Tough love for the old

[craiger]

There seems to be much difference between the views of old and young. With the baby boomers holding greatest numbers the younger generations do not hold any sort of infuluence in politics.

Now for my fellow young people I would like you to think about something. Ok we have these baby boomers voting Conservative who wish to privatize healthcare us young people know its a bad thing but,. we know most old people don't have the money nor the brains to have saved for healthcare they will lose their homes to pay for treatments hopefully to us who start up practice. Us young have many many of years to save for this and plan, this will also save us lots of money not suporting old.

show em tough love faster we get rid of em the faster your vote counts.

Edited October 6, 2008 by craiger

[White Doors]

we know most old people don't have the money nor the brains

interesting... Do you generalize like this with skin colour as well?

[Argus]

There seems to be much difference between the views of old and young. With the baby boomers holding greatest numbers the younger generations do not hold any sort of infuluence in politics.

It isn't a matter of numbers so much as interest. Given a crowd of ten seniors and 20 young people, any politician will gravitate towards the seniors every single time. They're called VOTERS. Younger people, by and large, are bored with politics, don't underestand it, don't like it, and don't vote. So nobody much cares what they think.

Now for my fellow young people I would like you to think about something. Ok we have these baby boomers voting Conservative who wish to privatize healthcare

Which is probably a good thing for the country, because young people, by and large, are ignorant. They don't understand life, they certainly don't understand economics or government or politics, they're not really into following the news, much less actually delving behind it to see what's actually going on. They search, constantly, for the most simplistic answers and generalizations to everything. They'd be an excellent herd of sheep for politicians to go after - except, of course, that they can't be bothered to vote.

[Slim MacSquinty]

Craig:

Winston Churchill once said (I paraphrase): " If a young man does not vote Labour, he has no heart, If an old man does not vote Conservative, he has no brain."

Remembering that in England the Labour party is sort of the equivalent of the NDP, and Churchill took at try at both, more than once.

However suffice to say that as people get older they have always tended to become more conservative in their views, however I believe that was more true in days gone by when life was shorter and much less secure. I don't believe that to be true anymore if you look at the NDP its probably more grey than the Cons.

Although you are completely off track with the privatized health care comment, It is true in many more ways that the boomers have been willing to mortgage your future, the first was Trudeau and there has been a steady line since. Boomers are used to getting their own way naturally manage to move policy in their own direction.

[unspoken]

It isn't a matter of numbers so much as interest. Given a crowd of ten seniors and 20 young people, any politician will gravitate towards the seniors every single time. They're called VOTERS. Younger people, by and large, are bored with politics, don't underestand it, don't like it, and don't vote. So nobody much cares what they think.

Perhaps young people don't vote because nobody has anything of substance to offer them in exchange for their support. Take a look at this election... the only thing that young voters are going to get from any party is a heavier share of the tax burden to pay for the kids of the 35-50 crowd in a time where to get started in life for a young person is more difficult than any generation previous.

Which is probably a good thing for the country, because young people, by and large, are ignorant. They don't understand life, they certainly don't understand economics or government or politics, they're not really into following the news, much less actually delving behind it to see what's actually going on. They search, constantly, for the most simplistic answers and generalizations to everything. They'd be an excellent herd of sheep for politicians to go after - except, of course, that they can't be bothered to vote.

I assume you're not a "young person." In which case, the irony of the statement in bold is profound.

[Slim MacSquinty]

That is not at all true, there is a very good incentive for apprenticeships, there is a lot on the table for universities, and colleges. You kids should be raising a stink about non competition between oil companies and insurance companies as this hits you squarley in the pocket book as young people spend more of their net income on cars, insurance and gas than older people.

Young people should also realize that it won't be long until you are striving for all the middle class objectives like cars and houses and children, take a look at the platforms that throw money all over the place and realize that your being asked to pay for this stuff, it will seriously inhibit your ability to save and get ahead.

[Jobu]

Young people get religion pretty fast when they graduate from school and realize that they have a 50/50 silent business partner for the rest of their life, being the government.

[unspoken]

That is not at all true, there is a very good incentive for apprenticeships, there is a lot on the table for universities, and colleges. You kids should be raising a stink about non competition between oil companies and insurance companies as this hits you squarley in the pocket book as young people spend more of their net income on cars, insurance and gas than older people.

The universities/colleges/apprenticeship stuff doesn't apply to me. I've already finished my university and have taken on the debt of doing so, and these plans aren't retroactive. The only tiny bone that I'm being offered is the tax break for first time home buyers from the Conservatives, which frankly doesn't add up to a whole lot.

Young people should also realize that it won't be long until you are striving for all the middle class objectives like cars and houses and children, take a look at the platforms that throw money all over the place and realize that your being asked to pay for this stuff, it will seriously inhibit your ability to save and get ahead.

I agree with this. All of the parties just want to put more of the tax burden on us while throwing everything at the mid 30's-mid 50's people who made the CHOICE to have kids. I've already decided I don't want kids, so why should I be punished for that choice? And for the people in my age group who eventually do want kids someday, they won't be able to because they're having more difficulty than ever starting out, and by the time they have enough saved away to be able to give their kids a reasonable upbringing, their biological clocks will be near or past expired.

