Democracy is a joke in many countries. It's also flawed, in that it assumes that the majority know best.

Heather, the alternative you mention isn't real. The chances of it actually working are extremely low. In my experience, "a party and it's policies" just doesn't cut it. It used to, but now they'll do whatever makes them look good in the media.

So true. And I think this is why it's important that independents get a real chance of standing. Real people, with real lives, who have actually worked for a living before running for office.

Of course, when it comes down to putting their cross against a candidate, it'll be straight back to "I like their shade of red/blue/yellow/green" rather than actually having any conviction about it. Or worse, "it's a safe seat, so there's no point in me voting anyway".

*sigh*

x404 should overthrow the government via a peaceful coup and install Heather as benevolent dictator.

Just thought I would throw in a little quote:

You're a clever and well read man, Mr. Lumb.

that maybe a good thing, at this time, as it means no one can change direction without cooperation and/or consent …