Listeners are saying this James O'Brien call should be "compulsory listening"

The caller told James O'Brien about getting out of poverty - and listeners said it was a must-listen for political parties.
John called in to talk about his experience of growing up in poverty.
He said that he grew up with stepfather figures who were heroin "addicts" and "dealers" and you could not imagine a "more impoverished estate".
He said: "I am one of seven. The other six are all adults now. In and out of prison, drug addicts, alcoholics. Every single person, more or less."
He added: "The reality is that we talk about the kind of life expectancies going down, things were that bad then now and they're only getting worse now."
When he was a kid, he said, £30 a week meant that he could afford to eat and go to college.
He explained: "The means that were available to assist me in climbing out of the hole I was born into have been stripped away systematically and continuing to be stripped away systematically."
Make sure you never miss a single word of our world-leading discussion by subscribing here: l-bc.co/subscribe
Watch More Here:
Brexit: l-bc.co/BrexitLatest
The Nigel Farage Show: l-bc.co/Nigel
James O’Brien: l-bc.co/JamesObrien
Iain Dale: l-bc.co/IainDale
Donald Trump: l-bc.co/DonaldTrump
Find out more about how to listen along and join in the conversation at www.lbc.co.uk/
This is not your ordinary talk radio stream. LBC is the leading KZbin channel for live debate around the news and current affairs. We have live interviews and debates and you can even phone in to join in the conversation.
Sign up to the weekly LBC newsletter for the email news roundup: l-bc.co/2JYMJ8I

[@davidashley4386]

People have to have a ladder out of poverty and deprivation. What a strong character this caller has, I salute you sir !

[@tariqmohamed]

Absolutely! it reinforces the saying that poverty is not a natural condition but a policy decision.

[@101perspective]

I'm not sure I completely agree. I mean, I do think there should be a ladder. However, I think most could get out of poverty through hard work. And the use of drugs is just a poor excuse. I think most people at some point as a kid get the opportunity to take drugs and/or alcohol. Yet, we all knew it was a bad idea. If you did it anyway then in most cases that is on you. That said, it does benefit me to help you out of it. So I think the ladder should be there. I just don't think we should make it such a given that people don't take that initial decision as seriously.

[@PretentiousGit]

@@101perspective go back and listen to the entire video repeatedly until you get it

[@markdowns9607]

Yes...bring back that ladder called Grammar Schools !

[@carefreemc1445]

I'm not being funny but is that your real name? My name is Antoniades but we had to Anglicanise it so my Dad could get a job, so we changed to Antony (no H) so i was David Antony from age 7 to 28 til i changed it back to the Greek one!

[@seanfagan6727]

James listened a lot to this guy. Few interruptions. There was no arguments to be made, no need to challenge. The caller was brutally honest - no BS. Great guy, considering the high walls he had to climb. Kudos to you 👍👍

[@SuperTruthful]

There was no need to interrupt a man telling his story. Why would James argue over someone else's life experiences? This caller is not a idiot talking about nonsense.

[@op3129]

"Great guy, considering ..." oh my

[@v6math]

Government programs, used correctly, are investments, not costs.

[@gra-emed3617]

👌

[@mysticmermaid333]

As an American, I wish more people here would look at it this way.

[@jumbomills1272]

Government invest in friends dodgy non existent paper businesses. You can then work out for yourself where the money goes. That’s why as one of the richest countries, we have such miserable, hopeless poverty.

[@ironsideeve2955]

Well its both

[@jammcguire1276]

@@mysticmermaid333 No kidding. That what it is when you ask for a return on your tax investment!

[@stopukpovertyuk2392]

What an articulate guy this caller is. Completely true, too.

[@barcabhoy7193]

Stop UK Poverty UK The claims he makes about people from housing estates are absolute nonsense.

[@rangersdav5510]

Gerry Murphy I grew up in a scheme in Glasgow’s east end , I still stay close by and it he’s spot on. You obviously stayed in a better area or you’d know the script

[@barcabhoy7193]

Dwight Shroot So what are you, a drug addict, alcoholic, criminal, unemployed. Are your family all the same?

[@stopukpovertyuk2392]

@@barcabhoy7193 Oh?

[@user-os7qq9xk4o]

Na he made the whole thing up

[@realkangaroocafevietnam]

Another of many sensational interviews. The bloke was genuine, honest and charming.

[@crayontom9687]

‘Maladaptive coping mechanisms’. This guy is an absolute hero. Spot on

[@johnmorris7815]

I grew up on a council estate in SW11, if your Dad didn’t have a trade so that you could get a life apprenticeship there was usually only two choices, the Army or prison, he is absolutely right.

