The Welfare State

[Gavmacp]

I am probably more left than right. But my politics doesn't stop me reading articles that I may disagree with as I like a balanced and reasoned view. I read an article from someone that was against the welfare state (this was many years ago so cannot provide a link). But it made an impression on me. What he was saying that because we don't pay for certain things (yes I know TAXES) we don't value them. I think he was correct in many ways.

[tamborine]

I was amazed at the quality furnishings in council homes advertised for swap.

[Mamyalynne]

I think the article is right in that many people complain and grumble about all aspects of the Welfare State when it doesn't go exactly to plan for them.

However there are a huge number who thank goodness for it every single day.

[Mamyalynne]

Interesting Tambo - not sure our council do furnished properties.

[Baldric]

I'm still trying to work out what Gav is actually talking about

[Gavmacp]

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear!

[Baldric]

///don't pay for certain things (yes I know TAXES) we don't value them.///

what freebies are you referring to?

[tamborine]

Occupiers furnish their homes but theyre subsidised homes nontheless.

[Mamyalynne]

I took it to mean 'pay at the point of use' , as in when people grumble if the Doctor is late calling them in or refuses to prescribe the pills they've heard of on the internet.

[ummmm]

NHS? Although it is paid for but not at the point of service.

[ummmm]

So what, Tambo, do you think people living in council houses should have nice things?

[Mamyalynne]

I misunderstood you Tambo, you were surprised people who live in Council Houses have nice looking furniture?

[Zacs-Master]

A valid viewpoint Gav and one that hadn't occurred to me before. If people come to believe something is their right, that leads to certain automatic expectations.

[ummmm]

That should read *shouldn't

[Gavmacp]

The NHS is a good point.
But because we have a free NHS do we consider our health seriously. If smokers had to pay a premium for their insurance would they stop?
Education, people that come from countries where it isn't free or non existent take it more seriously.

[Zacs-Master]

I don't think there are any less smokers or drinkers in the US than here, Gav, so not sure that argument holds up. It's possibly more about people growing up in situations where the government pays for everything in their lives. There are now probably a couple of generations where this is the norm for certain families.

[Gavmacp]

I am uncomfortable with the Tories spending cuts, I find them devisive. But I am willing to listen to alternative ideas regarding how we fund things such as the NHS.

[Zacs-Master]

There are only three ways, increased taxes, private health insurance or company funded schemes.

[Gavmacp]

It wasn't my arguement! And in some ways more a general discussion. I was a great believer in the welfare state but concede that it has it's faults.

[Zacs-Master]

I never said it was. I said 'that argument' not 'your argument'.

[Gavmacp]

Oops sorry! Zacs.