How much is the right amount of money

[Beautifulbabyboy]

So, I am being genuinely curious here. This is not a goady thead. What is the correct amount of money a person can have and be left wing at the same time?

I hear, a lot, that Russell Brand is a phoney because he is rich. The rich, if they care so much, should give all their money away. Etc.

But then, if you are poor and left wing, you are envious and jealous, and should work hard.

So, please, what is the correct amount of money to have to think capalism sucks without being accused of being fake or jealous?

I think you can be left wing and rich. There are a lot of people who do use their money to genuinely help people and make a difference, you just don't hear about them though because they normally do it under the radar and don't want publicity about it, they just get on with it.

Russell Brand is just a champaign socialist and helps no one - he's a phoney. He is only interested in publicity to help his cause and fill his pockets - utter twat.

How much money you have has nothing to do with what your political views are. Several of my friends are higher rate tax payers and have been very vocal about their dismay at the Tories getting a majority.

And there are plenty of people on low incomes who vote Tory.

Thanks Peggy. But what if Russell brand wants to raise awareness of socialism as a concept? He now has 3 million plus viewers on Facebook so is arguably a great success. He is self funding as well which someone with the same ideals, but no money and no fame would be able to achieve.

Leaving Russell brand aside, as this is not about him. Bursary mum, I also know lots of rich friends who are left wing, but when attacked for their beliefs, the first thing thrown at them is "why don't you just give your money away" hence my question...

What?

Are you saying that you can't vote Labour if you earn over a certain amount?

Agree with Bursarymum. Just about everyone I know voted Labour, and that includes higher rate tax payers.

Surely you can still be rich and left wing without giving away all your money? As long as you are happy to pay the amount of tax that comes with a high income that allows you to be left wing? That's how I view it anyway.

I think that's very simplistic. Mostly, they don't object to paying taxes. Unlike rich people who moan that they will move abroad if they lose their massive tax breaks.

Yes Suzie, I agree. The Thatcherites are those who all have this it's mine, mine, mine attitude. And think they work harder than anyone else. Which doesn't really make sense. Who would actually have the audacity to tell a NHS nurse that the reason they are not rich is because they don't work hard enough?

No, that is not what I am saying big Tilly. Actually, quite the contrary. I am very lucky financially and very left wing. I am constantly told "give your money away if I say a more equal society would be nice" but then every time someone who is poor says they want a more equal society and the rich should pay more in tax etc, they get shouted at for being jealous / envious...

If course you can be wealthy and left wing. Money doesn't make everyone stop caring about others.

There were lots of threads from people who said, look, im wealthy but didnt vote Tory.

That's what I think no Armani.... But the first line trotted when you say I would vote for a socialist candidate is "well if your such a socialist give all your money away" I just don't get it. I would happily pay more in tax, not less. I vote left wing with the assumption I will be worse off.

Sorry, are you referring to what people have said on threads?

No, not on mumsnet. This is what I have read in papers, tv, personal life etc. I would just like an answer to the question "if you care so much give all your money away" as though me doing so would instantly bring in a new socialist order....

Lefties will always get criticised. The thing I can't understand is below average earners voting Tory

well phrases like 'champaign socialist' and snarky comments about having 2 kitchens and living in a big house have been bandied around plenty in this election - all over the place

I have been poor, well off and just about okay - I voted labour all through because I believe in the principles of fairness, social responsibility and supporting those worse off

but apparently once you stop being poor you have to vote tory or you are a hypocrite

I hear, a lot, that Russell Brand is a phoney because he is rich.

In his case I think it's more that he is phoney because he is a knob.

Exactly ghosty... Hence my "what is the amount of weath you are allowed to have to be left wing" question.

I am sick of being called a champagne socialist (though my general stock answer is I want the whole world, not just the elite, to be able to drink champagne...)

Has anyone got a cleverer way of responding?

Are these people Tories?

Socialism isn't about giving your money away.....

I am labour through and through but a higher rate tax payer and a lawyer to boot. But, I grew up in a place where I knew what it was to be given free school meals and a uniform grant. I know the reality of having no money to pay the bills despite working hard. In a nutshell, it's shit.

I want a strong economy but with the right amount of opportunity and fairness to all. I would pay more tax to ensure the poorsest in society were not excluded from university or a fair and decent education.

I am not about to give my money away to prove that I am labour (I give a lot to causes I support btw), but as a socialist I will always support the cause.

"Socialism isn't about giving your money away....."

Hmm, it may not mean you giving it away 369 but it does rather tend to mean the government giving it away on your behalf, after they've milked you dry with high taxation!

I think that boggles all of us to be fair -DixieNormas, as it's such an unfair system.

High taxation v poverty.
To be taxed high you have to earn high.
I have experienced both and I know which path I would choose.