[@willliamtaaffe8099]

Not far away from me mate. And sadly, bang on

[@dmmoctober]

But surely cheap to buy and sell for a fortune?

[@pascualsmithvaldes9038]

@@dmmoctober Easy to buy a house when you can’t afford a job amyrite?

[@charlesmurray4885]

Army a great choice

[@Roheryn100]

@@charlesmurray4885 My husband said it was the making of him.

[@sydneyw4282]

Such a myth that poverty = laziness.

[@Jezzebel1313]

It is exactly the opposite.

[@montserratq4222]

Ignorance is bliss

[@toonietom]

Poverty = Modern day slavery

[@michaelccozens]

Few things are as expensive and labour-intensive as poverty.

[@booshting3520]

@@toonietom not really, nobody is gaining from people who don't work

[@MrArchie800]

I've only had to sign on once for a short period but was shocked at how the much the system grinds you down and degrades you. There is something far wrong when a benefit system supposedly designed to help people takes away so much self-respect and ambition.

[@edl2nd]

If you're in the UK, then you have no idea ... we *glorify* in shaming and grinding these people here in the States.

[@illeatthat]

Having to wait 5 weeks to even get your First payment, 20 minute meetings, no reimbursement for bus fare, receiving so little to support your family whilst still paying bills. Promising things that aren't delivered, asking why you're not willing to move down to London for a job when you're in the north west, or anywhere north of London for that matter. Its disgusting. Even today, its absolutely disgusting.

[@LeeNorman]

Had to sign on twice, found a job both times before I received a payment, in fact the second time I didn't even bother to collect it. I'm fairly sure the system was engineered to make people give up. I'm also fairly sure that the reason I managed to get a job so quickly was down to the degree I achieved while receiving a maintenance grant to attend university.

[@willliamtaaffe8099]

I signed on for 6 months while I struggled to find a job after I relocated. At first I didn't do it, until I became desperate, out of pride. I hated the experience, going to the JSA and being grilled by suspicious employees. I own my own business now. Looking back, it was a great experience I'd never like to repeat again. Humbling and character building, but horrible. Completely feel you bro

[@troywright359]

@@illeatthat you don't think it's right to move for employment?

[@CliffUK49]

The exact opposite of the guy in the audience of Question Time whining he was earning £80,000 a year and he classed himself poor and shouldn’t be paying the tax he was 😞.

[@weepingangel6805]

I mean he had a point, 80k a year isn’t that much. You can always make the argument “most people don’t get that” but that statement in of itself doesn’t negate the fact that even 80k isn’t that much either in an expensive country like the UK. Just because someone survives on less, doesn’t mean the 80k guy shouldn’t want more for himself

[@SteeeveO]

@@weepingangel6805 Stop being London centric. £80k is a massive salary compared to what the other 99.9% earn.

[@weepingangel6805]

@@SteeeveO Then they should have more ambition.

[@SteeeveO]

@@weepingangel6805 doesn't matter how much ambition anyone has - there are only so many £80k+ jobs out there.

[@weepingangel6805]

@@SteeeveO Then become self-employed. Or move. Stop making excuses.

[@PsychoSocialism]

I work in mental health and i hear stories of home lives like this EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And hes right. Most people dont make it out. Ever.

[@AJ-xo9uw]

To that guy who called in: you should be proud of yourself, I know it might sound patronising but well done m8

[@Carlos-qk2vi]

It's not patronising, too many children in this seriously wealthy country of ours are born to fail - it was difficult for him then and like he said, almost impossible to achieve now. Well done him.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

Just imagine all the talent that's hidden in the depths of poverty. The Stephen Hawkings and Nikola Teslas and the like, all the doctors and nurses not reaching their potential and for what?

[@liamereiam]

I've been saying this for years.... without the grant I had to go to college, I'd still be stuck in my village.

[@benjog26]

The greatest victory of the Tories and Right Wing media was convincing the Working Class to despise the Lower Class

[@aussiebill7512]

From my perspective, from the other side of the world, the British people's greatest failure and shame, is its disgusting class system. All of your current pains and inequities can be traced back to the perpetuation of this vile culture. How can any human in a developed country accept the label "lower class"? And how does the accident of birth earn an "upper class" listing? All over the world, people have risen up against this putrid categorization of human beings, shedding rivers of blood along the way. A worthy first step to achieve change would be to purge your current political "leadership". Really, how far into the bottom of the barrel can you sink?

[@jamesfoley4832]

In these times we find ourselves in. This interview should be shared across all media outlets and schools. Someone who has lived this life and came out the other side better, congrats my friend, you are an example to everyone listening.

[@edeledeledel5490]

I would suggest that it should be sent to Jacob Rees-Mogg, but he wouldn't give a toss.

