Pensioners are the future

Whilst agreeing that we are an asset, we are not an exclusive group, just part of society and a Grey Party could be very divisive. At least that's my take on it. I do know quite few older people who think differently!

Hmm. Firstly, Bichard has written to the non red tops to reiterate that he did not say the words that were reported to have been said by him. He was simply posing a question asked by a contributer to his committee.

As for a grey party. Never. What we need is a sea change in our society where everyone is valued and not seen as a 'drain'. Otherwise, where do you stop?

The disabled, the mentally ill, the immigrants - well, we all know the usual suspects. Whilst I agree that there has been a lot of ageist rhetoric of late, I simply think that is a manifestation of the old ruling class tactic of divide and rule. Set one group against another and they will be distracted from seeing who the real oppressors are.

The other aspect of this is that in every group in society we find those who contribute, some greatly, some in a small way. And we also find the selfish and the 'takers'. It's all too easy to demonise a group based on the selfish and irresponsible actions of a few. Happily, they are in a minority, and, in my experience, most people are pretty decent.

`Grey Party` well in this locale there used to be a political party allied to the Pensioners Convention calling themselves the` Grey Wolves` but they seem to have become extinct....like the real wolves...so a `Grey Party` is a non-runner I think!!

I certainly don't want to belong to a Grey Party. My hair isn't grey and neither are my opinions.

I suppose it would depend on the ethos but I'm not joining unless it changes the name. Reminds me of all the comments about John Major being dull. I'll join something which implies experience, fun, young minded.

Can I be a silver party instead! My hair is NOT GREY!

We need a euphemism... let me think. Recently young? Experienced through time? nothing to do with Autumn or twilight thank you.

And I'm not silver Galen can we stay off colours please they all seem to have already been taken for something or other. Something which doesn't mention age but perhaps alludes to it?

SOBs?

aged SOBs

Galen What does that stand for - Stroppy Old Birds?

Can I be a brown party please? - not a grey hair in sight!!

Esther Rantzen has just been on Woman's Hour talking about the Silver phone line she has just set up to stop us (grey/elderly/old/mature/ripe) women from being lonely. She says she chose 'silver' because it is beautiful and valuable etc while all other terms for old are negative. Do you want to be Silvery?

You only have to read through a few threads on Gransnet to realise we are a very diverse group.

If there were a "grey party" the only thing we would have in common is the fact that we are all of mature age! Can you imagine the meeting trying to set out a manifesto - some pulling to the left, some pulling to the right and some in the middle trying to keep a balance - non starter I think

MiceElf I agree - we don't need more labels to divide people.

sunseeker It would make a great comedy sketch though.

MCs ie mature citizens!

Seniors