Yes, many independents and small parties have, in recent years (maybe always, I don't know) been fakes, just there with appealing names to divert votes to the LNP.
I've been astounded at the rise in anti-science politicians in an age that depends more and more upon science and technology. How can they even hope to make wise decisions if they don't understand what they are deciding? They should also have an excellent understanding of history so that they can see how so many mistakes occur over and over again. I should have included ethics. They should be aware of the ethical ramifications of their actions -- not in an ad-hoc way, but knowing what outcomes are likely before they take action.
The procedure for filling out votes seems to change with every election lately. I'm certainly in favor of change, but numbering every box seems a stupid thing to do. It means that the LNP ratbag who will inevitably win my electorate will have his vote artificially inflated by all the people who hate everything he stands for and who would not wish to put him in charge of anything, under any circumstances.
I didn't know about NZ's Mixed Member Proportional system. Thank you for prompting me to learn about it. It looks like a pretty neat system... so long as you don't have too many anti-science nitwits voted in... which brings me back to politicians needing to have a proper grounding in science, technology, history, and ethics.
no subject
I've been astounded at the rise in anti-science politicians in an age that depends more and more upon science and technology. How can they even hope to make wise decisions if they don't understand what they are deciding? They should also have an excellent understanding of history so that they can see how so many mistakes occur over and over again. I should have included ethics. They should be aware of the ethical ramifications of their actions -- not in an ad-hoc way, but knowing what outcomes are likely before they take action.
The procedure for filling out votes seems to change with every election lately. I'm certainly in favor of change, but numbering every box seems a stupid thing to do. It means that the LNP ratbag who will inevitably win my electorate will have his vote artificially inflated by all the people who hate everything he stands for and who would not wish to put him in charge of anything, under any circumstances.
I didn't know about NZ's Mixed Member Proportional system. Thank you for prompting me to learn about it. It looks like a pretty neat system... so long as you don't have too many anti-science nitwits voted in... which brings me back to politicians needing to have a proper grounding in science, technology, history, and ethics.