[@selahtaylor4049]

It is so warming to hear someone talk about how they were lucky to make it out of hard circumstances and show such compassion towards people who didn't. I'm saving this one to listen to later.

[@ralphrex9118]

Powerful, inspirational and depressing. Well done James for letting him keep going, I do hope he gets to appreciate the magnitude of what he has achieved and gets to write about it. He could be an amazing conduit of hope for people trying to climb out of the misfortune they are born into.

[@cullenpm]

What a great speaker he was, never faltered, very considered

[@jocky2]

This guy says it so well, I experienced exactly the same thing. Everyone in parliament should listen to this and act accordingly to create a better tomorrow for this country.

[@steveswangler6373]

if the majority of people in your parliament (or our Congress herein the states) wished to help the less fortunate they would already be doing it. we need to stop electing garbage to represent us.

[@physicsfromthenetherlands1617]

Step 1: Never vote Tories again

[@spindizzy64]

How can people give this a thumbs down?!

[@redlord4321]

@@alexleadbetter5412 its also that people feel like they get value in themselves by being better off than others. like sure they could be underpaid themselves but if other people are even more underpaid then they feel better about themselfs.

[@1george1100]

Miss clicking??? Or similarly to the drug addicts in the story are drug addicts through their experience and conditioning the people who click thumbs down 👎are ignorant morons due to theirs.

[@milesbetrov]

Idiots and snobbery , thats why

[@dougdellwo3274]

I think they question the veracity of the call.

[@jesmarina]

It's the same people that think society shouldn't "waste" money on people like this caller. So: Ignorant and selfish tools!

[@drcarp7377]

Well done this man. Not only for achieving so much personally, but also being so articulate in explaining what it's really like, whilst desperately trying to avoid diminishing the impact of his words by descending into a political slanging match.

[@scoppio07]

It was that genius George Osborne that took away the grant that the guy here is talking about. It was only given to kids who had parents on 16,000 or less a year.

[@robertsinnerman7804]

Gotta love the tories. It's probably the left's fault.

[@christinemolloy2723]

@@robertsinnerman7804 it’s the parents fault who are excused readily by the left. So yes , your right

[@bigwitt187]

@@christinemolloy2723 So you're fine with punishing the children for their parent's mistakes.

[@christinemolloy2723]

@@bigwitt187 that’s a ridiculous argument. At the end of the day parents have to take responsibility for their children. If you can’t afford them don’t have them. Too many people breeding and sending the bill to the taxpayer, that is unsustainable.

[@kingnemon8352]

@@christinemolloy2723 amazing how you managed to completly miss all the points in this call. Then again, that is a common characteristic of being an ignorant fool.

[@robertsayers6864]

Great call , refreshing & honest. He is of course right in one major thing he states “nobody chooses to be born in a difficult situation” We really need to wake up and ensure escape routes are in place to avoid the next solution which is for the person to just turn to what they only know.

[@livetwice7702]

Crom I have to agree with that ....

[@Jimboy1611]

Robert Sayers - We’re currently gravitating to the prevailing American perspective which is: “if you’re poor, it’s your fault”. Commonly espoused by the sons of billionaires, ironically.

[@rogerbennett9641]

@@Jimboy1611 Evidence please.

[@seang3019]

@SEAN INGRAM how would you legislate for that?

[@nakkadu]

Or find a way to discourage wasters who can't raise kids from having kids?

[@tyler8322]

I wish some U.S. conservatives would hear this and understand this point

[@razorwireclouds5708]

they understand it, but they don't care. they only care about more money.

[@wendymoney8413]

What an amazing young man...this needs to go viral! 💕

[@TheChrishoughton]

What an amazing person. That has actually changed my way of thinking. To hear someone who has risen from the depths of social injustice and can quantify it in such a succinct way is frankly mind-blowing.

[@TheChrishoughton]

@Lee Tabern I had no idea that the support for young people in the same situation, has been cut back to the extent that he describes. He worked hard and got out of it, but is saying that in today's world, to do the same would be impossible.

[@jool7793]

30pounds a week was enough for him to pay for college and living expenses. Here in America I couldn’t afford to go to college. Had to start working at 16 to help at home and when I turned 18 I had to move out and pay for all of my expenses. No time for school, Too busy working a low wage job just to survive.

[@martialme84]

With all respect and i mean this as a most sincere question: Why does this video have a 3:1 like to dislike ratio? Could someone who disliked the video educate me on the reason or reasons behind their decision, please? Thank you very much.

[@gra-emed3617]

They won’t be able to mate, it’s the same people who call in and can’t actually answer a straight question

[@arthurfranklin9315]

@Real M "If we allow their share to get any bigger, humanity will struggle to survive." Actually, as the Idiocracy theory says, humanity will thrive in numbers but not in quality.

