The description of Neither! given on its website is:
>Neither! is a broad coalition of people and groups fighting for
Proportional >Representation in Australia. We seek to smash the two party
system.
Whilst I support smashing the two party system, I need convincing that
Proportional Representation is the best replacement. It is certainly not
the ONLY replacement that would make a significant improvement, so I suggest
broadening Neither's stated aims to include other viable possibilities (e.g.
Citizens Intitiated Referenda).
Rewritten, the statement may need to be as general as:
"Neither! is a broad coalition of people and groups fighting to smash the
two party system in Australia. We seek to install a system of government
more responsive to the wishes of the people."
Proportional Representation is not perfect, not without problems of its own.
For example it eliminates the (theoretical) representative of me and the
area where I live... so if there is something I want to complain about
locally, who do I go to see? I can't imagine someone elected by numbers
coming from all over a state or country being particularly responsive to
local concerns.
On the other hand it is said of CIR that it doesn't matter who wins
government... their errors can be overridden by referenda initiated by the
people. And there are probably other improvements to the current system that
may appeal to members.
However, there is another issue of perhaps greater importance, mentioned in
several other postings to this list but not spelled out as one of Neither's
core objectives.
I refer to the ceaseless propaganda campaign the population is subjected to
by the mass media (aided by big business and politicians of course). How
can any correct decision be made democratically whilst the people are being
mislead and subjected to subtle coercion all the time? If any proof is
needed, consider how such a large percentage of voters can be conned into
giving their primary votes to the major parties.
So, is Neither willing to tackle the media head-on? Without winning this
battle first, I can't see the establishment allowing you to achieve your
other aims. Well, not in our lifetimes anyway!
Dave
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David Kidd Webmaster http://dkd.net E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Maryborough, Queensland 4650, Australia Phone (07) 4122 1120
