My informants have just extracted a HOWARD CONFESSION which is:

"I'VE GOT $4 MILLION IN (TAXPAYER OVERSUBSIDISED) SUPERANNUATION. SO LONG SUCKERS :)"

Definitely the last animation of Johnny H (we hope).

Here's the link:

http://media.theaustralian.news.com.au/nich/20071123_secret_video.htm

Do not watch this before the election (if YOU dare).

Cheers

Poida

"No fool like an old fool", my grandmother is fond of saying. Honestly, if any political party thinks that buying the "grey vote" is easy they are bigger fools than anyone gives them credit for. Grey voters are not swing voters by and large, opinions tend to get set with age. OLO is an excellent example for anyone who wants evidence, just look at 'em all. They'd all be better off being seen trying to give the youngsters a chance, even grey voters would vote for that, after all many of them have grandchildren and many aren't so self-centred as to even suggest that they can be bought to the detriment of their families. Most will vote as what they think will be the best for their families, so the "family vote" is much more important really.

And Leigh, if you want to be counted as a "pre-boomer", forget it. 1943 is the same demographic. You are definitely not part of the significant generation before you. That was the "greatest generation" and they were your parents.

Tony, tony, tony.

Every group in society is separated out, divided and valued differently by Political Parties every campaign. Set against each other. Racial groups are always ignored and targetted for political gain so if you are in those groups and elderly you know your future if you care to look and listen. Pensioners are supposed to be excited about $2 increases in pensions. Etc, while politicians vote themselves massive annual $ increases.

Various groups get attention at varying times. Usually the older people get less attention simply because they will die sooner than the rest of society in general.

This is particularly so for Forces veterans. They are ignored and claims for damage ignored until their numbers have decreased through dying to make it economical to show "compassion". By all colours of government.

Just as mentally ill people are ignored as they are too easy to label and demonise.

Every government makes decisions about who they will throw money at. Between elections that tends to be because of the Leader's own preferences. At election time it is decided on who is making the most noise. Who is most likely to cause a change of government. Or lose you votes.

Howard yesterday made that clear during several interviews when he said "I'm not talking to the people who have already decided. I'm talking to those whose votes are still up for grabs."

Lesson? Never say you have made a decision as that excludes you from consideration. Always answer polls with "haven't decided" or "Don't know yet" etc.

Never is there a focus on all. And will never be under our current style of politician.