Letters to Editor

Archived copy

Dear Editor,


Democracy means more than each person getting a vote.

In countries where only approved candidates can stand, it is a pretence of democracy. There is no respect for the leaders or the laws. People do not feel they are 'one' people sharing a country. They become self interested, greedy or desperate, according to their personal fortunes.

If we denigrate all politicians then we will scare away our best people. Democracy and the Australia we love depends on all of us. We need to be active participants and recognise that we are all in this together.

It is very important that we respect our laws, institutions and each other. We need to value honesty in ourselves, business, with the tax man, and in our leaders. If we tolerate deceit, 'sharp practice', cheating then our society will not hold together. Centuries of progress and trust can be lost and we will have to be governed by tyrants, self interest or fear. Surely this is the terror that we have tried to rise out of.

If there are occasions of injustice, lying, and unfair financial practice, then we rely on our laws and institutions to fix these. Everyone in a democracy should be ready to take responsibility and speak out if there is something not right.

Now as we get ready to vote, we need to remember that democracy and a 'fair country' depend on all of us from the smallest to the most influential.

Democracy is the people.

Elaine Smith
403 Ocean Drive
West Haven
NSW
Australia, 2443

phone/fax +61 2 65596977
email gefsmith@bigpond.net.au

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