Online polls are notoriously bad – stupid questions, and no control over manipulation and who votes. At best they are an indicator of opinion.

Today Stuff have a budget poll that asks a typically dopey question.

It’s easy to see limitations with the way the possible responses. For example, if the budget is good for the economy won’t we all be better off?

But the main question is the main problem. Should we  be better off with this or any budget? As already said, we’d hope that we would all be better off than if it was a terrible budget.

But they ask “you”, on a personal level.

Should we be looking at budgets like lotto, where it might deliver us a jackpot that will solve all our problems (except money management skills may be unchanged)?

Should any of us be better off? or should it be a continuation of a fair balance of give and take, and of provision of reasonable public services and facilities?

Or have we become that self centred that everything must be viewed with an eye for personal advantage?

Are Government budgets supposed to be for the good of the country as a whole?

I don’t care if I don’t get a handout, I don’t think budgets should be seen as opportunities for personal gain.