Will we read less from AOG?

[Gromit]

// Elderly people should be encouraged to go back to work and move into smaller homes, one of David Cameron’s key advisers said last night. //

http://www.telegraph....ork-and-downsize.html

// He also suggested that elderly people who did not move to smaller homes were contributing to the shortage of housing in England. //

This is an outrageous attack on our more senior citizens and represents a Government that has list touch with the people.

I will miss AOGs daily musings, but on the plus side, seeing a fully stacked shell in Aldi is also satisfying.

[B00]

Don't think that's the case here flip flop, really not Groms style, in his case I really think it is gentle ribbing.

However I think this post has the potential to draw out the AOG baiters, who like you've said do seem to revel in pouncing on him with vicious glee whatever the initial post was about.

I also don't think AOG ill see it as teasing either, and to be honest I don't think I would if it was directed at me.

Sorry Groms.

[Brenden]

Nasty Gromit, if this was directed at you I have no doubt you would be reporting it to Ed as a personal attack - noting the time you posted - had you had one too many.

[sandyRoe]

I agree with UMmmm. When I tiptoe into R&S it sometimes feels like I'm walking into a lions den.
AOG can hold his own.

[starone]

I wouldn't mind working if I could find a job and someone would employ me. Not likely of course - there are no jobs around for a start and employers tend to favour the young and good-looking. Also it is not so easy to move as you might think. I have been trying to sell this three bedroomed house for nearly a year now, and believe me it is very cheap and in excellent condition. In the meantime I rattle round like a pea in a colander and at least one of the rooms, the loft, and the workshop are never entered, in the case of the room, except to clean. I am sure a young family would love it, if they could gather up enough for the deposit. That seems unlikely too. In the meantime . . . And as for AOG, lay off him, he is lovely.

[ummmm]

It's pretty obvious it's gentle ribbing.

And I really don't think Gromit would run to the Ed if rolls were reversed.

[Gromit]

I apologise in advance if AOG is offended.

As some have realised, this was not meant as bullying or a personal attack. The suggesion by this Government advisor that older people should go back to work and move into smaller homes is outrageous (in my opinion). As AOG is the news section's elder statesman and nanny state hater, I pondered how this would affect him. It was not meant to be cruel or vindictive and I am sorry some have taken it that way. In the past when AOG has been attacked, I have always defended him. Like others, I do not share his views but regard him as a valuable news section regular.

[Gromit]

It is also pretty obvious that no one is bothered about the implications of what David Cameron's advisor is suggesting as I think only jno has made any comment it.

[ummmm]

*roles...

I must be hungry :-)

[B00]

As I said, I knew (or thought I did) that you yourself weren't attacking him viciously Groms, it's not your style at all.

[AB Editor]

This seems fairly harmless to me? I can understand how it might hit a nerve with some people, if they didn't read or weren't aware of the story.

If AOG is actually offended by this I'm happy to remove it. I'm sure AOG will know however that Gromit only chose him as an example because he likes him.

Encouraging "old people" to be more active socially avoid loneliness is fine. Forcing them to do so would be unacceptable.

I also find the call for old people living in big houses to "downsize" distasteful. Often their home is the sum of their working lives, and demanding someone should move out of their family home because "I want it" is disgusting.

[B00]

And to answer the question properly, heh...

If our OAP's are taking more job roles, where does that leave our youth who the government are insisting go to work (quite rightly too IMO) as well. Where's these jobs coming from?

[Gromit]

This has turned into a c@p and pointless thread anyway AB Editor. I would Be happy to see it removed.

[rowanwitch]

Why I favour a voluntary facilitated scheme... and only for those in social housing and possibly those getting housing benefit for an innapropriately sized dwelling If you own your home of course you should be able to stay in it without interference

[flip_flop]

I wasn't suggesting Gromit's question was having a go at AOG, but if this is how it came across, then that is down to my poorly worded post - the point I was trying to make concerns many of the responses to AOG's questions where many people don't bother answering the question, they just decide to have a go instead, not because of the question's theme but because of the poster who posted it.

ummm "When you hold strong views like AOG does you have to expect equally strong opposing views" - I wholeheartedly agree with you, but unfortunately on a lot of occassions, some posters don't try to counteract AOG's strong views with their equally strong views, instead they just decide to sling around insults which, frankly, makes them look like ***.

[flip_flop]

The censored word is d i c kheads.

[Philtaz]

AOG is a thick skinned fellow who IMHO will take the thread in the spirit and context it was meant i.e. jocularity and gentle ribbing but fair play to Gromit for his unreserved apology.
Anyway, where is the cantankerous s*d, still thumbing through the Daily Mail?

[Gromit]

^ ^ ^ ^
Maybe he has been forced to do a Paper Round by that nice Mr Cameron.

[Philtaz]

Or hard at it in Aldi perhaps, Gromit?

[emmie]

David Cameron should go out and get a proper job.

[Davethedog]

You do know that he has replied and he didn't find it funny don't you.

AOG has many nome de plumes. He hands it out, he should take it.

BOO - AOG baiters? Of all the people who post on here he is the one who never needs baiting