Does Ireland need to Lighten Up?

AudreyHepburn

stovelid wrote: »

We're not your parents so the guilt tripping probably won't work.

Not guilt tripping anyone, just stating the facts.

You, Stovelid, told me my points had no value.

Folks can we change the direction of this thread, I didn't start it argue about my personal situation or listen to ways to commit fraud against the Social Welfare office.

Donkey Oaty

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

Folks can we change the direction of this thread

Does anyone have any news on that lady who used to write for the Indo and went to do an MA in journalism in New York?

hondasam

Donkey Oaty wrote: »

Does anyone have any news on that lady who used to write for the Indo and went to do an MA in journalism in New York?

Last I heard was she could not take criticism.

Donkey Oaty

hondasam wrote: »

Last I heard was she could not take criticism.

Are you a begrudger?

hondasam

Donkey Oaty wrote: »

Are you a begrudger?

Not at all, couldn't care less what anyone thinks or does.

I hate the fact I have to work, pay mortgage etc.

Donkey Oaty

hondasam wrote: »

Not at all, couldn't care less what anyone thinks or does.

I hate the fact I have to work, pay mortgage etc.

Hmmm...we'll let it go for now.

But in the meantime, I'm sure you'll join me in wishing her well, and saying that she is an absolute inspiration to everyone, everywhere, wherever they may be or whatever they may do, and does us all proud, and I'm sure I speak for all boardsies when I say we all agree on that.

This is such a great country.

/wipes tear

[croaking voice]Let's take an ad break.[/croaking voice]

Dudess

Cathaoirleach wrote: »

The usual percentage of miserable, unhappy Boardsies that despise anything Irish or anything that puts Ireland under a positive light, and continuously try and put the rest of us down.

I fail to see how not being in the humour for jumping for joy about things here, especially when some practically force positivity down throats, means despising anything Irish.

stovelid

Cathaoirleach wrote: »

No, it's the miserable, pessimistic begrudgers here on Boards that paint Ireland in a bad light.

I am certainly not one of them. If fact, I always stick up for Ireland when they bad-mouth us.

And yes, it's usually those that are the most miserable in their lives that get enjoyment in putting other people down. People that need to get laid and/or STFU and GTFO.

Funnily enough you could take this post - and indeed the whole thread - transport it back to around 2006/2006 with some minor tweaking and it would be exactly the same: a handful of people advancing a critical or cautionary position and being told to:

fuck off and stop moaning

stop talking down Ireland

stop killing our buzz

get on the ladder

If you don't like it leave

etc

etc

Cathaoirleach

Dudess wrote: »

I fail to see how not being in the humour for jumping for joy about things here, especially when some practically force positivity down throats, means despising anything Irish.

I'm talking about the begrudgers here on Boards that hate anything that promotes Irish culture or nationality, and now they are trying to pick on Obama's visit, accusing the Irish of "worshipping" the US President and being too patriotic.

You won't here a word from this anti-Irish brigade about the Queen's visit (look at the Queen thread), but once the Obama visit kicked off, these plebs on Boards were all over it, chastising posters here for being supportive of it.

I think Obama's visit was hugely iconic for Ireland and there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to fly the Irish and American flag to celebrate that.

It's clear that there is a very loud minority of 'Irish' people here on Boards that absolutely detest all things Irish, and they hate the fact that Ireland and the States want to celebrate their very close ties.

Donkey Oaty

Cathaoirleach wrote: »

these plebs

Until then I was hearing Aaron Copland's "Fanfare to the Common Man" in the background.

Cathaoirleach

Donkey Oaty wrote: »

Until then I was hearing Aaron Copland's "Fanfare to the Common Man" in the background.

Hmm, not sure how that works with your reply, but I have a lot of respect for Copland.

Naikon

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

And I have no intention of being one of those stats.

Did I accuse you in the future?

Dudess

Cathaoirleach wrote: »

I'm talking about the begrudgers

.

here on Boards that hate anything that promotes Irish culture or nationality, and now they are trying to pick on Obama's visit, accusing the Irish of "worshipping" the US President and being too patriotic.

You won't here a word from this anti-Irish brigade about the Queen's visit (look at the Queen thread), but once the Obama visit kicked off, these plebs on Boards were all over it, chastising posters here for being supportive of it.

I think Obama's visit was hugely iconic for Ireland and there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to fly the Irish and American flag to celebrate that.

It's clear that there is a very loud minority of 'Irish' people here on Boards that absolutely detest all things Irish, and they hate the fact that Ireland and the States want to celebrate their very close ties.

