Lizzy's comments

By: willy*bach (Registered ) on 17-10-2007 04:30

I think that Lizzie is well intentioned in her explanation of how a democracy works, but this society cannot claim to be a fully developed democratic system. Regrettably this is a flawed model of democracy and most people know that. This may be part of the reason for the low 65% turnout in Brisbane Central for the recent by election. In the USA 65% would be regarded as high. That is even worse. 
 
Taxes should be democratic, but governments often subsidise major industries, like coal and wood chip and fail to invest in education. Even the collection of tax allows high net worth individuals to pay at an incredibly low rate. Kerry Packer was believed to pay 3c in the A$. 
 
You say that "taxes are to help pay for the general infrastructures needed and demanded by the citizenry". I would add that our political elites regularly squander our money building the infrastructure that their business associates and donors want. If this is 'popular' it is often ill-informed. The toll way tunnels being built under the Brisbane River are an example.  
 
You also believe, as I do, that our tax money should be there to care for supporting disadvantaged groups. Anglicare, The Brotherhood of St Lawrence and others say that has not happened under the Howard government. This wealthy country has huge discrepancies of wealth. The poorest can barely afford shelter and food. This is not democratic. 
 
It is our duty as voters to ensure we uphold democratic standards in politics and take an interest in who we elect. Lying and bullying are the kind of behaviour we should not reward with the respectability of office. Strong leadership is admired by people who want to take the back seat, these people are often psychopaths. 
 
If this means we should avoid voting Liberal it also behoves us to choose carefully if we decide to change to Labor. They will also need to be checked by plenty of Greens, Democrats and progressive independents in the Senate. 
 
Willy Bach 
Greens candidate for Griffith

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