Grumpy and old ... but we’re wise to all those lies!
I’m gettIng too old for all this. the bean counters in the capital have come to the shocking conclusion that the proportion of state pensioners will soon outstrip the workers required to fund their lifestyle. the phrase ‘baby-boom generation’ might have given them a clue about this at any time over the past 70 years. When the last servicemen returned in 1947, there was an explosion of new babies. today, those babies are grandparents, and at least two more generations have appeared. this grumpy, irascible, old codger was one of those babies. I am newly retired and feeling the effects. the phrase ‘I’m getting too old for this’ starts at about 55 and can be heard up and down these islands — from taking out the rubbish to tottering down to the shops, it’s the crusty generation’s universal mantra. Yes, there will soon be more of us than there are taxpayers funding our begrudged state pittance. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than nothing, but it falls way below what the rest of europe’s pensioners get. It’s occurred to me that we are pulling out of the eU so the government does not have to pay us geriatrics the going rate. ‘too old for this’ also applies when we hear the stuff spouting from the lips of those wanting power in Westminster. Do they think that we are totally thick? Being around a bit longer than most allows the wisdom of age to kick in. When it’s all over and a government gets in, we will still be here, up front and in your faces, not giving a flying fig, grumpy, irascible, moaning and irrelevant to most, but still alive and kicking. I know you’re thinking, who is this twonk? Since you ask, I am a faceless worker who put in more than 50 years of hard graft, paid my dues and raised a family. I would like to see out my days in peace and not be lied to, misled, browbeaten, patronised or swamped by over-educated non-entities who are all brains and no common sense. I’m getting too old for all this.
Tony Levy, Wednesfield, W. Mids.