I am fine with the Government providing a certain level of basic service, as we already do in this country/province.
But, given the demographics, we need to have a serious discussion about what we expect our Government to pay for and provide to we the citizenry, and how much of a tax load we are prepared to shoulder in order to cover the costs.
I am firmly in the "less is more" camp. I feel that by limiting our expectations of what the Government will pay for, we will free up more revenue for those services to be applied quickly and efficiently. Fewer dollars to pay for IVF, (or whatever) means more dollars for NPs to look after old folks, or guys like you to work with youth in crisis. Hell, there are Government programs that my own family have made use of that I would axe, too.
But people do not want to talk about this sort of crap. Once the Government starts to pay for something, they will never be allowed to STOP. So I think we should look long and hard at each item BEFORE we start writing cheques.
That is not a lack of empathy, it is a recognition of reality.
That picture you posted, chortling at your own cleverness does not convey that slightly less offensive viewpoint. Perhaps if you'd consider that a bit more? And I highly doubt you have spent much time and effort considering the numerous and varied considerations to things government programs pay for. I'm not saying that's a particular fault, from what I know of you, you don't have any particular issues relating to financial, physical, mental, or other difficulties (outside of the average household). Good for you! But for (your) Christ's sake, you should be giddily thankful for that, not posting shit like "women who need / want abortions can pay for it themselves".
To be honest, my family HAS availed themselves of one service the Government pays for that I personally think is something that should be self-financed. The one thing I will say in defence of the program is that it has a VERY strict qualification program and it must be accompanied by a recommendation from your family doctor. And you can only get it once. If you fuck it up, you're on your own.
Is that hypocritical of me? Perhaps, but it was not my decision to make. And yes, I thank God every day for the personal success resulting from that decision.
I have never had to use EI, except for a brief 6 week stretch many years ago. doesn't mean I begrudge those payments every payday. But some of what the Government pays for is just wasteful and unnecessary.
I understand that being born where I was, in the era that I was born in, was indeed a fortunate happenstance. Does that mean I should simply accept that the money forcibly taken from me by the State is to be squandered in ways that I find frivolous, while other areas of need go wanting?
No, Mark. I can sympathize with couples who struggle with infertility, as I count my wife and I fortunate to have conceived and given birth to a happy and healthy child. We would have loved to have had a second, but it was not to be, for whatever reason. But I did not expect you (as a taxpayer) to foot the bill for that possibility, and certainly not when so many other areas of our healthcare system are in need of funding. the Government is cracking down on Family practitioners, giving them the same "cupboard is bare" speech being used on the Teachers, but they can find the millions needed for this in the proverbial couch cushions? Give me a break.
I understand that being born where I was, in the era that I was born in, was indeed a fortunate happenstance. Does that mean I should simply accept that the money forcibly taken from me by the State is to be squandered in ways that I find frivolous, while other areas of need go wanting?
No, but it does mean you probably shouldn't shame / blame the people less fortunate or in other circumstances than you - which that pic you posted callously does, and your general mindset / input on topics such as abortion does. Abortion and its unfettered access is being touted as a financial windfall, and often credited with an increase in general quality of life not just for those utilizing it, but to society as a whole. It is a positive thing to have overall, and saves money for everyone (I did the math earlier in this thread). Also, NOBODY likes abortion as an experience. When you pull the magic wizard and his kid card, or when you say things like "tough for you and your growing fetus" (which isn't a quote, but you're said as much in this very thread), you're being a privileged, entitled dick.
No, Mark. I can sympathize with couples who struggle with infertility, as I count my wife and I fortunate to have conceived and given birth to a happy and healthy child. We would have loved to have had a second, but it was not to be, for whatever reason. But I did not expect you (as a taxpayer) to foot the bill for that possibility, and certainly not when so many other areas of our healthcare system are in need of funding. the Government is cracking down on Family practitioners, giving them the same "cupboard is bare" speech being used on the Teachers, but they can find the millions needed for this in the proverbial couch cushions? Give me a break.
Wrong thread. This is the abortion one, not the IVF one.
So, you don't like my attitude? Too fucking bad . . . I don't like abortions, though I can recognize their necessity.
Not the attitude. Just the entitled prickishness. You speak with authority from a tunnel visioned, regurgitative self-pleasing point of view and think you're being a good citizen. Recognize that you're part of the problem.
Sorry, but no. Unfettered abortion is a problem. You just don't like that I object to same, and thus I am, in your eyes, an "entitled prick". I reject your conclusion. See you at the Royal.
Comments
But, given the demographics, we need to have a serious discussion about what we expect our Government to pay for and provide to we the citizenry, and how much of a tax load we are prepared to shoulder in order to cover the costs.
I am firmly in the "less is more" camp. I feel that by limiting our expectations of what the Government will pay for, we will free up more revenue for those services to be applied quickly and efficiently. Fewer dollars to pay for IVF, (or whatever) means more dollars for NPs to look after old folks, or guys like you to work with youth in crisis. Hell, there are Government programs that my own family have made use of that I would axe, too.
But people do not want to talk about this sort of crap. Once the Government starts to pay for something, they will never be allowed to STOP. So I think we should look long and hard at each item BEFORE we start writing cheques.
That is not a lack of empathy, it is a recognition of reality.
That picture you posted, chortling at your own cleverness does not convey that slightly less offensive viewpoint. Perhaps if you'd consider that a bit more? And I highly doubt you have spent much time and effort considering the numerous and varied considerations to things government programs pay for. I'm not saying that's a particular fault, from what I know of you, you don't have any particular issues relating to financial, physical, mental, or other difficulties (outside of the average household). Good for you! But for (your) Christ's sake, you should be giddily thankful for that, not posting shit like "women who need / want abortions can pay for it themselves".
Mark
Is that hypocritical of me? Perhaps, but it was not my decision to make. And yes, I thank God every day for the personal success resulting from that decision.
I have never had to use EI, except for a brief 6 week stretch many years ago. doesn't mean I begrudge those payments every payday. But some of what the Government pays for is just wasteful and unnecessary.
Try harder.. you're so close to accepting the idea that not all people are so privileged....
Mark
No, Mark. I can sympathize with couples who struggle with infertility, as I count my wife and I fortunate to have conceived and given birth to a happy and healthy child. We would have loved to have had a second, but it was not to be, for whatever reason. But I did not expect you (as a taxpayer) to foot the bill for that possibility, and certainly not when so many other areas of our healthcare system are in need of funding. the Government is cracking down on Family practitioners, giving them the same "cupboard is bare" speech being used on the Teachers, but they can find the millions needed for this in the proverbial couch cushions? Give me a break.
Wrong thread. This is the abortion one, not the IVF one.
Mark
Not the attitude. Just the entitled prickishness. You speak with authority from a tunnel visioned, regurgitative self-pleasing point of view and think you're being a good citizen. Recognize that you're part of the problem.
Mark
"am not". Solid point.
It isn't just abortion issues. You consistently display this, but I'm not going to spend my Sunday pointing at water telling you its wet.
Mark