Large families

I reckon we all make 'mental notes' about the people behind the names that we see frequently on the threads. It's part of the process of getting to know people in this environment, a process of building a mental picture of each personality or character.

No, Ana, I wasn't thinking of you specifically - plenty of people enjoy having a go at me! Good job I am a tough old bird, or I might feel bullied sometimes. And the only reason I make notes about members is to avoid hurting the feelings of anybody who has had some kind of tragedy, health or family problem. See - what a nasty, vicious person I am.

"It is obvious that some people think they know all about me and have already put me in a box. Do I care? Not a jot."

That part of your post was not referring to anyone on this forum, Greatnan? Seems a bit unlikely, but of course, if you say so...

I was not referring to anybody on this forum - I think everybody is aware of the sustained attack on benefits made by this government and certain newspapers. I have no problems with the system being overhauled but certain aspects, like ATOS, are very frightening to many people.

Message to Granny23 re the large family she knows in her area.

Of course not, why would they? That is what the welfare is for - people who fall on bad times.

Things do need a ' bottom up ' look and review and a certain amount of rationalisation.
At the moment the benefits field is a nightmare.

And I totally join you in that box.

I however do not agree that to question some aspects of the welfare state is 'demonizing' - but trying to better understand and actually try and find ways to improve things - and that 2 wrongs never make a right.

So funny, everyone...

Oh, I do hope that wasn't directed at me, Greatnan -"It's obvious that some people think they know all about me...". I don't keep a notebook about other GN members and I don't profess to know 'all about' anybody.

Oh, and I LOVE champagne. Santé

You're Great nan. Don't change!

Join me in the box, Greatnan. Everyone else most welcome

I share many of the beliefs held by some people who are regarded as left wing but the term is so loose and ill defined it could mean almost anything.
I feel strongly that businesses should be held to account for the way they treat staff, suppliers and customers.
I feel strongly that certain essential services should never have been privatised.
I regard grammar schools as divisive.
I think prisons and detention centres should not be run for profit.
I think people who have to claim benefits should not be demonised.
I don't think Britain should be involved in illegal wars.
I don't think Britain should trade with ghastly regimes like Saudi Arabia.

I could go on, but why bother? It is obvious that some people think they know all about me and have already put me in a box. Do I care? Not a jot.

I think our political leanings are our own affair

And get us absolutely NOWHERE - sadly and tragically.

Ooooh the use of words!

'Admitted to being' or proclaimed, or aligned with, or covertly belonging to, or proudly belonging to, or clearly a sympathiser with, or even agreeing with.

They all carry their own sub text don't they?

I'm sure you've admitted to being left-wing in the past, Greatnan. Anyway, it's pretty obvious!

Exactly, Ana. I don't think they serve any useful purpose.
I am not a member, or even a supporter, of any of the political parties in the UK, so I am not sure why people have chosen to label me, but I don't care anyway.

I thought you were a self-admitted 'leftie' anyway, Greatnan. I'm sure you don't think you're a loony, any more than right-wingers see themselves as 'righteous'. Just labels....

Apparently, the 50% tax rate raised 'only' one billion pound and it encouraged people earning over £150,000 to find ways to avoid it (legally).
It just seems crass, when benefits to the poorest are being cut, to give away even a 'small' amount to the richest.
Oh, dear, I suppose that comment makes me a loonie leftie

I've skimmed through it, Nellie, but I still maintain that the state won't allow children to be 'punished' by the withdrawal of their parent's or parents' benefits. It just wouldn't happen - otherwise we're back to the 'let 'em starve' scenario.

Ana
www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/lone-parent-pack.pdf

This gives you the current picture for parents, there is some acknowledement of the difficulties of working parents but given the difficulties the disabled currently face from ATOS I would not expect the DWP to be very understanding.

Given the the cuts in the rate of income tax to those earning over £150K the cuts in already low benefits make me very angry. I have not yet discovered a calculation of the revenue income lost to the state on the reduction in the higher rate of tax.

or stuff even and I haven't had a drink yet

Bags - before I pop the cork, I agree with you about the extremes - ther's some interesting psychology styff on that, relating it to personality types - authoritarian as you say. Some people think of it as a political spectrum but I used to teach it as a circle.