For Newsnight: should we end universal benefits for better off pensioners?

Would you postulate that this is the longest running thread on Gransnet? Linearly rather than chronologically?
If so ,is it related to the importance of the subject, and how it relates to those on the net? Or the importance to the elderly, in general?
If the latter, are we right to assume that we are representative of the vast populace not represented?
If we make protestations to the effect that we never intended to give the impression that we represented all, and accept that in spite of all that has transpired the efficacy is questionable, no, improbable. Why then have some been so heated?
Whose views ,on here, have more relevance than the views of those who are not computer literate, and have not therefore expressed themselves here ,(where such views would probably be almost surgically dissected for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes).
Empowerment is only the authority to do something. I think we are all entitled to post what, (within legal limits)and how, we think fit.
I may be incorrect (and no doubt someone will, with rapidity, point this out to me) but i've only seen the word superiority used in one post, (and I hastily add, recently,to obviate the need for lengthy backtracking)
On a similar tack, If/ when it comes to a vote are we satisfied that the majority are right? Is everyone entitled to a vote?

Aren't you being a bit judgemental - that is quite a lot to say about somebody you have never met.

Empowerment, feeling of superiority or the opposite lack of self estime without knowing it.

Why would anyone need to rally support for their views? We each have an opinion and others may agree or disagree but it probably won't change our view anyway.

absent

I had a thread I had started copied by another G.N. This was done absolutely 100% innocently and the G.N. said so. This is not the same as a thread which is started for no other reason than to incite discord and rally support for their views.

It also smacks of oneupmanship and is not a very endearing characteristic but then again that is only my view.

Ella46 If they haven't read what you posted but still posted a similar or even identical thought, then surely they did think of it – just not quite so soon as you did. But I do know what you mean and it's especially irritating when lots of other people enthusiastically congratulate the second poster and one is left there thinking "But I said that yesterday". Such is life!

I didn't for one minute think it was aimed at me POGS, nor was any of what I said aimed at anyone in either of my posts. I was really trying to make the point that one person's opinion can be someone else's judgement.
I think people do get upset on forums from time to time. When we first moved to France we had a problem over health cover, because of a change of government rules and the unkindness and unhelpfulness of some posters reduced me to tears many times; other people were amazingly supportive and in the end a group of people got together to (successfully) get the rules changed for existing residents. That was the worst and the best of on-line forums.
Sometimes the aggression is deliberate, sometimes it is unintentional because people write in a certain way and other people read too much into it. I think if I feel uncomfortable now then I just back off for a bit, don't read it and don't post. I certainly don't expect to find friends (or enemies for that matter) on forums, just enter into a good debate. If I don't agree with someone's views then I say so, but I try my best never to personalise it and never to post anything unpleasant about another person however much I disagree with them.
Hope this helps without sounding sanctimonious!

Same here, Ella! It's very annoying!

POGS

Mamie I get really fed up with people not reading previous posts,then posting as though they thought of it!

Nothing to do with this thread, so I must stop being a hypocrite and go other threads and say my feelings.

Mamie

I reiterate, this is in no way intended at you. You have been very gracious in your reply. I am also guilty at times of the things I have mentioned on various threads. I have just been taken aback by the continuence of an issue that surfaced not long after I joined G.N.

I thought G.N. was a social site that allowed every member the right to have his or her say. Initially I thought I was wrong and considered whether or not it was the right thing for me to do. I then settled in and felt that, yes whilst I may or may not agree with someone, we at least said our little bit and agreed to disagree, absolutley fine!

I am however feeling uncomfortable once again and I will post my thoughts when I confirm in my mind I am not being oversensitive, a comment some use when they have come up against someone who has disagreed with them.

Male!

Yes, POGS, I think we are probably all guilty of some of that some of the time and it depends on how upset / vulnerable / bad-tempered we may be feeling when we post.
I don't worry about being judgemental really. I have strong opinions, but I try to make judgements based only on evidence. I would hate to be thought prejudiced as to me that suggests making a judgement without evidence or based only on preconceptions.
I try to phrase what I say very carefully, but I can see that sometimes people do misunderstand; I get cross when I can see that people haven't read it properly though.

POGS That is very insightful.

In a nice way

Pogs !!!!!!!!!!!! c CSL

Mamie.

I will add to that as a generalisation, not as a dig at you!

I like to give it but I can't take it back.
I profess to liking debate but only if others agree with me.
I change a thread when things hot up against me.
I start a new thread on a similar point when things are going against me.
I am judgemental but I say I am not.
I like to see what others think, as long as they agree with me.
I do not do 'sorry'.

Do I sound angry, oh dear. Am I thinking only of this thread?

I know, Alison! I still felt I had to justify my use of the word 'she' though...

Anagram I was joking!

One can only judge on what one can read?

In response to this and several other threads I am feeling the need to try to conjugate the verb to gransnet: How about this?

I have an opinion
You (singular) are judgemental
He, she or it is prejudiced
We like a good discussion
You (plural) have a wide range of opinions
They can take it or leave it


Any advance?

Good reply Anagram .

As I recall, we did at one time refer to deserving as he/she, but got some stick for that. From her other posts (especially the one about the guides) I think I'm justified in assuming that deserving is female. And if not, he/she can always put me right!