means.

[@marting1547]

I bet this caller would be asking for hand outs if his business failed.........................again

[@finnjones9979]

People who succeed always think it's down to their absolute genius....never factor in luck

[@zuzanazuscinova5209]

Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness. You can't be "lucky," if you don't have the right skills to seize the opportunity. Many trust fund babies squander it.

[@IrishFrank22]

So doctors after years of exams are lucky than the retail worker?

[@jackbolland]

@@IrishFrank22 well some doctors have had private education to prepare them for Uni and those exams…

[@IrishFrank22]

@@jackbolland So? They still had to study and their intelligence is above ours so they deserve higher money. You think after paying for private education that the doctors aren't in it for the money and more luck to them.

[@jackbolland]

@@IrishFrank22 you don’t need to be a genius to be a doctor. and no, doctors are absolutely in it for the money, why would doctors work for free? Humans are selfish and wouldn’t do anything for anyone unless they benefitted from it

[@MaxVliet]

"Life isn't fair, and it isn't realistic that government should do anything to make things fairer" - people at the top.

[@ihateunicorns867]

"Everything that disadvantages me is ridiculous and should be stopped. Everything that advantages me and disadvantages others is just tough luck because life's not fair."

[@progressor4ward85]

Life is unfair only because we allow it to be so!

[@chatham43]

....brilliant summation to a complex subject....😊

[@oldstatueface6317]

When unfairness favours him over others: "Well, life's unfair. That's just how it is." When unfairness favours others over him: "No, that's not right."

[@davidbatthews3811]

He is just a typical capitalist.

[@LeeCaithness]

Private schools should be abolished. Totally about keeping the wealthy kids together so they mix in the right circles and keeping the poor in their place. A huge part of Britain’s class system. A system that should’ve stayed in the 19th century where it belongs.

[@bigbrockbear4963]

A child of this country, who is raised by the civil society which includes "the State" we live in, is not a burden. What an absolute clown. I would love to know who he shafted to get to his station in life.

[@aletheamccormack2727]

WOW, I went to boarding school, so I know spite when I hear it. The averous, & begrudging nature of the 'haves', astounds me

[@geezyercheese2855]

"Life isn't fair" the last refuge of a man with no valid arguments.

[@michaelwilkinson2928]

It isn't and never will be. Some of us are tall, some are short, some are smart, some not so, some have a gift for sport, language, music, maths etc., some do not, &c.

[@davidbatthews3811]

Funnily enough this was the argument my own father made when trying to bully me into going to a private school.

[@petebateman143]

There are generally two types of response to the realization that life isn't fair. One groups thinks "That's right. How can we make it a bit fairer?" The other groups thinks, "Excellent! How do I get my snout in the trough?" And we all know which is which.

[@xwize]

This is all it boils down to.

[@mogznwaz]

No. There’s the concept that even with equal opportunity, outcomes are not equal.

[@leonkeogh8554]

The way in which James holds the mirror up to this man is sheer perfection.

[@monkeytron5061]

How is inheritance and private school fees paid by your parents not a hand out exactly?

[@michaelandrews6786]

One of the reasons for VAT being on certain goods is that they are classed as luxury items. Private schools are a luxury. Makes perfect sense.

[@doctorg5056]

"Life is not fair" is such an intellectually lightweight argument.

[@pfella1878]

BEST ARGUMENT AGAINST PRIVATE EDUCATION I HAVE EVER SEEN😁

[@lawrencebolt3540]

A wonderful quote from the late Great James Baldwin when speaking about the government and the wider America societies insidious relationship with minority communities, goes as follows.. "The American publc will need to wake up and realise that if i am kept hungry, desperate, and poorly educated, you can never be safe." ~ James Baldwin 👌🏾

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Certainly, it weaponizes them. Give me your unwashed, etc.. And by the way, don't delete comments, edit them. This is the second time I have had to type in above! 😁👍🙃

[@lawrencebolt3540]

​@@huwzebediahthomas9193 haha perfectionist syndrome.

