What Does It Take For A Socialist/communist To Become A Capitalist?

[naomi24]

Chatting with an old friend, a life-long Union man, who’s always claimed to espouse the Marxist philosophy of “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”, but on this occasion, talking about people having to sell their property to pay for care in old age, somehow that seemed to have gone by the board. “I want my kids to have what I’ve worked for”, he said with some passion. Hmmmm……

Your thoughts?

[Jackdaw33]

Just the old socialist mantra, 'Do as I say, not as I do'.

[cassa333]

That is where the Marxist theory goes out the window.

Each to his own needs... when I am dead I don't need it therefore give it to someone who does i.e. The state to give out in alms and subjugate the masses with my largess.

[pixie374]

I'm a bit of both, I think. Wanting your children to inherit isn't much of a reason imo. Obviously, it would be nice- but clearly not practical if you need it yourself while you are still alive.
One obvious problem which needs to be addressed soon, is that "elderly" care still starts at 65- which is nowhere near elderly these days. If that was increased to at least 75, if not 80... it would cut out at least some of the competition for places in elderly care homes. I'm not even due to retire until i'm at least 67. At this rate I could move into an elderly care home and go to work from there... Nothing really adds up.

[cassa333]

That is a really good point pixie.

When should elderly care start. We are living longer and more healthy lives, the pensionable age is going up but the care package is still lower.

perhaps it is one of the taboo political areas that needs addressing.

[woofgang]

I am not sure how moving the age band would help.....If you are disabled enough to need a care home then you need a care home, whether you are 30 or 90. I used to deal with very severely disabled middle aged people and it was a real struggle getting them the services they needed.

[pixie374]

It all needs revolutionising, woof. There are homes for mental health and for disabilities- all chock full too. But elderly care can cover 40 years or more of someone's life. They are entitled to it just by being 65- disabled or not.
It would mean, say, a 70 year old needing care would be in a different category- but that would only include those actually needing it. At the moment, it's a free choice as soon as you get to 65.

[pixie374]

You don't have to be disabled at all to move to a care home.

[sevenOP]

The relentless inculcation of higher and higher expectations of living standards 'as a right' would definitely be a contributing factor.

[sevenOP]

Or of course those ancient and highly effective tactics long performed on said "Socialist/communist" - blackmail and/or bribery.

[mibn2cweus]

Sort of like cannibalism . . . only they want to eat the chef.

[Zacs-Master]

I want to know what your reply was Naomi. Mine would have been a Roger Moor raised eyebrow and a 'do you want to think about that' type comment.

[Zacs-Master]

I realise I didn't answer your question. I think the answer is an ounce of finely ground arrogance, a peck of fresh idealism, and a bloody great dollop of hippocrasy.

[woofgang]

Pixie, does the council actually pay for you to be in a care home if you don’t need it? I know I have been retired from the NHS for nearly 10 years now, but I never found that to happen when I was involved in elderly care.

[naomi24]

Zacs-Master, I laughed.... and he quickly changed the subject. Well, he would, wouldn't he!

[Zacs-Master]

Ah, nice answer N. no words needed.

[naomi24]

;o)

[pixie374]

It's means-tested woof. In theory nobody "needs" residential care. It's a choice... you can move in if you are "old" enough. But even if you pay yourself- it is still cheaper than living in your own home and takes places from people who need personal care.

[atalanta]

What makes the difference between a communist and a capitalist ? Money, of course. If you haven't got any, you earnestly believe in sharing out other people's money. If you get a huge windfall, you suddenly get very reluctant to share it.