If we can't afford elderley care, how can we afford Iraq?

Gordon Brown says he wants a debate about how to provide care for the elderly that doesn't put their savings and homes in jeopardy.

However the background noises from the government suggest the country can't afford what is going to be massively increasing bill as more and more of us live longer. So forget all the tax and national insurance we've paid, it's down to us again, is it?

What I don't understand is why it is always possible to find untold billions to fight unnecessary wars like Iraq, but not to look after our own elderly citizens.

Could it be that our politicians are still so wrapped up in memories of what used to be Britain's role in the world that their position at the world's top table is more important to them than the people they represent?