[@wadjo1]

Brexit people still mad at Brien for fact-checking them

[@michaelccozens]

@@arthurfranklin9315 The Idiocracy world was a hair's-breadth from massive famine due to watering crops with Brawndo.

[@michaelccozens]

@Yuri DeKhed I know this is just a poor attempt at trolling, but you're aware that limiting people's ability to achieve their potential hurts everyone, including you, right? Next time you troll, do put in a little more effort.

[@PurityVendetta]

I was brought up in a dying industrial town, awash with drugs and pretty much no opportunities. Watching the commoditization, for want of a better word, of education and the closing down of opportunities thanks to disasters like brexit it makes me loose all hope. I was able to broaden my horizons by setting out for Europe and working my way around. This convinced me to go back to uni as a mature student after being completely let down by the education system I grew up in. I really do identify with the caller but I'm really depressed that all the doors I could walk through are now closed and sealed by ignorance and selfishness.

[@FuriousImp]

That's terrible! Lucky you got out, my "continental European" heart goes out to all those that are suffering so needlessly.

[@geraldstephens6612]

It's happening here too; been happening for quite some time.

[@FuriousImp]

@@geraldstephens6612 And where is that?

[@jumbomills1272]

Education is the new big industry in the Uk. Most jobs should be on the job training and open to more people like a generation ago.

[@AustenMerritt]

One of the best callers ever! Articulate, intelligent and brutally honest! To the point.

[@RR-fk7xc]

'the first time i had been given £30 in to my bank, was the most money I ever had in my entire life' got goosebumps listening to this wow

[@saadselkent367]

Adjusted for inflation thats not even £45

[@RR-fk7xc]

@@saadselkent367 it's just insane.

[@pamelaadam9207]

Our school careers guidance teacher was a nightmare those of us from the council estate were all told secretarial work for girls and army for the boys. The argument she had with me when I said I was going to University to study English or Theology I still remember to this day. I was told a university should not waste it's time on council kids. I wish she were still alive so I could show her my degrees and name on research papers. On one hand the grants were there to help us which young people do not have today on the other those attitudes tried to keep us down and still exist

[@wakeyskate]

I’ll be blunt; f*ck that elitist piece of sh*t. I’ve no idea who you are Pamela but I’m proud of what you’ve achieved

[@franrowe8696]

Same here,I had aspirations but was told I would "be knocked up and out of the job market for at least the next 16 years at least. So outweighed the knicker factory or a baby". On the heap before I started.

[@johngreen6191]

You should thank that person and the school for giving you the motivation to prove them wrong. Perhaps this was their intention!

[@imalwaysright]

@@johngreen6191doubt it. It was a nasty person. Fortunately the person had the self belief to not let a nasty cow destroy their dreams

[@jamesregiste960]

​@@johngreen6191 are you a Libertarian? In the 18th century your type would have been drawing up indentures and bragging about it!

[@Inurendo88]

I recently found out that EMA had been scrapped years ago and it was a massive shock because like this caller, I wouldn't have been able to go to college without it. My starting situation wasn't quite as complicated or unfortunate, but we weren't wealthy enough at the time for my parents to support me through college without any help. Honestly, thinking about kids that are progressing through the system today that are in the same situation that that I was in, that now don't have access to college breaks my heart.

[@redordead4491]

This is why the working class need free further education, we need more working class in power! But I do agree with him its just a romantic idea 😏

[@brianholloway6205]

interesting. what kind of education?

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Used to be that way.....

[@pauls3204]

need apprenticeships not fanciful worthless degrees used to hide statistics. National apprentice program no pen for people up to 50 years of age( obviously certain folk can't do every job)

[@greyscalesx]

Not a romantic idea, it's been done in other EU countries. Denmark has not only free education but you get paid to go to college. Then in turn you become a higher educated and productive member of society and contribute to taxes as well it's a virtuous circle

[@vivavoceclassics1315]

It is only if they make you believe it is. In my country, my degree costed me 0 euros. Just because I was borned in a big family and there is a state policy that these families don´t have to pay tuition fees. Of course education up to high school is free to everyone, like in the UK. Even other families don´t pay more than 1k per year in university tuition fees. From what I know, my country, Spain, is not an exception in Europe, but rather the norm. There are arguments to be made for and against this system, but what people need to understand when denigrating the concept of social-democracy, is taht these are the kind of policies that the deffendants of such system were always advocating for: equality of opportunity can only be a result of redistribution policies, in the form of public services such as education. This caller is bringng forward as "romantic" something that could be perfectly well a reality -and, in fact, it still is in many places.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

Congrats to the man. But a damming indictment on society and Government agencies.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

@Mickey Finn Basic school boy spelling and grammar errors. I am entering my dotage era.

