...a matter of investing in simple plumbing.

Question

Hi allIs the author speaking metaphorically in the last sentence? Does the phrase 'a matter of' have this effect?"...And our health facilities are at the coalface, not just of influenza, but of many potential killers, such as golden staph.Yes, the public is looking for guidance on the threat from swine influenza, but in the longer term, our governments should be focusing more on providing the means by which professionals can avoid a growing health problem in Australia.To be trite, it could be a matter of investing in simple plumbing." (SMH)Thank youPBF

Avangi · Accepted Answer

On the contrary. I think he's being completely realistic, and means exactly what he says.
"The starter on my car quit working." (reply) "Not to sound trite, but the solution may be a matter of hitting it with a hammer."

BTW, how's the "pay-per-flush" going??

I suppose "It's a matter of X" is an idiom, or at least, a fixed expression..

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

Thanks for replying Avangi.

But except maybe in the outback, almost all Australian households have their bathrooms connected to a local plumbing system to drain the sewege. I think I have misused the word 'metaphorically'. I mean to say if the solution is as simple as investing in plumbing is. Is this how what I wrote came across to you? Thank you.

I believe the 'pay-per-flush' idea is still being debated and promoted arcoss Australia. The main reason behind this is the ongoing drought. If this is put in place, our sewage charges will depend on our waste water output. Right now, it depends on our home's value. Apparently a similar system has been implented in Bellaire, Texas.

PBF

Avangi · Answer

I'm not sure how to answer you. In my opinion, no figure of speech is being used here to make the point. Everything seems straight forward.

His point seems to be that the attention of the authorities is misdirected toward dealing with swine flu. Instead, deal with the [unspecified] growing long term health problem. (I'd assume this is the water situation, known to be the greatest issue in countries which suffer epidemics.)
He distinguishes between the government and the professionals. What professionals?? Medical? Water department?? Providing the means means money??

It just seems like he's criticizing the goverment for failing to see that there's a simple plumbing solution to the water problem - and failing to fund it.

But I can't seem to get a handle on the language question you're referring to.

__________________________

I wasn't aware of the Texas solution. When I first heard about pay-per-flush, it seemed a lot easier than metering the waste water. I'd think the cost of such meters would be prohibitive.

Avangi · Answer

I'm still puzzled about the sewer charge. If the problem is the drought, why not charge for the fresh water? I think the majority of US communities have water meters.

Seems if you charge only for the waste water, people with swimming pools, people who over-water their lawns and hose down their driveways would get away scott-free.

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

Avangi, I'm sorry to harp on about this but I still don't get the 'investing in simple plumbing' part. I mean a plumbing system exists in almost all places where one is needed. The article is not really long and here is the link to it. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/washing-hands-combats-more-than-swine-flu/1502749.aspx#

Fresh water has always been charged for in Australia. In many parts of Australia, including where I live, water restrictions are imposed almost always. For instance, you can't hose down hard surfaces such as driveways, you can't hose or drip irrigate your garden (we don't have one) on most days of the week and you can't hose down your car unless your hose is fitted with a speacial device. You can get fined or even jailed for breaking these laws. The drought is way more severe than what it might be like in the US. The climate is really really dry here and there is very little alpine glacier to provide us with fresh water. The relatively flat landscape also means that very little natural dams exist.

The 'pay per flush' idea doesn't actually mean you are charged for everytime you press down the lever. If this proposal is implemented, your waste water output will be measured and they will charge you according to the readings. Obviously they wiill have to invest in pipings and meter readings. I know it's a bit extreme and ridiculous but it's that bad.

PBF

Avangi · Answer

Peaceblinkfriend I mean a plumbing system exists in almost all places where one is needed.

Ask and it shall be given unto you:
Why? Infection control experts have for years been warning that overworked doctors and nurses flit from patient to patient without adequate hand-washing. Facilities to do so are often inconveniently placed in wards, or there is simply not enough time to wash effectively.

Thanks for the effective cooperation, and for the "cheerful facts" about the global crisis you're sadly facing somewhat ahead of the rest of us. I'm concerned and fascinated.

Best of luck with it. [Y]

Edit. I suspect your author was using the swine flue/draught crisisas a soap box from which to pontificate about a pet peeve.

. . . . . .

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

Thanks for your reply Avangi. Just wondering. Could you please explain your last comment? I don't really get the humour. The dictionary tells me a soapbox is a makeshift platform but what about the pet peeve?

Yea. That's why I am disappointed to learn that the Federal Government has delayed a carbon emissions trading scheme until 2011. Keep in mind that we have the highest per capita carbon emissons in the developed world. This finanical crisis is a real saboteur. I can't imagine how bad things will become when I am as old as the Prime Minister and the business lobbyists. I hope there will still be enough water for us to tend gardens.

Thanks again.

PBF

Avangi · Answer

In the old days, soap boxes were quite large and made of wood - convenient for a strange fellow to carry with him, so that when he found a crowd he could use it to stand on and announce, "Repent, ye! The end is near!"

It's now something of an idiom, so that when someone launches into his favorite "improvised" speech, we say, "Oh no, he's on his soapbox again!" - even though he may have both feet on the ground.

"Pet peeve" is another idiom. My pet peeve is my favorite thing to be P.O.'d about.

I suppose it's remotely possible that doctors and nurses are more responsible for spreading the flu than is the water shortage. It's just that in reading your piece I felt like this guy was looking for a chance to preach about something he's often preached about before - being opportunistic.

I guess that's no great crime. Perhaps I exaggerate.

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

Oh I see what you mean now. Hope it didn't seem I was standing on a soapbox.

PBF

...a matter of investing in simple plumbing.

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