Democracy! who's gonna define

I think you have made some very important points, Absholom.I have always felt that the essence of Democracy is respect for the rights of others, minorities in particular. Otherwise Democracy becomes mob rule. If my memory serves me correctly, the German Nazi party was elected democratically!Churchill once said 'Democracy is the worst form of government - except for all the others!'.Mike.

Here 'Down Under' we have compulsory Democracy. You are obliged by law to vote.
But to go with that, we have one of the most confusing voting systems in the world. You have a choice of voting all out for one party, or else rating preferences for all of about 30 candidates, which includes all wierd parties like gun lobby groups, Christian pressure groups, etc.
But in running the country, we have democracy gone mad. Every government proposition is opposed, discussed, a commission set up, and eventually when something is done it is ten years too late!
Mike.