[@dahalofreeek]

It's super sad that all his siblings are still in a rough place.

[@drunkensailor112]

It's why you should require an iq test before getting children

[@kahlosmask570]

@@drunkensailor112 putting it down to IQ or ones intelligence misses the point of this call.

[@paulh.9526]

There's a egoistic argument for the rich to fund escape paths out of poverty. If there is no way out, the poor have nothing to lose. That leads to suicide, drugs and for some crime. I'm not saying we should be soft on crime. I'm saying we should give alternatives to crime.

[@hologram1211]

Sad thing is, it's 2 years on from this interview and we've moved even further away from providing support to the poorest most deprived members of society thanks to another 2 damaging years of Tory cuts and denials, along with soaring inflation and cost of living thanks to decisions specifically taken by the same government. I dread to think where we'll be in another 2 years time.

[@JohnSmith-jg6nv]

Tories have always loved creating poverty, then blaming the poor for being poor and making them a scapegoat for the middle classes ails, divide and rule has always been their aim to deflect from their corruption.

[@MerrionGT6]

I am pretty much from the same background as this caller and agree with everything he says. There is no way I could have escaped the poverty trap given what the state provides now.

[@forthfarean]

I escaped poverty without a degree or any taxpayer funding . It is called work and application . I had a house at 22 years old with a wife ,child a few years later. I worked 6 days a week while I had to. I started work 60 years ago and earned £200 per year. I didn’t expect tax payer’s money and my parents had no money either. When I was saving to get married I did my day job and then went to work after in an evening job and saved every penny. We went out once a week. We save ,in those days, a lot of money. And I never stole or took drugs, drank excessively or whinged. I just worked.

[@MerrionGT6]

@@forthfarean Congratulations - you did well (as well as being thrice lucky)

[@JustG38]

@Rimadim dim Or the gov. Could provide the homeless with some help? When did the original comment moan about people richer than them?... oh you are one of those people who thinks labour takes anyone who isn't unemployed belongings away..."sigh"... Labour wants an equal opportunity from all backgrounds (not just if you can afford it) and for the rich buisnesses to pay the correct amount of tax like everyone else! not 1% in offshore banks!

[@nifralo2752]

@@forthfarean at least back then you could walk into a job. Now a days even McDonalds say "you dont have enough experience" and make you do online exams. I dont know what is with this perverse professionalisation of everything.

[@petermichiels8333]

Try working for a living !!!!

[@HappyCamper84]

I know exactly what he means. This is most peoples lives that live on estates. It's demeaning when you cannot get out of you want to improve your situation.

[@kerrydevlin]

What a nice guy,well done on all your hard work

[@duckers007]

Social mobility was drastically impaired by Blair’s policy of trying to get everyone to uni, then realising it was unaffordable and introducing tuition fees. We need fewer going to uni and more vocational education.

[@geoffgane4861]

Less university = Less Communism.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

Also means a younger workforce which means we can reduce retirement age...

[@stevenhewes1990]

@@insomniacbritgaming1632 in the future. The fact is there is still a massive balancing of the books needed before that could change. A lot of these social policies sound great and compassionate on paper, however the reality of it is that it massively erodes social fabric and creates a wanted reliance on the state. As well as generations of morons easily bought by politicians "quick fix" policies.

[@bushman143]

Yes, reducing social mobility increases the number of working class people, meaning more votes for Labour.

[@connorlove9277]

Vocational training died with the fragmentation of the UK's economy in the 80s

[@meadc6754]

Everything the caller says is so true and it’s a shame that we don’t all realize it 😢

[@Kit-vb5rm]

Well done Greg. I am seventy years old , when I attended secondary school in Islington, if any boy was not quite up to scratch or found himself even a little bit slower than his classmates the teachers would either ignore us or look for reasons to physically punish us, purely for being below parr. Most of these teachers were male and often would act like thugs . I can only hope and pray standards are higher today.

[@Tonydjjokerit]

What started the changes was Thatcher gave parents the right to sue the school so the thuggish teachers left very quickly!

[@venusflytrap909]

Just become a Lord, turn up and fall asleep for £350 a day...........I doubt very much they even realise £350 is a weeks salary for many !

[@ra55575]

How does one become a lord?

[@jpooky9141]

@@ra55575 bloodline line family ties special secret clubs.

[@bobthegirl90]

@@jpooky9141 and party donations

[@barrymayhew6700]

@@Bot23 I thought no NEW hereditary peers could be made. Those that are already retain the hereditary right to sit in the HoL

[@11oilrig]

This is so powerful - absolutely to the point!

