@Foxy, Tuesday, 15 April 2014 4:17:51 PM

Just as a reality check, did you experience any of these concerns during the time of the previous government?

Maybe you should read the book Bazz recommended to see if the mass immigration Ponzi Scheme is actually adding to the problems Rudd and others claimed it would solve, and if the growthism in the victim industry is sustainable.

However I do agree that LNP governments are inclined to take the route of general 'remedy', which affects all recipients. However that is because any crack-down on those massive victim industries kicked off by Whitlam will result in immediate embarrassing blow-back from the very skilled (publicly funded) lobbyists of the said victim industries. Tony Jones and his his hysterical, 'progressive' Q&A audiences would be 'gutted' of course and the keyboards of his titterarty would run hot.

It is entirely up to you whether you put those over-stuffed (with taxpayers' money) victim industries first -before aged care as a topical example- but it would be ingenuous of you if you use the aged pensioners as the Trojan Horse to prop up the victim industry.

If you are as worried about your mother (age pensioner) as you say you are, why no concerns about age pensioners before now? It has been said many times before that the government itself has no money. All that it has comes from taxpayers and the bucket is limited. Blame for 'middle income' welfare recipients is just finding a convenient whipping boy. As Bazz says, the outcome is inevitable. Even if one takes that book a bit lightly, there is enough truth in it to raise questions.

otb,

I have always been concerned about many issues
regardless of which government was in power,
as my posting record proves,
and especially about our elderly.

I know, and isn't it fabulous?

@Foxy, Tuesday, 15 April 2014 6:43:04 PM

Got to protect that victimhood, eh Foxy? Your 'mum' can wait. Meanwhile just wheel the aged around on a cart as your Trojan Horse.

Dear OTB,

Mate, look at your last couple of posts, you're blathering young fella, stream of consciousness stuff, 'victim industries', 'victim industry' victimhood'; 6 references in the space of two posts. It is almost Tourettes.

This is a discussion forum not a place to vomit up repetitive hairballs. Anyway what of earth are 'victim industries'? Or shouldn't I ask?

Dear foxy,

The surprising figure is the Greens sky rocketing to 17% but Abbott's decline seems to be in keeping with the vibe I am getting from those in my extended family and in-laws. They are having trouble taking him seriously. Early after the election it the general reaction to some of the things he was coming out with was to give a rye smile and comment 'Well that's Tony'. Now the humour has dissipated and groans seem to be the new default.

The 'sir/dame' response was telling. One didn't mind it but all the others were really scathing especially those in Tony's corner. The line 'Australia isn't a place where we should be calling anyone sir' was put with vigour. This really become part of our culture with its roots in our digger's thumbing their noses at stratified English class system and hereditary titles. Tony's turfing what these guys felt was part of their Australian identity bit deeper than I thought it might.

Oh interesting times.

otb,

"Got to protect that victimhood, eh Foxy? Your 'mum' can wait. Meanwhile just wheel the aged around on a cart as your Trojan Horse."

"If you are as worried about your mother (age pensioner) as you say you are, why no concerns about age pensioners before now? It has been said many times before that the government itself has no money. All that it has comes from taxpayers and the bucket is limited. Blame for 'middle income' welfare recipients is just finding a convenient whipping boy. "

It was Howard who ramped up middle-class welfare, employing the much used term "battlers", if you remember - and plenty of money in tax breaks are funnelled to the already wealthy.

No government has had the temerity to put the boot into aged pensioners, and now Hockey having softened up the electorate with his tales of fiction, feels the time is ripe. He's a nutter of course, because those pensioners do have voting clout.

So your "victim waffle" is just that, otb - and welfare should go to those who are truly in need, not to prop up those who don't "need" it.

The pensioners are "victims" of a rabid govt whose members lie as easily as they breathe.

What was that pledge Tony Abbott signed while conning his way into office..."No changes to the pension."

Well, hohohoho....

Hi there FOXY...

I'm still somewhat confused, who exactly is NOT telling us the truth ? And what 'truth' aren't we being told, and why ? I think we're all painfully aware that rarely do any of our politicians give us the truth ? They believe we simply can't handle the truth I suppose ? According to Jack Nicholson Esq ?

On immigration alone, we all must admit, the LNP HAVE managed to slow the inundation of boats marginally ? Whether or not we all agree with the policy, it was the majority of Aussies voters who wished the boats to be stopped, as evidenced by the result of the general election ?

Surely we've got to give them a go, don't you think ? Or is Tony ABBOTT so bad, so evil, he doesn't deserve even a chance ?