I ADDRESS this to A Johnstone. You have enquired about how you can obtain what you call a "Magic Badge".

Please let me explain - being one of the "privileged" badge holders.

In my case, I was "lucky" enough to have been disabled with a club foot which, over the years, caused arthritis in my hips, feet and spine, and I know for sure that my problems are nothing compared to others who may look perfectly "healthy" as they leave their cars to walk to their destinations after being in severe pain both mentally and physically, but trying to be independent and avoid the patronising stares of the likes of you and others like you who are completely able-bodied and probably able to hold down a job and earn a decent salary.

I know there are some who abuse the system - but we are not all benefit scroungers, as you imply.

I manage to keep my car on the road with the help of my mobility allowance, which I receive on top of my state pension, which is probably the equivalent to what you spend on drink and bingo each week. Incidentally, just to make you "squirm" a little more - that is, if you have the compassion in you to enable you to do so - I underwent a hip replacement four years ago to ease my problems, only to suffer a stroke after the operation, which has added to my incapacity.

Do have a nice day!

Mrs M J Tanner

(address supplied)

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.