[@rawpuredata3072]

Thank you for this quote 👌

[@phantomblot6072]

"Entrepreneur" is just another word for exploiter. He doesn't work harder or better than anyone, he's just better at leeching off of other people's work.

[@chatham43]

.....so who's leeching off you....the company that gave you a job...?

[@phantomblot6072]

@@chatham43 My employer doesn't "give" me anything, they purchase my labour.

[@davidbatthews3811]

Presumably he is a business owner, so his profits are unpaid wages? 🤔

[@verdebritanica]

Oh the wry smile at 3:46, when James O'Brien knows he is about to win the argument.

[@chatham43]

....self-righteous smirk you mean.....

[@rud3y1]

In my 40 years of life it has occurred to me that life and in comparison nature are actually pretty fair. What has become VERY apparent is that PEOPLE are extremely unfair and its generally the highly privileged who love to tell you how its life and not them that's being unfair, as an excuse to their own behaviour and attitudes to others. So it seems to me: Life is fair - People are not.

[@davetdowell]

I agree, life and people are not fair because of people. Take me for example, I work all the hours I can to provide for my kids/family as best I can. But all that gets me is a 47 to 48% tax burden to pay for other peoples kids/family. In order to achieve the goals I want for my family I have to work an ever increasing number of hours, so I can fund not just my family but other less dedicated peoples families. So to echo you. People are not fair.

[@xwize]

No man is an island and no fortune is made in isolation. You can't cry about paying tax when it is society as it is configured that has enabled you to create wealth in the first place.

[@IrishFrank22]

​@@xwizeIf one can create wealth in society it is because society needed that service or product and not that they allowed it. Taxes are theft!

[@hanndonfield91]

The funny part was when he used the callers argument and point in the exact same context against the caller 😂 tremendous

[@andrewwalledge6101]

They abolished private education in Finland. Finland now has a fabulous education system. If people believe in a meritocracy then they should also insist on a level playing playing field.

[@zuzanazuscinova5209]

Finland is a completely different society. Don't confuse the two. Also what world renowned university does Finland have? None.

[@andrewwalledge6101]

@@zuzanazuscinova5209 University of Helsinki. However, the issue under discussion is schooling, not universities. They're different.

[@kayatd]

Just started listening to LBC and I am so here for it

[@dicarpio2177]

There’s thousands of people who work hard and try entrepreneurial endeavours and fail through no fault of their own. The arrogance of people who think theyve earned it more is astounding

[@leef5682]

But people do earn their money - unless they win the lottery or inherited it. Of course there’s luck involved as in everything.

[@liamjbagnall]

O’brien is brilliant when it comes to this kind of ignorance and hypocrisy

[@benedictcowell6547]

Owing to my father's working in Paris I went to a Benedictine School and then a lycée in Paris. My education was better than anything that was available in England. I find the right wing always tell you what splendid chaps they are. They live in the radiance of the mirror

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Great tipple, Benedictine. Is that what your parents were drinking when you were conceived? 😊 +1

[@benedictcowell6547]

I was not situated so I could know, but my mother was probably on Horlicks. My father always thought I was more continental than British because I preferred. Cognac. @@andrewrobinson2565

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@benedictcowell6547 Horlicks (the other white powder), eh? I like my Cognac in Grand Marnier 👍🇨🇵🇪🇺.

[@TaniaShipman]

It's funny how upset he got when you turned his own argument on him. How dare you treat him like he treats/thinks of others. Brilliant to watch and the argument used was masterful :)

[@col.hertford9855]

Bravo James, bravo 👏

[@DPSCRIVO]

We don't pay for public education so that our children are educated, we pay for public education so that we can live in an educated society.

[@zuzanazuscinova5209]

I thought it was to keep kids somewhere while parents work? Lol.

[@ChildOfTheWilderness]

Which would be fine if the education wasn't so iffy

[@GeorgeGeorgeOnly]

It must be nice to be able to say, "That's life", when "life" has been working in your favour.

[@chatham43]

....and we can't allow that....😊

[@david1731048]

I shouldn't have to pay VAT on my car, because I'm not burdening the subsidised public transport system.