[@iancarpenter6298]

fantastic call john.listened to your every word.i wish you john all the very best for future.

[@louisecook6483]

I was born to a single mum in 1972 , she married my step dad and went on to having 5 more children , we lived in a high rise flat, lifts didn't work, alot of drugs going on that mum told me we were eventually given a 3 bedroom house which felt wonderful after a family of 5 living in a one bedroom flat and it had a garden which we felt posh having. We would never have survived without both sets of grandparents, one bought us food parcels, my clothes were all hand me downs from my aunt who was 6 years older so I was bullied severely at school, my other grandparents bought us kids one pair of shoes a year each, we struggled and if it wasn't for free school meals we wouldn't have eaten some days. People have no idea where u came from but presume to know you and degredate you for thinking differently without even asking why you think or feel this way. The stigma of poverty and the bullying, name calling, violence you endured are hard shackles to break free from

[@jamesmcarthur1229]

Did you boil and eat the shoes from the previous year? Lucky as well that your Aunt was the same size as you. Grandparents bought food PARCELS? The other bought you all 6 pairs of shoes a YEAR? Were they designer shoes? Were the high rise lifts broken the ENTIRE time you lived there or just occasionally? What about trainers, or 'pumps' for school? So two parents, both sets of Grandparents and at least 1 Aunt...and yet some days your only meals were free school ones?...sorry but some salt required with all this

[@carollayne87]

@@jamesmcarthur1229 I believe this comment is sincere. Six children is the problem.

[@anfieldreds_1892]

james mcarthur idiot. No empathy

[@metalthrashingmatt]

tshekedi walker yep...empathy is lacking in today society.

[@evaluna8100]

Should blame your parents for having more kids than they could afford. 🙄

[@Rsama60]

Kudos to this man.

[@izztv156]

I’m poor and listening to this guy is humbling wow

[@user-os7qq9xk4o]

You have the internet You are poor Pick one

[@chibuisin]

@@user-os7qq9xk4o you dont get it do you

[@anfieldreds_1892]

Tom Riddle idiot. so what if they have the internet

[@user-os7qq9xk4o]

@@chibuisin no I don't get why you parasites feel you can never get enough

[@user-os7qq9xk4o]

@@anfieldreds_1892 poor people don't have internet

[@malcolmc2395]

Great story, an example of human triumph over adversity. Well done John. AND he avoided making a political point out of it. Honourable guy.

[@JamesDunthorne]

No it's a story of lazy people being bailed out by hard working tax payers

[@walterrudich2175]

@@JamesDunthorne So what? It´s okay if it works.

[@connorlove9277]

@@JamesDunthorne but isn't he now paying back said tax payers?

[@malvolio01]

@@walterrudich2175 No, it isn't.

[@metalthrashingmatt]

James Dunthorne maybe try some empathy..

[@markbird5461]

As an ex h adict myself i empathize completely with the chap. Great call

[@blogmartamaria8431]

After listening to it I must agree. This should be a "compulsory listening". More of such stories would be needed, as "one swallow doesn't make a summer". Thank you.

[@smg7602]

There are many, many people who grew-up in abject poverty who have never taken drugs.

[@milels6917]

The big problem is drug taking alcohol too easy to buy no staying power in marriage prefer to live together with no commitment until that changes kids on sink estates will alway have to suffer their parents choices

[@duanepipe5277]

I think O’Brien and his colleague Sheila the two best presenters on any radio shows,

[@mikeydrakesmith7661]

That was one of the best callers I have heard on LBC his honesty, integrity and reality of the life he was living is all around us and truth if not harrowing is so true, I praise the man's fortitude and determination to turn an almost unimaginable existence to one of life's great successes. Brilliant call

[@Luke43168]

You can generalize what the caller's saying about the middle and upper classes never being able to understand addiction and poverty to their inability to understand any element of the entire working class.

[@the90sfattyfromtakethat]

More education in life in this short video than a politician has ever spouted.

[@Opshun1]

I have only just begun watching KZbin videos of LBC and this one struck me. I am not versed in England's socio-economic structure but the "estates" sound a lot like the "projects" of my early childhood in the United States. I was blessed never to fall into drugs or jail but lost a number of friends (and some family) to both. I was encouraged to hear the caller reference having received counseling multiple times during the call. I know I could have benefitted from it but was never able to receive it. Where/when I grew up there was a deep stigma against those who had nothing, suffered addiction, or received counseling. The United States is also actively removing support so it will be that much harder for people to get to a better situation. My most sincere thanks to the caller for sharing his story and I hope he knows that he has touched many people by doing so.

[@Tonydjjokerit]

Sad to hear it. The US like the UK is in dire need of a revolution. Sadly I see something like this happening!

