I am not much of a political animal.
Having democratic freedom allows me to undertake more interesting cogitations.
Australia has 3 tiers of elected representatives;
1. Local Government
2. State Government
3. Federal Government.
Until recently I would have argued that State Governments amounted to democratic overkill, a waste of public money, and should be abolished. Australia with its relatively small population has 1 Territory, and 6 States, one of which, Tasmania, a miniscule island, with a few more years of continental drift will probably bump into Antarctica and be effectively governed by the penguins who live there.
I watched Happy Feet. I know my stuff.
My disillusionment with State Government commenced while living through the exhausting reign of Queensland Premier Joh, one of the most vindictive, despotic, divisive un-Christian Christians ever to be elected by a gerrymandered minority to public office.
His leadership enabled systemic corruption of police and politicians , which was thankfully, eventually, exposed by courageous good people.
Joh has now gone to his God.
Now, as I look around the world at Burma and Zimbabwe and all the other countries where the power of the people has been extinguished, I have changed my mind.
When it comes to having democratic government systems, then one too many is infinitely more preferable than having one too few.
I have often said that it matters more on a daily basis who the governor of Oklahoma is than who the President of the United States is. (And I know that's not good grammar, but it gets my point across).By the way … here it goes – city, county, state, federal … and a whole boatload of interconnected agencies.
Thanks GOM……I'll send a message with a few other questions I have.
I am probably on my own here but I like the 3 tier system although I think the Upper House at state level is not required.There is a notable difference between the different States and Territories attitudes so being able to get "on John Brumbies case" seems easier than dealing with the Federal level especially if my fellow Victorians are feeling the same way.I hasten to add this is only relevant if they actually listen.
Thanks Peter……I agree totally.