Pork Barrelling

By: geoffreykelley (Registered ) on 08-11-2007 00:01

When it comes to pork barreling I don't think we have seen anything yet! My prediction is that both parties will reach 100 billion before the big day. 
I think back to the 1993 election and remember how the naive Dr Hewson prepared the most comprehensive planning and policy document ever in the history of this nation. Over 500 pages telepgraphed like punches to the enemy, Keating. 
Keating and the ALP lied for six months about "Fightback" and the GST. Keating introduced L.A.W. legislation and then did a Garrett as soon as he won. 
In the last week of the election Keating pulled all his lies into perspective and thundered to the confused electorate, "If you don't understand it DON'T vote for it!" 
Of course the confused electorate did not understand it because of the lies by the ALP and the press. Does anyone remember Conrad Black promising favorable electoral comment in return for another 15% of Fairfax? The SMH and "The Age" honoured their master's voice. 
In the last week of that election, fought on economic credibility, Keating spent SIX billion dollars pork barreling! 
No Labor team has gone to an election since 1993 witout releasing their policies in the last few weeks. Beazley even went to the 2000 election WITHOUT some policies, notably Immigration! 
 
All we really need to know about political campaigning in Australia is two things, lie like buggery and pork barrel! That is how you win an election! 
 
Geoffrey Kelley

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