I'm not a first year politics student but I am 42 years old, been through 3 breakdowns (2 deaths & a stressful job) and know whats its like to be cast aside by a system that I dutifully paid into for 20 odd years. Were it not for my mother & friends standing by me and my family I would now be considered a waster and of no use. But by the socialist approach of my well chosen friends and supportive mother I stand here today and can fight for natural justice. This is the main reason (along with Iraq) that I returned "home".
Nobody wants to pay for the sick, the infirm, the elderly and those in need even if they have contributed for long or short periods.
I'd love to be selfish and spend my money on me and only me but I have responsibilites to my family and we all in turn have social responsibilities to those around us. For those who choose not to pay - I'm with them (although I do have a VHI policy) as I do not see why as a society we must choose other (sometimes doubtful) beneficiaries of our taxes over health & education.
What do we need the army for? If we get invaded no amount of tin hats will stop it. The banks can escort their own cash around for all I care about their assets. Maybe I could get an army escort when I go to the pub just in case I get mugged
Why do we have the Luas & Dart - they are for Dubliners only.
Why do we bother with grants to minority groups?
Why build roads as they are for car users mainly? If its for transporting goods around let the carriers provide their own routes.
So we can all decide what is important to us as individuals and also what is important to us as a group. Some people choose to be self orientated in their outlook and some choose to look to the common good.
As a country it makes sense that all our people are well educated and healthy. So whist we do have this inefficient system and people choose not to pay I wholeheartedly agree with you about those who "opt out" but for those who cannot opt in it is unfair and why not change the entire system if it is wrong? Look to other health models across the world that work better.
So lets do away with the Luas and you can all cycle to work and get fit.