Actually there are plenty of us who enjoyed Obama's visit but just feel the excitement was OTT and while it was a positive event, the country is still in the sh1tter so let's not lose the run of ourselves - that's not Irish self-flagellation.

Cathaoirleach

Dudess wrote: »

.

Actually there are plenty of us who enjoyed Obama's visit but just feel the excitement was OTT and while it was a positive event, the country is still in the sh1tter so let's not lose the run of ourselves - that's not Irish self-flagellation.

I know that. I actually don't like what Obama has done (and not done) since he came into office, but that's for another discussion. It is the symbolism of his visit and what he represents. It's the best we could have hoped for since Kennedy's historic visit to College Green in '63.

George Bush would have been booed off stage, and righly so.

JFK's Irish Honour Guard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eepw4Obeyc

cosmicfart

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

I am starting this in response to the threads on the visit of Barack Obama but I could actually site any number of threads.

The amount of begrudgery in this country recently is tbh a little bit shocking.

Whether it is Jedward or President Obama it seems that there are some people who just cannot abide anything that brings a smile to people's face. They are simply too fond of this 'oh woe is us' attitude.

I know we are struggling financially at the moment, I am one of the many trying to look for work. But honestly wallowing in self pity and bemoaning each and every good thing that happens is not going to get us anywhere.

Being in a recession does mean we have be perpetually unhappy, cynical or constantly moaning.

Ireland really needs to lighten up a little imho.


What do you think.

Way ahead of you I got a doobie going right now :cool:

AudreyHepburn

Dudess wrote: »

.

Actually there are plenty of us who enjoyed Obama's visit but just feel the excitement was OTT and while it was a positive event, the country is still in the sh1tter so let's not lose the run of ourselves - that's not Irish self-flagellation.

Equally we should not get bogged in the fact that we are struggling. Just because times are hard, does not mean we should deny ourselves times of happiness and celebration nor should we prevent ourselves from properly enjoying the good things that happen.

latenia

The war is over baby-the begrudgers were right all along. We wouldn't be in this mess if they had been listened to instead of being told to go kill themselves like Bertie Ahern did.
If the Irish hate rich, famous and successful people then could you show me posts or threads here 'begrudging' Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, Saoirse Ronan, Neil Jordan etc? There aren't any because these individuals have genuine talent and dignity; if anything they're overly revered.
On the other hand the likes of Rosanna Davison, Ronan Keating, Ryan Tubridy or Bertie Ahern are talentless, halfwitted chancers who only thrive because this country is defined by mediocrity and nepotism in every sphere-from politics to entertainment.

TheZohanS

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

Equally we should not get bogged in the fact that we are struggling. Just because times are hard, does not mean we should deny ourselves times of happiness and celebration nor should we prevent ourselves from properly enjoying the good things that happen.

Look you live at home with mammy and daddy, you have no exposure to hardship, you haven't a clue what you're talking about.

I can remember a few months ago a woman posted here on boards, she and her hubby had lost their jobs and they were down to their last few quid of savings. They had a mortgage to pay and bills to pay, their choices were which bills not to pay so that they could feed their kids.

Now when you experience anything remotely like this you can commentate on whether people should "lighten up".

You don't know what hardship is, you don't know what struggling is, you're living a cocoon.

AudreyHepburn

TheZohan wrote: »

Look you live at home with mammy and daddy, you have no exposure to hardship, you haven't a clue what you're talking about.

I can remember a few months ago a woman posted here on boards, she and her hubby had lost their jobs and they were down to their last few quid of savings. They had a mortgage to pay and bills to pay, their choices were which bills not to pay so that they could feed their kids.

Now when you experience anything remotely like this you can commentate on whether people should "lighten up".

You don't know what hardship is, you don't know what struggling is, you're living a cocoon.

I live at home with mammy and daddy because I have no choice. I have no job, no money and can't even get the dole.

But you go ahead and stay on that pedestal if you want, I will comment on any topic I wish.

Do you only comment on things of which you have direct experience? No of course you don't.

What is your current situation?

Latchy

Donkey Oaty wrote: »

Until then I was hearing Aaron Copland's "Fanfare to the Common Man" in the background.

