tories...
... like to think there is something special about *them* that has made them successful, rather than the fact they have made the most of the opportunities offered by a country that has invested in a decent infrastructure, health and education system.
(nordelius, Fri 30 Nov 2012, 10:27, 1 reply)

It's the fundamental attribution error
Tories (& New Labour): I'm rich because I worked bloody hard. He's richer than me because of his wealthy parents and a big dollop of blind luck. You're poor because you're lazy and feckless and don't deserve my tax money. But everybody gets what they deserve so there's no need to change anything.

(Old) Labour: I'm poor because I'm oppressed and marginalised. He's poor because he's lazy and feckless. You're rich because you're posh and lucky and don't deserve your income, so should pay to me through the tax and welfare system. Nobody gets what they deserve so we should change everything.

Reality: Almost everyone who works at all works hard. Almost nobody who doesn't work does it as a lifestyle choice. Almost all rich people had advantages they won't admit to that were not of their own doing, but topped them off by some degree of talent and effort. Almost all poor people could do a little bit more to improve their situation, but are disadvantaged through no fault of their own. It isn't a just world, so hardly anybody deserves what they get or gets what they deserve, but that shouldn't stop us trying to make it happen by changing some things.
( shinyshinyscalp less a man, more a way of life, Fri 30 Nov 2012, 14:17, closed)

If the world is unfair towards everyone
doesn't that make it fair?
(Searcaigh, Fri 30 Nov 2012, 15:50, closed)

This is possibly the most sensible and level-headed post I've ever read on this site.
And for that, it gets a click.
( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Sat 1 Dec 2012, 12:49, closed)