Is it me!

T

TheBoatman

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 Nov 2002
Messages
3,168
Location
Kent
Visit site
Why do I feel so threatened by today’s society?

As a normal married man with kids that runs his own company, that in the main supports law and order and wouldn’t wish harm on anyone, that only wants to be left alone to sail and fish that I am made to feel so inferior.

I am made to feel that to be British is wrong, that I must pay through the nose for everything. I am what the government considers to be “Middle England Man” I.e. the poor will get relief, the rich can afford it, so I pay.

I should put up with speed camera’s + an extra 5 quid for victim support, if I fill in my VAT form incorrectly I will be fined or imprisoned, if I don’t get my tax form in on time I will be fined or imprisoned.

If a burglar wants to raid my home I cannot protect it for fear of being imprisoned for trying to stop them, that the police will automatically take the burglar’s point of view.

That if I need the services of the NHS, I probably won’t get it because I’m told that despite putting X gozillions of tax pounds in, I need to pay more for a better service.

That all politicians are on the take and are basically liars out for only themselves?

That I need to pay attention to a mythical creature that is looking over my shoulder to make sure that I’m not being anti PC.

If I go fishing there is a group out there that say I’m a murderer, if I sail I am one of the country’s elite and shouldn’t be listened to because I have money (which as all boat owners know is not correct).

I could go on but I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from?

Signed
Disgruntled
Boatman


<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Makes you proud to be British dunnit.

I sail. In order to sail I sacrifice other things, I rarely drink out and then it will be a couple of pints. I Don't holiday abroad every year, in fact last time was visiting relies in NZ in 2000.

We have one nice second hand car and an old heap, then there is SWMBO's car too. Yet through this I am deemed rich and elite, ya right!

IMO, those who say they can't afford certain things are those who are unwilling to sacrifice for them, life is about budget, and many wont. I makes my choices, so do others, just don't persecute me for mine because others want everything.

I put it to the forum, I have a boat, therefore, ergo, I am poor!

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk>Top Cat Homepage</A>
 
Emigrate?

New Zealand looks good from my short visit there. And I'll go again. Alaska was nice, beautiful scenery, and not at all American in the normal sense, but long dark hours in winter would put most off. Norway and Sweden also nice for boaty types, but also suffer from long dark winter nights, and expensive alcohol.

You could go for the sun coast Med thing, but doesn't appeal to me. Boringly European. Or Florida, cheap living, but have to put up with all those Americans. Though in bits of America, at least you can go ice yachting in winter!

<hr width=100% size=1>There is no such thing as "fun for the whole family."
 
No, it isnt just you. The shame of it is that there is'nt a political party that represents we middle englanders any more. New Labour is being exposed as old Labour in a sharp suit and the Tories have abandoned us in order to appear trendy. Why on earth there is'nt a party which stands on a simple platform of reducing government interference in our lives, I dont know. One of the main reasons I go boating is that out on the briny is one of the few places out of reach of the bureaucrats, the jobsworths and the PC police although how long that will last, I dont know

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
That could have been me you were describing...

"Broke with boat to support - please give generously" the sign should read.

Never mind - Hols this year will probably revolve around being on the boat or working on the boat, every job I do myself is money saved even if it takes me days instead of an hours time of a professional.

Regards, Jeff the improverished.

Wish list for 2004:

Asymetric spinnaker
130(ish)% Tri-radial Genoa
fully battened main
new boom
DSC Radio
GPS + Chart Plotter
Additional sailing instruments
Calorifier
a "proper" fridge instread of a cool box
re-cover cushions
re-paint top sides

Chance of getting any of them - 2%.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
It\'s not just you Boatman

As you may be aware, since arriving back I've been on the lookout for empoyment. On a couple of occasions I have applied to government backed (Business Link) organisations, Primary Care Trusts, and Charities.

Despite the advert appearing to have everything about me in it except my name I did not gain employment here. Then I noticed something; sometimes the adverts had the line "We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from ethnic minorities". Sometimes when visiting premises I noticed an unusual preponderence of a particular social group - (note that make no description there - I can't of course).

I've come to the conclusion that it's getting to the stage that if you're a gay, lesbian, coloured, young, single mother etc etc then you've got it made.

If you're a white, heterosexual, family man around 50 with many years experience then forget it.

Yours

Also disgruntled.

Magic

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://hometown.aol.co.uk/geoffwestgarth/myhomepage/travelwriting.html>Click for website!</A>
 
Re: It\'s not just you Boatman

Dont even think of applying for a job in the Guardian unless you are one of the oppressed minority and have a vocabulary full of pithy up-to-date PC nonsense.

Who puts their adverts in the Guardian - well the BBC and local councils for a start!

If I was young and single I would already have left, as it is I will have to wait at least until kids are through Uni and I can persuade SWMBO!

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: You\'ve never had it so good

However you measure it we are living in golden times.

We are better off. We're living longer (might not be seen as an advantage by the more depressed among us). Our access to a range of food, goods, entertainment, education and leisure activities is almost endless. Our work is easier. We are safer. Good God man we even have breathable seaboots.

I do know a man who appreciates this fact. It might be a coincidence but he doesn't have a TV or take a newspaper and he only has music on his radio.

