Mind you, it may be too much hard work for some beneficiaries to make that sort of effort.
Work and Income staff have to work with people who are not always at their best.
They may be desperate for extra money, accommodation supplements, food supplements, extra cash to pay unbudgeted-for costs.
They may be at the end of their tether and feel they are not getting what they want from the Government, but that does not give them the right to abuse, or threaten, Work and Income staff.
In fact they should be grateful for society giving them what they get.
It isn't a right, although in this country it seems to be taken for granted and has become a multi-generational way of life.
Ingratitude peeves me more than most things and every beneficiary out there should show appreciation for being given taxpayers' money.
If they don't, well, I guess it is in the breeding, but if they threaten Work and Income staff they need to pay a penalty.
I'd stand them down from their benefits for a period of time and if they continue to act as prats on subsequent occasions the stand-down time gets longer.
Violence against staff should immediately mean an end to a benefit for at least a year. Full stop, the end.
Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
And the Government needs to be admonished for its slack security provision at Work and Income offices.
Minister Paula Bennett has said security will be stepped up at Work and Income offices and guards may demand proof of identity before letting people in.
Really? That's tougher security?
Fair go minister, it is your job to ensure the safety of your staff so don't just use weasel words - get real.
Security guards are only a deterrent if they look capable of stopping a moron wanting to cause trouble.
And sorry ladies, female guards aren't much use against a violent bloke unless they are armed - with pepper spray, or Taser, or handgun - so bigger and meaner looking blokes should get the nod.
Some people may say that Ashburton was a one-off, but since the killings there have been numerous threats at Work and Income offices around the country, including in this city.
They need to be dealt with publicly and with a severity that will stop other incidents.
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Isn't it exciting news that two new food markets are going to be operating in Papamoa this spring and summer.
The markets are extensions of the Mount's Little Big Markets that have been serving up tasty treats for five years.
The Papamoa events will be on every third Sunday, from 9am to 2pm, at the Domain and, even better, every Thursday night from 5 to 9pm.
I particularly like the night market idea as every second week I'll be able to finish work and head along with the mob for a bit of a treat.
Hasn't our beachside suburb undergone a massive transformation in the past few years. Markets are on the way, we've a great range of shops ... not to mention our traffic light!
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Seriously, some Americans need to get a sense of humour.
A large number of folk from the good ol' US of A took umbrage recently when some staff at the British embassy in Washington twittered a joke about burning the White House.
The Brits were having a party to celebrate being the only nation in the world to have successfully attacked the American capital and set fire to the White House on August 26, 1814. It was during the War of 1812, which began when America decided it would invade Canada and proceeded to get its bottom spanked.
At least President Barack Obama knows how to take a gag. Two years ago when British PM David Cameron visited Pennsylvania Ave he and Obama traded jokes about the invasion.
The Prez said the Redcoats made quite an impression ... "They really lit up the place."
Tee hee.
• Richard@richardmoore.com. Richard Moore is an award-winning Western Bay journalist and photographer.
