Why the baby boomers shouldn't feel guilty

crash123

The biggest problem I see is that in 1993 a 3 bed semi was about 50K now the same semi is 180k. Wages have not increased proportionally.
If they had you would be able to have the house and a few gadgets just as we did.

gagahouse

Divide et impera - this thread smacks of this and proves it works.

Merry Xmas whatever your generation!

torontoboy45

gagahouse wrote: »

Divide et impera - this thread smacks of this and proves it works.

Merry Xmas whatever your generation!

it certainly does.

me. born in the early 60's. 1st house at 22. 2nd house at 32. mortgage completed. property worth approx. 3x price paid....but wait: I didn't ask for/want HP's to rapidly escalate only for my kids to struggle to buy their own pile.

a lot of finger-pointing on here; it's like one massive whingefest on all sides.

the present mess is due to political failure post WW2: there's something to get all finger-pointy about.

Graham_Devon

Personally I don't feel that any generation should feel guilty about a period they lived through. It's pretty much beyond our control what period we live through and how that period pans out.

On the other hand, the argument is just as silly when it turns around to suggesting another generation has it better due to ipod etc. Again, the same thing applies.

However, on saying all of that, I do think recognition is important.

Recognition that one generation has it better, in terms of prosperity in many ways, than any other living generation has, and will. That generation is called the babyboomers. The recognition is important, as it would go some way to dampening the resent from other generations.

This, however, does not seem to be happening. For you look at any meetings for blocking building, and it's the same generation there opposing it as it may spoil their view, or have them slowed down on a road due to more traffic on the network...taking them 30 seconds more to get to the supermarket. Have a look at pensions, and the same generation is making darn sure they get their payouts, but making sure the younger generation not only pays for it, but pays more for it.

I feel this is the problem at the moment. A generation that recognises the problems, but makes sure they don't suffer the problems. It helps that the current policymakers are also of the same generation and also want their votes.

I remember an interview on our local news, where the building of a large complex of houses was being fiercely fought. The opposition won, and thats houses for near 200 familes gone, aswell as jobs etc. The interview had one who wanted a house and one who was opposing. Upon asking where houses should be built, the opposer just said "anywhere thats not around here". That said it all to me. It wasn't about the building, it wasn't anything to do with the environment, it wasn't even opposition to building. It was sheer selfishness. Couldn't care less, so long as it didn't in any way whatsoever effect them.

While we've got 20% youth unemployment, there was more time, effort and money spent making sure those coming up to 60 didn't have to wait just a year more to draw their pensions, as it was "unfair". Of course, everyone else can work 2-5 years longer, stuff em.

So feel guilty? No. But recognition and chipping into the solution would be nice instead of coming up with a caveat for every solution proposed for a select group.

ruggedtoast

I would be happy to offer forgiveness and the hand of friendship to the boomer if the boomer only showed an appropriate amount of contrition.

drc

I'm not a boomer. I would rather have an affordable home and a pension than an Ipad, Apple Mac, I-phone or the latest car.

I don't think that boomers planned to screw over the younger generation, that was the politicians (especially the last decade of NuLabour). However, boomers should recognise that they are very lucky and in comparison to young people today they have a much better future.

geneer

"Why the baby boomers shouldn't feel guilty"
Let me guess. Is it because young people have smart phones? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A._Badger

geneer wrote: »

"Why the baby boomers shouldn't feel guilty"
Let me guess. Is it because young people have smart phones? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Why guess when you can read the article?

Oh, sorry, I forgot. The 'R' word.

Lots of high-pitched whining from the bitter 'n twisted brigade. Christmas must be over.

ILW

Why do "generation X" seem to make all their unfairness comparisons to a relatively short period at the end of the 20th century?

Graham_Devon

A._Badger wrote: »

Why guess when you can read the article?

Oh, sorry, I forgot. The 'R' word.

Lots of high-pitched whining from the bitter 'n twisted brigade. Christmas must be over.

Do you mean responsibility?

If so....whats all this about making others work longer for their pensions?