Benefits

[shrub]

Or it could be that the overwhelming proportion of the population is actually ‎happy with their lot (ref. the recent opinion poll on the subject).‎ ‎

Of course they're happy, most of us in the Western world live a life of unprecedented ease and luxury which means we have no need to challenge the status quo, and when we're forced to look at our world critically we become very angry and upset because something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and we are frightened that we will lose what we have.

Whereas I’m quite happy to debate any part of your last statement regarding ‎economic and social policy

Please do.

I think that accusing the general population of being ‎under the thrall of voodoo economics or some sort of consumer cargo cult is ‎paternalistic and arrogant.

me, arrogant? Never! Or maybe I'm cynical? I'm certainly very sceptical of the munificence and wisdom of Deal Leader and his cronies and don't share the acceptance of the veracity of everything that the National Party claims to be wise and good that is so common on this site.

[scumdog]

Of course they're happy, most of us in the Western world live a life of unprecedented ease and luxury which means we have no need to challenge the status quo,..

Effin-oath.
And why not??

[scissorhands]

Gonna jump on the bike and get a latte and muffin in town

[Winston001]

Of course they're happy, most of us in the Western world live a life of unprecedented ease and luxury which means we have no need to challenge the status quo, and when we're forced to look at our world critically we become very angry and upset because something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and we are frightened that we will lose what we have.

I was going to make a Python joke about bloody vikings but what you say deserves thinking about.

The Wall Street protests and riots in Greece are signatures of unease. Rainman has postulated that globalisation implies acceptance of unemployment and welfare in Western economies. We lose jobs but get cheap clothes and electronics.

I don't agree but perhaps he's correct as we run up against a wall of over-population and limited food. Until now, wealthy societies have provided new jobs for their displaced but maybe thats no longer possible.

[scumdog]

I Rainman has postulated that globalisation implies acceptance of unemployment and welfare in Western economies. We lose jobs but get cheap clothes and electronics.

I don't agree but perhaps he's correct as we run up against a wall of over-population and limited food. Until now, wealthy societies have provided new jobs for their displaced but maybe thats no longer possible.

Too true.

As the developing countries (where no fair-headed people are natives) get financially stronger and want/expect more we will slowly slide down the standard of living shute.

And just to 'sink-the-slipper-in' - the whole world is outstripping its non-renewable resources and there's too many of us humans aboard this earth.

So enjoy the planet as it is now people - your grand-children certainly won't be able to.

[Usarka]

Jeez Scummy, there's an element of greeny/hippy in that!

Likewise I know of lots of (insert areas here) disabled people that can do things better than me.
OAB can wheelie better than me.

OAB can wheelie better than most people on here!

The comparison with physical disabilities is a good example. To overcome, adapt, and wheelie then you're correct the right attitude and thinking is vital, and it's the brain that you use to do this.

The problem when the brain is bung is that the very thing you use to cope is the thing that's broken. Some people can, some people find it extremely difficult (especially without help), and some just can't cope. Unfortunately it's such a complex organ that it's hard to tell when it's negative thinking and attitude that's the issue or when it's actually due to the bung.....

[jasonu]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10764008

Fuck me. NZ pays out 16 billion per year in benifits? No wonder the country is going down the toilet.
How the hell can 4 million people, not all tax payers, sustain this level of payouts?

[FJRider]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10764008

Fuck me. NZ pays out 16 billion per year in benifits? No wonder the country is going down the toilet.
How the hell can 4 million people, not all tax payers, sustain this level of payouts?

Even those on a benefit pay tax ... and as those ON the benefit cannot save much, most is put back into general circulation ...

Plus the Goverment gets the GST on the benefit money spent ... gives it with one hand and collects it with two.

[Usarka]

A lot of those beneweod-wdfosjdfjdofjsdus odfj dlkgj asklhgp;dlfu[ osidgiuerhvhnauig cyhmio;u drtg idghjkldgb

[BoristheBiter]

I was going to make a Python joke about bloody vikings but what you say deserves thinking about.

The Wall Street protests and riots in Greece are signatures of unease. Rainman has postulated that globalisation implies acceptance of unemployment and welfare in Western economies. We lose jobs but get cheap clothes and electronics.

I don't agree but perhaps he's correct as we run up against a wall of over-population and limited food. Until now, wealthy societies have provided new jobs for their displaced but maybe thats no longer possible.

See I see the modern day thought of the "world owes me something" or the "I have the right to this" groups are the biggest problem.

People just need to know their place and be happy about it and if they want to make something more of their lives then they can work hard to get it.

[FJRider]

See I see the modern day thought of the "world owes me something" or the "I have the right to this" groups are the biggest problem.

It's the "MY rights are MORE important than YOUR rights" group are the bigger problem ... in my opinion ...

People just need to know their place and be happy about it and if they want to make something more of their lives then they can work hard to get it.

They KNOW their place ... are (usally) not happy ... but the "hard work" bit stymies them ...

[scumdog]

It's the "MY rights are MORE important than YOUR rights" group are the bigger problem ... in my opinion .....

Too many expect 'rights' for no reason than they just plain want them, they expect rights as of right

'Rights"? who the eff gave you rights, show me where you got the list...

It must be an awful shock when they find out they don't have quite as many rights as they thought they had.

"Welcome to the real world suckers" is the uncharitable thought that flits through my mind at time like that.

[FJRider]

Too many expect 'rights' for no reason than they just plain want them, they expect rights as of right

'Rights"? who the eff gave you rights, show me where you got the list...

It must be an awful shock when they find out they don't have quite as many rights as they thought they had.

"Welcome to the real world suckers" is the uncharitable thought that flits through my mind at time like that.

People will say anything to get themselves out of the shit ... the old ... "I know my rights" crowd ... always makes me laugh ... (the "my mate told me" or I saw it on TV [Yank program])

"Welcome to the real world" ... followed by ... "Have a nice day"

[BoristheBiter]

It's the "MY rights are MORE important than YOUR rights" group are the bigger problem ... in my opinion ...



They KNOW their place ... are (usally) not happy ... but the "hard work" bit stymies them ...

It all stated with Facebook. Everyone thinks that what they have just done is not only worth telling everyone but is more important.
Now because they all have this great feeling of self worth that they deserve something for it.

[BoristheBiter]

Too true.

As the developing countries (where no fair-headed people are natives) get financially stronger and want/expect more we will slowly slide down the standard of living shute.

And just to 'sink-the-slipper-in' - the whole world is outstripping its non-renewable resources and there's too many of us humans aboard this earth.

So enjoy the planet as it is now people - your grand-children certainly won't be able to.

See I blame it on the higher ups.
I remember when you pulled a copy of the phone book out and people twitched and coughed.
Respect of others is what has been missing for far to long, or is that fear?