Apparently governments are greatly excercised at why with so much we are so depressed.

It could be a coincidence that a country, the UK, with the most extensive media has one of the highest rate of clinical depression, couldn't it? Or could it be that we've got it so good we're scared of loosing it?

No I'm not on prosac.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
And not having burdoned the state with my kids education I'm now expected to pay even more when they go off to university, that's if they're allowed to go to their first choice with positive discrimination against privately educated children.

And having saved for retirement seeing those who have pissed it all up against the wall receiving more from the state than I'll get from a pension, on which of course the government have raised extra taxes from their first week in office.

And now they want to put NI on dividends to directors of small companies.

It seems as though their interference and money grabbing will never end.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: It\'s not just you Boatman

Already have left where Talbot?

Magic

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://hometown.aol.co.uk/geoffwestgarth/myhomepage/travelwriting.html>Click for website!</A>
 
Re: Its most of us!!!

You are far from alone.Does being Welsh bar me from the disgruntled middle England Party????

Trouble is that most of us are too busy earning an honest living to get organized and take our protests to dodgy Tony and his sidekicks.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
No it's not just you I think many feel the same way.
I have a theory that in an attempt to get elected the conservatives will address most of your issues but only just before the election (keeping their powder dry!).
My problem is I cannot believe any politician!


<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Well if the government chose to stop the dubious charitable tax-free status of private schools then you certainly would pay more, rather than under the subsidy you currently enjoy. Central taxation funds the vast proportion of costs associated with university, even with the proposed changes. As for discrimination against privately educated children, you only have to look at the proportions in some of the top universities to see it is hardly that. Bristol, granted, has taken a pro-state educated view and this is based upon research that has shown that those with less priviledged education actually achieve better degrees. I'm putting on flame retardent clothing now ....

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
How true this is for many of us. It's certainly true for me and I am sick to the back teeth with it!

Richard

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
You are not alone!

I agree with all your sentiments. I have nothing against minorities of any persuasion, but as a normal male, husband and father, I also have rights - The right to be left alone to get on with my life, and not have the rights of these minorities thrust in my face at every turn.

I always look upon politicians as bananas - When they are young, they are green. As they mature they turn yellow, and THERE IS NOT A STRAIGHT ONE AMONGST THEM.

And thy wonder why attendance at elections is falling ! !

As to education, some of the stuff my 12-year old is getting makes me extremely angry. I want her to be taught "The 3 R's", along with a bit of science, language etc, but not what is termed "Social" education, where gay, lesbian, drugs etc are discussed. There was damn all wrong with the way we were taught, by putting the fear of God into us, and plenty of discipline.

Why, oh why are they telling them all to go to university and get degrees? Where are all the jobs for these graduates? I believe that Inverness has the highest percentage of POSTMEN with degrees anywhere in the UK. I am not decrying postmen, by the way, but it seems such a waste. On the other hand, try getting a plumber, electrician or other tradesman when you want one.


Perhaps we need to start another political party?
Twister-Ken for PM?
jimi for chancellor??

We could definately go after the "Floating" voter!!

Suggestions as to the name of this party ??


<hr width=100% size=1>
 
New party? Try <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.independence.org.uk/home.shtml>This one!</A>

No, I'm not canvassing or even afilliated but it's beginning to make more sense each day!

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Jimi for Chancellor? Another Scot........
I love IR591 (the new small company get rich quick scheme, author G Brown Esq), I hope it is as successful as IR35 has been, where the cost to collection ration must exceed 15 to 1. That is they spend 15 quid to get back 1. What a resounding success. Makes Parmalat and the other no doubt British lurking Institutional Corporate Fraudsters seem hardly worth detecting/chasing.
I am very hacked off with the oppressive tax regime, and the leaning toward PCness of the current lot.
And what ARE they doing with all the extra revenue that must be pouring in? 353000 extra NHS staff since 1997, but we still have a nursing shortage?
And dont talk about the rates.
I am hanging onto retirement. Oops no, cant do that, the buggers lost 2/3rds of my fund. Must have put it somewhere. Enron shares anyone?
I am as fed up as the rest of you.
Election time soon. Lets give the Tories a hard time now, so they are in shape come the next vote. I have given up on Charlie and his mob, sadly.

I am going to lie down now, and contemplate putting up the headlining in one go, around all the fiddly bits with no rucking. Hmmm


Jim


<hr width=100% size=1>Second Chance - First Love. I still need a 7m Luff Spinnaker & Pole for 22 footer!! Help!
 
Boatman and all others.
No its not just you. I am equally peed off with paying excessive tax, politics in the office, Tony B-Liar, sitting in traffic jams on the M25, travelling on trains which make me 2 hours late, crap weather, etc etc etc.
As one bar of soap said to the other - that's Life Boy!

So we all need an escape. Mine, like many others on here, is the boat. As I can't go there every day, I like to log on to this forum for some entertainment and learning.

What do I find today? - all you whinging buggers feeling sorry for yourselves !!!

Come on folks, lets keep things in positive and enjoyable around here.

<hr width=100% size=1>OK - Get Fell In you 'orrible lot! There's wine to be drunk!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

S
Amiable demands for money!
Replies
15
Views
829
penberth3
P

Share this page

Top