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S>>John Howard's mandate is built on democracy. The electoral system is just fine - it's a democratic electoral system. The problem is the people in the democracy. On the contrary, the electoral system IS the problem. First, the concept of representation is not compatible with human nature. I think you know self-interest trumps logic. John Howard represents John Howard. He doesn't represent me. I want to vote with my dollars for the property security I may want, including any perceived threat from somewhere off the island (whether they be armed, as in Iraq, or unarmed, like our friends in the desert prisons). Second, democracy is defined as majority rule. So definitionally, democracy is coercive to minorities. And even direct democracy is not "just fine", unless you have no objection to theft or other wrongdoings perpetrated by some arbitrary majority. Third, the mechanics of elections do not conform to free market principles. There are many barriers to entry and dirty tricks including indoctrination by the schools and the licensed media. S>>If 51% of Australians became libertarians, then we would become a libertarian state by Christmas. But don't hold your breath. I won't hold my breath. It's absurd to blame human nature for the problem. Human nature is a constant and representative democracy is incompatible with it. Let the market (the people) decide.
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