[@rulechange6329]

What a life story from a genuine sincere guy, of his early extreme life adversity, who felt the spark of a desire to live, change his life. He made it. But to then point out in dismay that the slim opportunities available to him, enabling him to prevail, are now gone

[@Oomzilla]

Now there's an amazing caller! That's a conversation, no crazies to deal with, considered thoughtful and articulated passion, with no anger, just empathy and understanding. Brilliant perception of the world!✌🏽❤️

[@Mark-sc4bu]

This gentleman eloquently describes the REAL problem in our society - class differences and poverty, rather than the fabrication that is identity politics. I was born into a poor family and we had very little, but my environment was very different to that of the caller. That said, the battles our family had were extreme, and I recognise that reality in the caller's voice.

[@Mark-sc4bu]

CountJimbo which two? Poverty and class, or class and identity. If it’s the former, yes there is a link. Class and identity? I’m yet to be shown any meaningful independent data that supports that. Please clarify.

[@patriciahopey1384]

Sir, ive enjoyed your ability to challenge callers to get to their point. love your ability to not be derailed from your topics. wonderful. keep doimg your job, its entertaining and one of 3 of my favourite videos. 3 cheers from Atlantic Canada

[@scottiedog4236]

Watched it’s 2 times now ! Incredible Interview incredible story well done

[@lolavan7750]

Twice even.

[@Barfbagdontsag]

30 pounds a month ($40 US) could get him a bus pass, pens and pencils, AND books for his school?!?! Books alone cost at least ten times that depending on your classes.

[@simondykes9630]

Interesting listening to this guy, his points are valid, he applied himself in school and went to university. How many people have escaped poverty by means of the benefits system?

[@nancyhagan7553]

i salute this caller to have the strength of character to use the small opportunity giving to him to educate and get out of his situation well done

[@horace9341]

Not the same story but similar in many ways to mine. I left school in 1981 and was looking forward to joining the mass ranks of the unemployed, the 1 in 10, but I swallowed my pride and went on the government youth opportunity scheme for £23.50 per week. The rest is history. Well done Greg for taking advantage of the help. Maybe it’s time to bring back the YOP scheme.

[@tonybarker1335]

That young man is a working class Hero. And a working class Hero is something to be. A hero for beating the Trap. And he is a Hero for telling us. Now it's up to us to help those left behind.

[@livetwice7702]

Poverty and moral degradation is not mutually exclusive ........no one was poorer than my Grandmother the wife of a Lancashire coal miner with 7 children , yet husband and wife stayed married all their life , the children were raised in the Church , in Truth with principles and integrity . They went to school and learned what was in those books , they had respect for their parents and their elders and every one turned out well. When the bottom has been hollowed out of the Church unfortunately, and I will concede maybe that social help is missing , but at the end of the day every man is responsible for himself , we are free agents to make choices and some people are spectacular at making the wrong choices.

[@goldnwani3526]

Mr James O'Bien thank you for doing this work.I just don't know how somebody would chose to hate a person that has done nothing wrong.

[@stevebeary4988]

What an incisive mind this caller has. Thank you,

[@sueharper581]

So inspiring to hear and everything he said is spot on

[@markshaz8691]

Well done to him for pulling himself out, but it's rare.

[@laurencewaxman]

What a great video this has been to listen to - Simple and inspiring

[@MrJohnybirchall]

Don’t slouch James, great clip btw.

[@MattCrawley_Music]

He’s on radio

[@justinboyan573]

@@MattCrawley_Music thats a funny looking radio I'm looking at your screen must look different.

[@lookingforonetruechristian7396]

Such a wonderful conversation for us all to hear.

[@chrispiesse1004]

listening to this in 2023 makes me want to weep and angry that our Government has so little regard for it's citizens. Tories Gotta Go!

[@ruaidriodomhnaill4489]

Great job explaining the poverty mate. It’s so poorly understood outside the Belfast & Derry metros (mostly) unless people have personally come up in those areas or have family/friends in them. Offer kids some hope & stability and it becomes far more difficult for criminals to manipulate. Kids need hope & a sense of stability & security. Absent those basic needs, violence and criminality always thrive - its universal across the globe, regardless of location/culture/etc.

[@kimhaslam664]

Education is always the key to the escape route.

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

Kim Haslam Education is the key.

[@andrewoliver8930]

That's why rich folks keep the best education for their children.

[@kimhaslam664]

Bring back grammar schools. Give clever children a chance.

[@kevster1007]

Self esteem is the answer

[@CelticMorning]

Before you can educate anyone they have to have a mind capable of receiving information and to get that it must be free from addictions.

[@MOI-qq8zc]

Omg I cried! Come to Canada please. No class structure here and you will be given a chance ❤️

[@cherylmcelveen2817]

No class structure in Canada?????

