Jeff, at 16:35 on Jul 22 1995, you wrote to Bill Grimsley...

BG> It also sucks that two completely separate political parties are
BG> allowed to band together in order to challenge the popular vote.

JG> There's nothing wrong with the way the Coalition in Australia works. 

Until they get into power.  Then the in-fighting begins...

JG> Everyone knows before the election that their seats will be pooled together 
JG> (hence the name, the Coalition). It's better than say Italy or Japan, where 
JG> you vote for your party and then wait to see who they'll join with!

Oh sure, ours is not a dishonest system per se, just unnecessary.  If we
have three distinct political parties, all with different policies, then I
reckon we should go to the polls with a 3 horse race.

JG> What pisses me off is when politicians (spit) change sides during a 
JG> parlimentary term eg the two Liberals who joined the Nats in Qld that time 
JG> or Terry Metheral becoming an Independent. That shouldn't be allowed. If 
JG> they feel that strongly they should be forced to resign and go to the 
JG> electorate.

I think you'll find that such things can no longer happen up here, but I
don't know about other states.  AFAIK, if a sitting member either resigns
or dies mid-term in Qld now, he can only be replaced by somebody from his
own party (unlike what happened when Pat Field croaked that time).

JG> While we're at it! Politicians (spit) shouldn't be allowed to resign mid 
JG> term either unless they are dying. If they do, they (and only they) should 
JG> foot the bill. Fuck 'em I say. If we can't shoot 'em, lets make 'em 
JG> accountable for some of their actions at least.

An admirable sentiment Jeff.  Have fun trying though.  :)

Regards, Bill
@EOT:

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