Sofa said:
shoes said:
Shoes, perhaps if you worked a little less you would have more time to enjoy yourself, be less stressed and find the chance to re-assess what is really important in life. If you did, you just may find that the things like friends and community, which are hugely important factors in a healthy and happy life, don't cost a penny.
I actually lead a pretty happy life thanks, I have (few) good friends, I am in relatively good health and tbh I'm sick of the community so I really couldn't care less about it.
Sofa said:
Perhaps it would be good at this point in the thread to point out the main differences in how people on the left think from those on the right. I read a study about this not so long ago, (can't find it now, of course) and I expect we can all agree with the concept. People who grow up with fear as their overriding emotion, who are, shall we say, more sensitive and likely to experience fear, tend to be right-wing thinkers. Others, who, for whatever reason, could be nature, could be nurture, grow up feeling confident and are not so likely to perceive situations as "fearful" tend to be left-wing thinkers.
Fear of what exactly? Lack of confidence? Unless I'm an exception that argument doesn't stand up. I am probably one of the least emotional people you will ever have the misfortune to meet, I fear virtually nothing, I have confidence ooozing out my ears and I'm just angry at seeing what is happening in the world around me.
Sofa said:
It stands to reason. The right tends to talk about 'keeping them out', 'stop them taking from you', 'defend what is yours'. The left tends to be the other way and is so relaxed it even comes up with ideas like "from those who have to those who need".
I started with nothing mate, worked my way up to what I have now and it was hard work so why the f**k should I give it to someone who can't be arsed. I class need as those who cannot help themselves. not those who cannot be arsed. I have no problem helping those in need. I even donate a small amount of my income to charity via direct debit each month because i believe in the three worthy causes and am once again angry that the government would rather give it to LS than the likes of cancer research, mencap or the rspca.
Sofa said:
Don't believe me? Have a look at
this recent study and make your own mind up.
Shoes, it seems to me that you fit the classic right-wing fear-driven mold. And, you see, that's ok. Because, coming from the opposite end of the spectrum, I have not only an understanding that people can think differently to me, but even sympathy for your plight. That surely sounds very condescending and inflammatory, but it is not meant to be, it is just my opinion.
I understand people think differently and thats fine, I'm open minded but only to the boundaries of the ridiculous. Some schools of thought are clearly absud and I have no time for them.
Sofa said:
What you are saying makes it sound like you cannot tolerate others who are less fortunate than you, yet you must surely understand that there will always be people from all walks and of every imaginable nature and character on this planet. People who can't or won't accept reality end up believing all sorts of extreme nonsense and sometimes acting on those sick beliefs.
Sofa said:
What Vince Cable proposed is an annual 0.5% tax on property above £1m. Now, I am not an economics expert, but if you can find me someone owns a £2m property who could not easily afford that extra £5,000 tax per year, I will eat my own hat. Shoes, do you really find the idea of freeing the 4m lowest-earning workers from tax so bad? Poverty costs this country billions every year and there can be no defense for such a developed nation as ours to have around 3m children living below the poverty line.
Yes thats right, belifes such as forcing companies who have got 3 billion net profit to increase the minimum wage is really showing my hatred of the lower end of the economic scale. I just don't see why I should have to contribute to their income when there are literally billions of pounds of profit made (after everyone has been paid, including tax) which effectively does nothing, less say 15 - 30% for growth.
And as for your comments about people being able to afford it..... what a load of crap. Sorry mate but just because they can afford it they should have it taken from them !?!??! What message does that send out to people? You may as well not bother because if you stay at the bottom you will get subsidised and if you try harder you will get penalised. Good batting think man. Thats what has got this country into such a poor state in the first place. That and how socially acceptable it is to have kids left right and centre.
3 million kids below the poverty line? not my problem mate, to quote russell howard "ban your fanny untill you can take control of what comes out of it. QED.
Sofa said:
But, Shoes, perhaps, you are alright, Jack.
Yup, doing fine thanks matey. Because I'm willing to work for it.