I really like Emerson Lake and Palmers version to .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we55QQcsvY4

Liam Byrne

stovelid wrote: »

Funnily enough you could take this post - and indeed the whole thread - transport it back to around 2006/2006 with some minor tweaking and it would be exactly the same: a handful of people advancing a critical or cautionary position and being told to:

fuck off and stop moaning

stop talking down Ireland

stop killing our buzz

get on the ladder

If you don't like it leave

etc

etc

You forgot "I don't know why those people don't commit suicide" !!!

stovelid

latenia wrote: »

The war is over baby-the begrudgers were right all along. We wouldn't be in this mess if they had been listened to instead of being told to go kill themselves like Bertie Ahern did.
If the Irish hate rich, famous and successful people then could you show me posts or threads here 'begrudging' Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, Saoirse Ronan, Neil Jordan etc? There aren't any because these individuals have genuine talent and dignity; if anything they're overly revered.
On the other hand the likes of Rosanna Davison, Ronan Keating, Ryan Tubridy or Bertie Ahern are talentless, halfwitted chancers who only thrive because this country is defined by mediocrity and nepotism in every sphere-from politics to entertainment.

What are you having?

stovelid

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

I live at home with mammy and daddy because I have no choice. I have no job, no money and can't even get the dole.

Tough shit.

We don't care.

AudreyHepburn

stovelid wrote: »

Tough shit.

We don't care.

You know what, I am not going to waste my time arguing with you anymore.

You are right, I am wrong ok?

You win. Happy now.

:rolleyes:

prinz

If I got any lighter I'd float away...... but I still think Jedward are rubbish. I know who I like and respect and I know who I don't. Nothing to do with begrudgery.

stovelid

Latchy wrote: »

I really like Emerson Lake and Palmers version to .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we55QQcsvY4

Good lord, a prog-rocker in our midst!!!

stovelid

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

You know what, I am not going to waste my time arguing with you anymore.

Probably for the best.

That rumpus room won't tidy itself you know.

TheZohanS

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

I live at home with mammy and daddy because I have no choice. I have no job, no money and can't even get the dole.

But you go ahead and stay on that pedestal if you want, I will comment on any topic I wish.

Do you only comment on things of which you have direct experience? No of course you don't.

What is your current situation?

Yes I only comment on things of which I have direct experience of, because otherwise I'd look like a fool talking out of my hole.

My current situation is as following:

If I don't work I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities.
If I work and my clients don't pay me in time I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities.
If for a few months I don't work; I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities and I'm homeless.
If for a few months I work and my clients go out of business or don't pay me on time I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities and I'm homeless.

You have free board and lodgings and no responsibilities, your mammy and your daddy pay for your food, put clothes on your back, put a roof over your head and provide you with toilet paper so you can wipe your àrse. You have no idea what hardship is, you may not have money but you don't need it, everything is provided for you no matter what happens you'll have food in your belly and a roof over your head.

You don't have a clue what hardship is, not one iota.

Don Juan DeMagoo

thebigbiffo wrote: »

i for one am with the OP. half the reason this country is in such a s'hit state is down to the pessimistic, gloomy outlook so many people in the country have at the moment. half the battle in a recession is getting people to start believing again that 'everything will be ok'. we got the balance wrong a few years ago, but it's swung the opposite direction now and we keep digging ourselves into a bigger hole.

I for one am against the OP. humourously the reason the country is in the state it is in, is because people were over optimistic about EVERYTHING.
Sure aren't we the greatest wee country in the world, so like the proverbial sheep the vast majority of people bought into this. They became financially overstretched even before the bust.

Then BOOM they lost most everything, the leaders who advised them and reassured them to invest more money in this country betrayed them over and over again.

Then there are those sensible people the ones who weren't the muppets who bought into this irish greed bubble, who made no bad/stupid investments. They now see their taxes drastically increasing and their pensions fund drastically decreasing. Meanwhile not one person imprisoned over this ........ showing that the judicial system and law enforcement system of this country is solely focused on the plebs, not on these important people who are too big to fail.... reads like a depressing novel

And you are asking these people to be positive. I say let them have their moan.... they have earned it

Micky Dolenz

Attack the post and not the poster.

Settle down please.

Don Juan DeMagoo

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Attack the post and not the poster.

Settle down please.

But the post belongs to the poster. So by ATTACKING it as you kindly suggest, will we not be indirectly attacking the poster. Some collateral damage is surely to be expected.

Now all finished my lunch roll :P

PS: Why did you have to bold your post, I focused on every word for no apparent reason

IamtheWalrus

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

I am starting this in response to the threads on the visit of Barack Obama but I could actually site any number of threads.

The amount of begrudgery in this country recently is tbh a little bit shocking.

Whether it is Jedward or President Obama it seems that there are some people who just cannot abide anything that brings a smile to people's face. They are simply too fond of this 'oh woe is us' attitude.

