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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to loathe people who seem to think that their personal tax contribution pays for absolutely everything and everyone

73 replies

sockmuppet · 07/01/2013 18:59

Sorry thread about a thread Blush the care home one!

When I hear people getting angry because their taxes are paying for parts of the social system they don't agree with would I be unreasonable to ask them in more detail how much they actually pay in tax. Then argue that they in all likelihood don't actually cover their own social benefits of education and medical care etc?

Why do people think they personally pay for the entire public workforce and feel the need to tell individuals that "I pay your wages mate" or "I don't want to pay for someone else's sick aunt" You know the type I mean.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 07/01/2013 19:46

YANBU. An ignorant assumption along with the one that taxes are a personal bank account - what you pay in, you should get out in cash, with interest, because boons such as good infrasctructure and defence, a stable government that trades with stability, thereby allowing most people to go about making a living unmolested, it free from all cost. And that one should be 'rewarded' beyond the cost of these things, in proportion to one's moral merit as a financial vehicle, a stupid and bonkers notion.

jamdonut · 07/01/2013 19:48

Grin well said sockmuppet, wish I'd thought of that one!

VBisme · 07/01/2013 19:58

sock returning pixie Grin

TidyDancer · 07/01/2013 19:58

Haha, I wish I had. I don't work in that role anymore though.

Will pass that to former colleagues though! Grin

CloudsAndTrees · 07/01/2013 20:08

YABU. People who pay tax have a right to comment on how it's spend.

It's far more annoying when people claim they pay tax because they pay VAT out of their benefits. Or they claim they are contributing to society because they look after their own children, when they are living on benefits.

However, people who claim they pay the wages of a civil servant are just twats.

expatinscotland · 07/01/2013 20:10

Yes, they do have the right: to vote for legislators who decide how it is spent.

TandB · 07/01/2013 20:12

I occasionally get the "I pay your wages" thing from beligerant clients - I'm a criminal lawyer.

I have been known to ask for a pay rise on the basis that the remuneration for legal aid work has been steadily declining for about 20 years now - and then I explain it in great detail until their eyes glaze over.

Depending on who is saying it, and on how beligerant I am feeling, I might also point out that you don't pay tax on stuff you nick from Tescos, so no, you don't actually pay my wages.

Sunnywithshowers · 07/01/2013 20:13

YANBU

Original poster
sockmuppet · 07/01/2013 20:16

Clouds and trees

They have a right to comment on how it's spent but not to preface all comments with MY taxes.

OP posts:
MrsDeVere · 07/01/2013 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

expatinscotland · 07/01/2013 20:23

Of course, we need a Benefit Basher du Jour to try to hijack the thread to steer it towards benefits and the 'feckless' Hmm.

Original poster
sockmuppet · 07/01/2013 20:26

Yes, expat give it time Grin

I find the benefit basher's are often the trade cash in hand lovers. One rule for me and one for anyone on benefits because after all, I pay for your benefits mate!!

OP posts:
financialwizard · 07/01/2013 20:29

kungfu that is hilarious. I cannot believe they have the audacity tbh.

Bubblegum78 · 07/01/2013 20:30

I work for the NHS.... seriously, don't get me started!

It's right up there with "If you're not doing anything wrong you have nothing to worry about" This is from beady relatives who like to watch you whilst you are washing their loved ones botty.

or... "Well you chose the job" if you mention that you are short staffed or the ward is unmanagable. Well actually we didn't, no one chooses to work under those conditions.

5dcsinneedofacleaner · 07/01/2013 20:32

YANBU my grandmother claims she is sick of her taxes paying for people. Yet she has never had a job (my grandad worked she didnt) and now claims a pension so I am thinking she hasnt actually paid much towards anyone. Not that I would ever point this out mind.

expatinscotland · 07/01/2013 20:34

5dcs, I would!

Original poster
sockmuppet · 07/01/2013 20:37

bubblegum seriously? That is outrageous!

OP posts:
whois · 07/01/2013 21:14

YANBU

Most people have had years and years of state education and some sort of healthcare on the NHS.

Still kind of annoying how much I pay in tax every month though, and the fact there are massive net drains on the economy. But Despite complaining I wouldn't actually vote for lower taxes to the detriment of education/ health etc.

KatyPeril · 07/01/2013 21:16

YANBU. I had my Uncle lecture me on how he's 'sick to death' of keeping me. He forgets his daughter is also on benefits.....

bumperella · 07/01/2013 23:02

It's not a savings scheme. You aren't SUPPOSED to get out what you pay in.

Taxation is to pay for services that you (as a voter) think make for a "good", just, and fair society.

If you imagine you have total amnesia, but are fully functioning, then you'd have no idea how much you have, where you live, if you've children, if your parents have savings, if you're very ill, disabled, if you've dependents, if you need a carer, or if you ARE a carer, if you earn £250k pa or are unemployed..... etc etc etc.....then decide what services you think society should provide out of taxes that you would have to pay.

FestiviaBlueberry · 07/01/2013 23:04

No YANBU

They are nobs.

Next

MiniEggsinJanuary · 07/01/2013 23:11

I can still picture the man who declared that he was paying the wages of a woman in our office as he ranted in a total rage because she wouldn't stop the photocopier to let him do his stuff. I was 18 at the time and he is now a high flying civil servant. Oh the irony! I thought he was a tosser then and nothing's changed!

Original poster
sockmuppet · 08/01/2013 09:51

bumperella

Exactly it's not a savings scheme, so why do people think they pay others wages?

OP posts:
yellowsheep · 08/01/2013 11:25

My niece had surgery and treatment which cost nearly 200,000. My son also had complicated surgery I am forever gratefull that we live in a county where we don't have to pay at use all family are tax payers. we pay what we owe and are thankfull that others do the same

5madthings · 08/01/2013 11:31

Yanbu at all, I have just pointed out similar to someone von another thread who was moaning.