“Baby Boomers” are the new public enemy?

In recent weeks I have been hearing so called serious reports on the BBC and in some of the press that seem to blame the “baby boomer generation” for all the current woes of the country, be it the financial situation or indeed a larger than average carbon footprint.

Well so what I say!

We baby boomers are by definition and also reality older than the simpletons that have decided it “all your fault”.  We have made it hard or even impossible for them to get a mortgage, we have forced up house prices for having dared to sell our houses at a profit.  Baby boomers are “greedy” for wanting better savings interest rates than the pitiful percentages currently on offer.  Baby boomers are also now being accused of having higher than is acceptable “carbon footprints” .  Yes, being a baby boomer means we are older and need to keep warmer, more constantly entertained because we are at home retired!

Well, so what I say!

Lets just look back a bit shall we so that I can try and justify my rather couldn’t care less exclamation.   I seem to recall paying a lot more interest on my mortgages over the years that today.  In fact at one time I am sure I had to pay 15%.  I have paid tax at tax rates at least 2% higher than those levied today (excluding the wealthy who have had to pay a 50% levy this year).  I also found it harder to actually get a mortgage when I was starting out, well get a 100% mortgage that is.  I could only get two and a half times my salary, find a large deposit and then back it all up with an indemnity insurance too!

We baby boomers have lived through and survived several governments “incomes policies” which resulted in national wage freezes like nothing we have had this last 20 years.  We worked hard to save money and then invest it in property and have earned the right to spend it as we like now we face retirement.  We also have to spend more time looking after our well being which can and often does mean, going on holiday abroad!!!

So, I think I am back to where I started.

It’s NOT the baby boomers fault, it’s simply greed and mismanagement by a poorly informed generation who have to blame someone for their own misfortunes.

Pass the G&T please and move the ice bucket out of the sun will you please dear!  Now, lets get back to this sun bathing.