[@marieannsykes4640]

Who are these idiots who disliked this courageous man’s journey?

[@jodonbaker43]

the left just like jobby.

[@personalcheeses8073]

Great call, insightful. Well done that man

[@jimjones6866]

the thing with "lower" class jobs. When i was younger we used to get paid by the hour. You worked alot of hours you earned a decent wage. I bought a car, a cheap house. Now a days alot of people are given capped salaries, they end up doing 50-60 hour weeks for what is often less than minimum wage.

[@shayhannon1873]

What an open and honest and absolute genuine person John is and an inspiration to every one of us plus the best person in the world to be interviewed by in James!

[@peterjackson1677]

Just listened to this. What an inspirational caller, I hope he goes from strength to strength. My background is not dissimilar to his. I had the benefit of a University Education with a maintenance grant. We need to invest in our children to a level where they get the same educational opportunities as the better off kids.

[@gonkheed]

yes it was inspirational.

[@patsy4023]

Education should be FREE !!!! 🇬🇧

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

Yes... Upto college level...

[@jameslochridge4265]

I can feel his tears, not for him but for those who won't make it.

[@mrbearbear83]

It speaks volumes about how the torys view the poor when Cameron allegedly told Clegg that he didn't want to build council houses because it would create labour voters.

[@marywood8794]

This man could be from America where I live. It's the same stuff that happens here. This man was lucky to make it out!

[@CaptPeon]

Heart wrenching and accurate. It's SO hard to climb out of the trench! I wish I could be more optimistic about future generations but when the deck is stacked against you it's nearly impossible to see the light in which to strive for... and suddenly all of your options have all disappeared...

[@zakoid1]

Guys completely spot on and articulates his point really well 👏. A real story from a guy, like so many, who was given lemons in life and made lemonade out of it through sheer will.

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

The eight years I spent working in a Jobcentre were the worst eight of my life. Some colleagues were great, others were viscious bullies. Those of us who genuinely tried to help people were called time wasters and naïve. People who've worked all their lives get hounded because Jobcentre managers know those people are the ones who would rather use their life savings than be humiliated. At a time when we're all supposed to be saving money for care we'll need in old age. But this way they get easy "sign offs" and don't have to do anything to help the ones who struggle to get get work for whatever reason but want to work, or get the minority of scroungers to get off their backsides.

[@ChrisKirtley]

Remember, it was Supermac Tory Harold Macmillan who abolished university fees, and "Labour" Tony Blair who reinstated them.

[@joelcoool]

remember, it's jeremy corbyn who's going to abolish University fees, and boris who isn't. tad more relevant eh?

[@grrinc]

@@joelcoool. When Corbyn actually does that, you'll have made a great point. Until then, it's meaningless waffle - as Lib Dem voters can testify. Try not to be gullible.

[@joelcoool]

@@grrinc labour are not the lib dems. i know how principled and reliable corbyn is and i trust labour because i see no reason not to trust them.

[@grrinc]

@@joelcoool. Read the Jay report. You'll see how truly evil the Labour party are.

[@guyverjay1289]

@@joelcoool - ahahahahaha what an imbecile you are if you believe that utter nonsense

[@jocky2]

This situation is heartbreaking.

[@andrewturner2354]

Why should they take the time and expense of skilling up the working classes of the UK when they can simply import the skilled from eastern Europe. Oven ready skilled people ready to go. British working classes, you're on your own.

[@kevinflidge6623]

Nail hit firmly on the head.

[@nichotto]

Apprenticeships had long bit the dust before Eastern Europeans made their way here ' taking our jobs' so I think you need some fresh anti EU ( I'm guessing) rhetoric.

[@Daisy-yq1gi]

It's called the class system. It's never gone away, or changed.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

I'll bet he doesn't whinge about paying his taxes

[@donjames7971]

I travelled a similar path as this caller from sacrificial choices/decisions made that afforded me the journey, but I keep looking over-my-shoulder ...

[@reefrunnerart]

Just goes to show that James WILL listen to you if you have something intelligent and insightful to say

[@aarontyrrell9137]

Hitting so many nails on the head. Power to you brother 🙏❤️

[@illeatthat]

Remembering that I will never own a house, nor be able to support myself by removing myself from the situation, whilst at the same time suffering from a personality disorder, and being strung along by promises of politicians and being berated by a older generations who have NO IDEA the difficulties we face today, nor really care, and tell us to carry on as if were not carrying their burdens, too - gives me every right to escape any way I choose. I'm not saying pity me, I'm saying I would choose to switch our places in time any day of the week, and then tell me its time to pull yourself together without reaching for the bottle or the pills.