[@annepoitrineau5650]

Being French, I come from a country where free education for all in order to give kids equal chances, is one of the basic national tenets, and this man's attitude shocks me. The caller thinks that being an entrepreneur he is somehow worthier. So basically, the other occupations are less useful. Gosh, I hope he never needs a nurse!!

[@alanrobinson-iw7ll]

another prime example of the "i dont get enough and those below me get too much" mentality that thrives in the uk

[@Strider91]

Private schools are probably the single greatest threat to democracy. Putting pay walls on education and self improve/empowerment is the first step in instituting fascisim

[@horsepilot6655]

This is why I listen to James.. the king of sound judgement in practical matters

[@jakesanderscoaching6890]

VAT won’t make it more fair. It will make it more elitism

[@LukeofSmeg]

"Life's not fair". I mean I agree, but there are plenty of cases where we can make it fairer and we are actively choosing not to. That's just called selfishness and stupidity.

[@ladymeldiriel9486]

I am so tired of the 'life isn't fair' mentality. It's always used as an excuse when the power is absolutely within people's hands to change things to make everyone's situation fairer, not just their own, but they choose not to. Simply because they don't want to make that effort. The caller also gave the game away halfway through when he started mentioning how 'lucky' he was. Most of the time, that's all it is.

[@gezatherton1071]

Well said.

[@duckindave]

Brilliant from JOB.

[@Natta44]

I went to a red brick university and half of my class had been private schooled. They were like a different breed, their privilege spilled out but they didn't even realise it! Anyway long story short while a lot of them got 1st's and 2:1s, I felt proud of doing well despite only being state schooled. Years later lots of them just ended up doing something completely different anyway which you don't need a degree for! What is the point paying all that money on your kid, some state schools can give them just as much opportunity if you look for the right one!

[@mr_spoons]

James does a fantastic job of holding a mirror to such people.

[@bigted79]

He’s absolutely wiped the floor with the caller. Brilliant! 😂

[@thoughtfortheday7811]

The caller is desperately trying to make "entrepreneurial" seem virtuous. If everyone was an entrepreneur, who would do the work?

[@chatham43]

....and vice-versa..another thought for the day....😊

[@amjid300]

‘Handouts that aren’t necessarily deserved’ So like those to the Royal Family then…

[@peterstephenson3843]

Love this! James O'Brien has a brilliant ability to expose hypocrisies and double standards!

[@hannahrose7372]

This caller won the argument - clearly!

[@jamesrangi1988]

James, James ,James, that was cool , cheers!!!!

[@zebedep]

"I'm alright, Jack"

[@equaliser2265]

Exceptionally well done Mr OBrian,

[@paulcopsey6573]

But the option & safety net for this chap was that his children COULD have gone to state school after his business failed. This is a bit like saying that that you will never use an A&E or need an abundance because you have private health care.

[@philluckwell617]

If O’Brien wanted life to be fair, he would donate all his income above the national average to a national fund. And everyone else who believes in Equity can voluntarily do it too.

[@biocapsule7311]

He is talking about the pursue of wealth being the only thing that is worth anything. And for those who didn't pursue wealth, which is most people... tough.

[@DrownedInExile]

I love how James flipped the script!

[@mikecook1537]

He's right. Life isn't fair.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Life is all a rational compromise. 👍

[@mikecook1537]

He's so right especially about labour. They are so keen to prop up people on benefits rather than forcing them to work. Many of the British are just lazy. I know people in my own family who would rather be on benefits. This is why the country is in such decline & having a Labour govt will make it worse.

[@ericcusack1468]

Education should never be seen as a 'burden on the state'. It's a necessity for all.

[@frankpaterson9786]

A gentleman on the politics today program on BBC1 today said, his son couldn't take computer studies because there wasn't a teacher. I rest my case.

[@davidbatthews3811]

I am not actually sure what your point is here? Are you saying the school should have had the money to employ a computer studies teacher or the child should have been at a private school where you assume there would have been one? 🤔

[@frankpaterson9786]

@@davidbatthews3811 The former.