[craiger]

I wrote this with emotion. My mother was a very succesfull woman I would peg assets at close to 5 million. She was hard blue and ran here business hard blue. We always had diferences in business I felt her employees should be offered better than average wages allong with benefits but she always disagreed as it affected her overall profits. A few times her emplyees got into binds medical or they needed maternaty leave and she would wash her hands with them. She would blame them and have hate for them as they could not turn a dollar anymore.

about 4 years ago her medical troubles started with kidney failure last 3 1/2 years she has been on dialysis even with healthcare the expeses have pilled up to the point my step dad has been forced to go drive truck even though they both retired 4 years ago. Finaces have caused problems with the marriage and recently my mom asked to move in with me thinking i would support her. creditors are threatening to take their assets as with the slowing economy their reirement retreat is going belly up.

Now when she came to my door looking for help I closed my door I washed my hands with my own mom the same she done with everyone else.

I don't care who you are nobody is industructable even the rich ,get to the age of 50+ you will have medical troubles and withought the support of the rest the young who can work they will fail. At one time I felt I would work the extra mile for my elders but to think I am supporting the greedy I cannot do, lets give them what they wish for failure

Edited October 7, 2008 by craiger

[White Doors]

ahh.. nothing like turning the other cheek for your MOTHER eh?

wow, that revealed all I need to know about your character.

colour me surprised that you happen to have a hate-on for old people AND your mother.

[OddSox]

In the four years since she retired, she has blown $5 million? Not sure if I buy this story...

[Argus]

In the four years since she retired, she has blown $5 million? Not sure if I buy this story...

Unless he's an American. Medical problems, esp after retirement, don't eat into your assets like that in Canada.

[craiger]

$10,000 a month in medical expenses adds up fast even with the help of healthcare. Yes she has money tied up in the retirement retreat but its not turning profit. 8 months they have been trying to sell but with the slowing economy its not selling so even though she has money in assets the overhead is sincking them deeper into a hole in the last year tottal assets have depretiated 15%.

Edited October 7, 2008 by craiger

[Kitch]

Being a teacher, I can't STAND to see kids growing up with a disinterest in thinking... about anything! I try to create assignments/activities that stimulate their brains in such a way to improve their critical thinking skills. However, I am only one teacher and not all students can or will be reached. I believe that it is this unwillingness/inability to THINK before acting that results in voter apathy amongst the young. I am CONVINCED that they're simply not asked to or don't need to think and thus DON'T. So, any interests that they may have go uncared for because they don't bother to figure out for themselves what those interests are OR they don't give themselves what little voice they are entitled to by voting (not that I think voting is the only or even most important voice).

On the other hand, many of the elderly that I have encountered in my life display an equal disinterest in thinking and simply vote for the party that they have always voted for or their parents always voted for.

I'm not sure which is worse, but either way, what a terrible state of democracy.

[craiger]

Being a teacher, I can't STAND to see kids growing up with a disinterest in thinking... about anything! I try to create assignments/activities that stimulate their brains in such a way to improve their critical thinking skills. However, I am only one teacher and not all students can or will be reached. I believe that it is this unwillingness/inability to THINK before acting that results in voter apathy amongst the young. I am CONVINCED that they're simply not asked to or don't need to think and thus DON'T. So, any interests that they may have go uncared for because they don't bother to figure out for themselves what those interests are OR they don't give themselves what little voice they are entitled to by voting (not that I think voting is the only or even most important voice).

On the other hand, many of the elderly that I have encountered in my life display an equal disinterest in thinking and simply vote for the party that they have always voted for or their parents always voted for.

I'm not sure which is worse, but either way, what a terrible state of democracy.

Love what you have to say. Best part critical thinking I belive it to be the best trait in man. Problem is man has showen in other generations a miss trust, greed. quet frank I don't trust anyone greed and deception by our elders has been proven. I have more trust in my dog

[Alta4ever]

Being a teacher, I can't STAND to see kids growing up with a disinterest in thinking... about anything! I try to create assignments/activities that stimulate their brains in such a way to improve their critical thinking skills. However, I am only one teacher and not all students can or will be reached. I believe that it is this unwillingness/inability to THINK before acting that results in voter apathy amongst the young. I am CONVINCED that they're simply not asked to or don't need to think and thus DON'T. So, any interests that they may have go uncared for because they don't bother to figure out for themselves what those interests are OR they don't give themselves what little voice they are entitled to by voting (not that I think voting is the only or even most important voice).

On the other hand, many of the elderly that I have encountered in my life display an equal disinterest in thinking and simply vote for the party that they have always voted for or their parents always voted for.

I'm not sure which is worse, but either way, what a terrible state of democracy.

This explains a lot. So how is Jack?

[Kitch]

This explains a lot. So how is Jack?

Dude, you have nothing insightful to say. Weak attempts at ad hominem attacks do little to further discussions and only serve to make you look dumber than you might actually be.

