Election Year or Fear!

[SithHappens]

Perhaps settlements are on the horizon.

[MadAmster]

Perhaps settlements are on the horizon.

LOL. That's Fuji-ing funny.

Of course, it's not just the UK government that takes forever when it comes to paying out on wrongdoings. Similar over here.

Over here we have thousands of families who were suspected on benefits fraud. Algorithms, mainly based on name, ethnic origin etc were targeted and forced to repay tens of thousands they had supposedly received illegally. The result was bankruptcies, families breaking up, kids being taken away by the local authority... Many years later we are nowhere near compensating the victims.

Groningen lies on top of huge gas fields. extracting the gas (proper gas, not petrol) has caused earthquakes which have damaged thousands of homes, offices and other company buildings. The company that made billions of profit are refusing to pay compensation. The government, co-owners and recipients of billions in tax from gas sales admitted some liability years ago. Hardly anybody has received any compensation. Those who have, all say it nowhere near covers repair or rebuild costs.

Two very serious incidents that are causing more misery day after day. A Dutch Parliament is supposed to last 4 years. Only 2 of the last 8 elections from 2002 has produced a coalition that lasted the course. The other 6 lasted 9 years between them. Take away 3 to 5 months from a cabinet falling and the elections and then an average of about 6 months post election to form a cabinet, there's been around 4 years in 23 where you could think there was a stable government. Little wonder issues like the benefit disaster and Groningen don't make much headway.

[Andy_Faber]

All of which summed up by Roger Waters (I think, please God don't let him and Dave Gilmour see this, join the forum and get in a spat over it): 'Money, get back, I'm all right Jack, keep your hands offa my stack'

[ramAnag]

All of which summed up by Roger Waters (I think, please God don't let him and Dave Gilmour see this, join the forum and get in a spat over it): 'Money, get back, I'm all right Jack, keep your hands offa my stack'

Fine track about materialism and greed which has been touched on elsewhere in this thread, but I believe they are both Arsenal season ticket holders so no worries, AF.

[Andy_Faber]

Fine track about materialism and greed which has been touched on elsewhere in this thread, but I believe they are both Arsenal season ticket holders so no worries, AF.

Sort of on the subject, there was a feature on the wireless about charitable giving by the truly wealthy, warren buffett and Bill Gates being examples of individuals who no doubt employ (armies of?) accountants to assist in minimising their tax liability, but then give large proportions of their fortunes to what you may consider more worthy causes (basically 'the poor') than their govts would do.

there's another wireless feature (currently ongoing so I don't know the conclusion) wherein Tony Hawkes ponders the morality of inheritance, specifically mulling over whether to pass his (clearly worthwhile) assets over to his son on his demise. I'll declare on this, I'm all for (appropriately taxed) wealth inheritance and (legal) succession planning thereof. If folk REALLY don't like it they should lobby their govts to change the rules

[ramAnag]

Sort of on the subject, there was a feature on the wireless about charitable giving by the truly wealthy, warren buffett and Bill Gates being examples of individuals who no doubt employ (armies of?) accountants to assist in minimising their tax liability, but then give large proportions of their fortunes to what you may consider more worthy causes (basically 'the poor') than their govts would do.

there's another wireless feature (currently ongoing so I don't know the conclusion) wherein Tony Hawkes ponders the morality of inheritance, specifically mulling over whether to pass his (clearly worthwhile) assets over to his son on his demise. I'll declare on this, I'm all for (appropriately taxed) wealth inheritance and (legal) succession planning thereof. If folk REALLY don't like it they should lobby their govts to change the rules

With you on that one. I too am all for appropriately taxed and legal wealth inheritance. Having been the beneficiary on more than one occasion I hope to be able to ‘donate’ accordingly in the future. Pity it can’t all be made infinitely more straightforward.

[Andy_Faber]

With you on that one. I too am all for appropriately taxed and legal wealth inheritance. Having been the beneficiary on more than one occasion I hope to be able to ‘donate’ accordingly in the future. Pity it can’t all be made infinitely more straightforward.

One thing I'm strongly against is the current trend for 'DIY Wills' (sorry if you have one!). I'm proud to have been chosen as executor on four occasions, thankfully executing professionally and immaculately written wills which 'headed off at the pass' a potential challenge to one.