I know we are struggling financially at the moment, I am one of the many trying to look for work. But honestly wallowing in self pity and bemoaning each and every good thing that happens is not going to get us anywhere.

Being in a recession does mean we have be perpetually unhappy, cynical or constantly moaning.

Ireland really needs to lighten up a little imho.

What do you think.

The Irish are realists and thank fuck for that. When we hear a story we are sceptical about it until we know all the facts. There's nothing wrong in taking an opposing position. For example, lots of people thought Obama coming was great and decided to say. Others questioned why we were so jubilant over a politician (you can understand why considering the shower we have in this country).

Some people only see the advantages of things, which is a distorted view. Everything has pros and cons. People who point out the cons are seen to be begrudgers. It's just an opposing view that doesn't go with the zeigest.

I'd prefer hear the views of people who have a balanced view of things.

orourkeda

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

I am starting this in response to the threads on the visit of Barack Obama but I could actually site any number of threads.

The amount of begrudgery in this country recently is tbh a little bit shocking.

Whether it is Jedward or President Obama it seems that there are some people who just cannot abide anything that brings a smile to people's face. They are simply too fond of this 'oh woe is us' attitude.

I know we are struggling financially at the moment, I am one of the many trying to look for work. But honestly wallowing in self pity and bemoaning each and every good thing that happens is not going to get us anywhere.

Being in a recession does mean we have be perpetually unhappy, cynical or constantly moaning.

Ireland really needs to lighten up a little imho.

What do you think.

Is it begrudgery or is it simply an expression of annoyance at the overreaction to certain events by your compatriots. I don't resent the fact that Jedward have made a few bob for themselves. That wouldn't be my issue. I just don't think they are any use. Any attempt to express this is simply dismissed as begrudgery or a "woe is us" attitude.

I believe that the importance attached to the Barack Obama visit has been grossly exaggerated. If this makes you pull handstands and you are overwhelmed by "blasts of positivity", go ahead. Again, it is not "begrudgery to express your belief that some people are overreacting to it. It is simply an expression of an opinion.

Expression of an opinion does not always equate to "wallowing in self pity" just because it differs from the majority or isn't overwhelmingly positive.

thebigbiffo

thebigbiffo wrote: »

i for one am with the OP. half the reason this country is in such a s'hit state is down to the pessimistic, gloomy outlook so many people in the country have at the moment. half the battle in a recession is getting people to start believing again that 'everything will be ok'. we got the balance wrong a few years ago, but it's swung the opposite direction now and we keep digging ourselves into a bigger hole.

stovelid wrote: »

Sweet lantern divine mother of Jaysus.

thebigbiffo wrote: »

it's true. 7% of all income was saved in 2006, now it's closer 22%. if you can't see the obvious 'problem' (context) in that then your not in much of a position to condesend.

stovelid wrote: »

I don't understand what you mean by this?

I just want to clarify this for stovelid...for me, it's central to what the thread is about how this 'irritating' optomism surrounding the Queen's and Obama's visit can have a tangible affect on the country's money problems.

It's well known that a major barrier to recovery in any recession, regardless of the initial cause, is getting people to go out and spend their money within the economy - putting money into the exchequer through taxes and VAT, keeping people in jobs and basically circulating more cash. The only barrier to getting people to spend more of their cash is in the majority of cases purely psychological - people freaked out about x, y and z hoard their cash.

What I tried to point out above is that the huge negativity we see all over the country at the moment is in it's own way playing a major part in the slowness of our recovery. From people on the dole not taking low paid jobs because their worried they'll be better off to people in high paid jobs hoarding their cash because they're constantly being told multinational's might relocate due to pressure on our corp tax or our uncompetitiveness. It's all part of the problem.

That's what the above statistic is about. 200% more of peoples incomes is being hoarded than there was in 2006. Over a fifth of all wages in being put away and is not being spent on homes, it's not being spent on TV's, Cars and all the other large purchases that put money back into the economy and create employment and taxes. Lots of eople wont go to pubs, the cinema, concerts - the list is endless - because of a general feeling that those activities are seen as a waste of money in a climate where everything is about how tight money is. There are plenty of people out there who can afford to spend more but wont - and it really is in a lot of cases down to the general feeling that 'the country's f'ucked'...sure wont you need your money safe in Rabobank!

Laugh, skit and sneer all you will at people lamenting the lack of a positive attitude in this country but it does have a real, tanglible affect.

