We're Doomed - Not.

"Politicians yesterday heaped criticism on a health boss who forecast "unprecedented catastrophe" for humanity and an economic disaster worse than any since the Great Depression. In a report for the Scottish Government, Dr Laurence Gruer, director of NHS Health Scotland, warned of upheaval and ruin ahead as the nation falls victim to the economic downturn. Dr Gruer, Scotland's most senior public health official, told ministers to expect increases in crime, child abuse, obesity, depression and suicide as decades of "have it all" economic policy catch up on the world. "This upheaval can be expected to create changes in socio-economic conditions in Scotland of a magnitude not seen since the early 1980s," he said."

But seriously, these comments seem to sum up the typical attitude of most health professionals in Scotland. They are always on about the risks in public health terms of just about anything, without recognising that Scots are massively better off now than they have ever been in terms of their health and well-being, especially by comparison with 1929. Cheer up Dr Gruer. And give us Scots a break.