[TCCK]

All I have to say to Craiger is this: WITH AGE COMES WISDOM! I have fallen down and picked myself up, I LEARN from my mistakes not bitch at those around me because they were older and they did not tell me to stop before the bump in the road. (Actually they did but when I as young LIKE YOU I NEVER LISTENED TO THEM!) They tried to warn me but NO I was too proud and damn I AS RIGHT.

Well no that I am a lot older than my teens, twenties, thirties........ and have children of my own, I see the cycle.

Listen to the people that are older, wiser and have don the hard road but now have come out on top in their personal lives and in the business world.

When you get older and wiser you will see why many older wiser people are voting Conservative.

BECAUSE they are the closest thing to making any sense in this country politically. Liberals want to spend us into oblivion like the USA is now, NDP want to blow the hole wad on social programs and tax any business that makes money and employees tons of people into bankrupcy, the Green party well they all ant us to hug a tree, smoke a joint and ignore the real issues while we are all stoned. You may think the last is a great idea but you will see it has life long concequences that really suck.

[White Doors]

Dude, it's just a pecker - all guys have one.

Take a pee already

Edited October 8, 2008 by White Doors

[Argus]

I agree with this. All of the parties just want to put more of the tax burden on us while throwing everything at the mid 30's-mid 50's people who made the CHOICE to have kids. I've already decided I don't want kids, so why should I be punished for that choice?

This is just pure idiocy. We need children. Whether you personally are fit to raise kids, or not. If everyone decided they would rather have their time free to play hockey and watch tv and whatnot, rather than raise kids, there'd be no next generation. We, as a society realize this, even if you do not. Those are the kids who are going to grow up to maintain the society you'll be living in as you get older. They'll be the cops, the firefighters, the doctors and lawyers and engineers. That's why, even if you don't have kids, you shouldn't bitch about paying for schooling.

And you have to live in the same society as those kids, which is why you shouldn't begrudge money to help raise them.

[Kitch]

BECAUSE they are the closest thing to making any sense in this country politically. Liberals want to spend us into oblivion like the USA is now, NDP want to blow the hole wad on social programs and tax any business that makes money and employees tons of people into bankrupcy, the Green party well they all ant us to hug a tree, smoke a joint and ignore the real issues while we are all stoned. You may think the last is a great idea but you will see it has life long concequences that really suck.

Ya, you sound wise. I will follow you.

Good advice by the way. 'Older people are smarter, so you young people don't need to bother thinking about what you're doing, just vote as we do because we know better. And if you DO think about it, unless you reach the same conclusions as us, you're stupid'.

Lead the way bud.

[Oleg Bach]

Tough love for the old translated to the yonger end of the spectrum is called abortion if I remember clearly...You want elder abuse? Watch what this preditor OBAMA will do to all those over 60 - He will create a culture of youth entitlement and condition they young consumer to consume and plunder the old - talk about an unthankful new secularist society that is on the rise - Obama was looking on McCain like he was old meat and was about to eat the old bugger - as they abort the unborn they will in time abort the undead - which is us.....there is only one kind of love - gentle love - tough love is abuse and torment.....Those that want to persecute the old are those who do not want to earn their own money and status - they want to rob - this is a kind of auto-cannibalism - the young microbes gobbling up the old ones - beastly if you ask me.

[noahbody]

We always had diferences in business I felt her employees should be offered better than average wages allong with benefits but she always disagreed as it affected her overall profits.

about 4 years ago her medical troubles started with kidney failure last 3 1/2 years she has been on dialysis even with healthcare the expeses have pilled up to the point my step dad has been forced to go drive truck even though they both retired 4 years ago. Finaces have caused problems with the marriage and recently my mom asked to move in with me thinking i would support her. creditors are threatening to take their assets as with the slowing economy their reirement retreat is going belly up.

So your mom offered average (competitive) compensation like every other business and tried to maximize earnings, like every other business. Her employees didn't get 4 months off in the summer either. You need to take a course in business.

Now when she came to my door looking for help I closed my door I washed my hands with my own mom the same she done with everyone else.

Business is business, not family. Has your mom ever turned her back on you? What would she have done if it was you in the health crisis? Sacrifice her nest egg or close the door?

[noahbody]

Double post deleted

Edited October 8, 2008 by noahbody

[craiger]

So your mom offered average (competitive) compensation like every other business and tried to maximize earnings, like every other business. Her employees didn't get 4 months off in the summer either. You need to take a course in business.

Business is business, not family. Has your mom ever turned her back on you? What would she have done if it was you in the health crisis? Sacrifice her nest egg or close the door?

point I am making is go ahead and privatize I know how bad it will be, but i also have the years to prepare when cutts are made to health and social services or pensions don't pay the bills, seniors don't be coming to the rest of us to bail you out. They don't care about the future generations kids in school that will not be able to afford private healthcare, prime example is the USA the life expectancy is much lower than country's with healthcare if you break your leg whatever these kids will not be able to afford it. So i figure if the old want to screw these younger people I refuse to help any of them out.