AudreyHepburn

I just want say I am very sorry this thread has gone the way it has. I truely didn't mean for that happen.

I am under no illusion about the state of the country nor am I stupid enough to think mine is the worst situation to be in.

I just feel a little more positive thinking and postive action might be in order.

But obviously I have a better situation than some so maybe I am not in a position to comment.

I am very sorry if I offended anyone, clearly a lot of people are really struggling here so my apologies.

ps; I have reported certain posters I feel are going overboard with attacks and getting to personal. They know who they are but if I have genuinely offended anyone or made seem as though I am making light of anyone's situation I am genuinely sorry.

inmyday

TheZohan wrote: »

Yes I only comment on things of which I have direct experience of, because otherwise I'd look like a fool talking out of my hole.

My current situation is as following:

If I don't work I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities.
If I work and my clients don't pay me in time I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities.
If for a few months I don't work; I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities and I'm homeless.
If for a few months I work and my clients go out of business or don't pay me on time I don't have money for food, electricity and all the necessities and I'm homeless.

You have free board and lodgings and no responsibilities, your mammy and your daddy pay for your food, put clothes on your back, put a roof over your head and provide you with toilet paper so you can wipe your àrse. You have no idea what hardship is, you may not have money but you don't need it, everything is provided for you no matter what happens you'll have food in your belly and a roof over your head.

You don't have a clue what hardship is, not one iota.

Boo Hoo, ffs, why ya going mad at the other poster? Yes, youre unlucky, but so are many, and in ways you are very lucky, so relax there!

And if you get off boards.ie for two minutes you might be able to do some work. Just a little idea!

TheZohanS

inmyday wrote: »

Boo Hoo, ffs, why ya going mad at the other poster? Yes, youre unlucky, but so are many, and in ways you are very lucky, so relax there!

And if you get off boards.ie for two minutes you might be able to do some work. Just a little idea!

:rolleyes:

Get back under your bridge.

gargleblaster

thebigbiffo wrote: »

I just want to clarify this for stovelid...for me, it's central to what the thread is about how this 'irritating' optomism surrounding the Queen's and Obama's visit can have a tangible affect on the country's money problems.

It's well known that a major barrier to recovery in any recession, regardless of the initial cause, is getting people to go out and spend their money within the economy - putting money into the exchequer through taxes and VAT, keeping people in jobs and basically circulating more cash. The only barrier to getting people to spend more of their cash is in the majority of cases purely psychological - people freaked out about x, y and z hoard their cash.

What I tried to point out above is that the huge negativity we see all over the country at the moment is in it's own way playing a major part in the slowness of our recovery. From people on the dole not taking low paid jobs because their worried they'll be better off to people in high paid jobs hoarding their cash because they're constantly being told multinational's might relocate due to pressure on our corp tax or our uncompetitiveness. It's all part of the problem.

That's what the above statistic is about. 200% more of peoples incomes is being hoarded than there was in 2006. Over a fifth of all wages in being put away and is not being spent on homes, it's not being spent on TV's, Cars and all the other large purchases that put money back into the economy and create employment and taxes. Lots of eople wont go to pubs, the cinema, concerts - the list is endless - because of a general feeling that those activities are seen as a waste of money in a climate where everything is about how tight money is. There are plenty of people out there who can afford to spend more but wont - and it really is in a lot of cases down to the general feeling that 'the country's f'ucked'...sure wont you need your money safe in Rabobank!

Laugh, skit and sneer all you will at people lamenting the lack of a positive attitude in this country but it does have a real, tanglible affect.

Excellent illustration of the psychology of the market.

That of course doesn't mean that irrational exuberance is great for the market (as recent history shows all too well), but there is no need to think that the two extremes are the only options. There is a middle ground, and positive thinking balanced with realism is far better than negative thinking (which is all too often tinged with toxic cynicism).

AudreyHepburn

TheZohan wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Get back under your bridge.

Get over yourself will you.

You have a job, money, your own place. You do not how lucky you are.

And for the record my parents do not baby, I am a grown woman and I take care of myself.

mikom

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

I am very sorry if I offended anyone, clearly a lot of people are really struggling here so my apologies.

And those are just the ones with internet access.
Don't forget the ones that have to get up out of their shoebox at twelve o'clock at night, and LICK the road clean with their tongues, eat half a handful of freezing cold gravel, work twenty-four hours a day at the mill for fourpence every six years, and when they get home, their Dad would slice them in two with a bread knife.

Micky Dolenz

As interesting as this thread is, I think it's probably best if we leave it here.