the Australian Democrats have lost all credibility

[miriam_e]

They are supporting the Family First Party by directing preference to them. In case you don't know who Family First are, they are a bunch of wacko, christian, right-wing, fundamentalist loons who think lesbians should be burned at the stake*. I didn't believe anybody in the west was that stupid now in the 21st century. I was wrong -- it seems there are no limits on stupidity where religion is concerned.

For goodness' sake don't vote for the Australian Democrats. Can you imagine if we get one of these rabid nut-jobs in the senate?!?

As far as I can see, the Greens are the only choice. All the other political parties are morally bankrupt.

*http://manage.greens.org.au/mediacentre/mediareleases/drewhutton/0510

Here is a really warped bunch of people here in Queensland who imply that murder of independent women placates their god:
http://www.littlepromisedland.com/BETRAYALOFMAN.htm
The misogynist who wrote that insane rant must be so deeply in the closet that it has twisted his entire outlook.

Comments

[damien-wise.livejournal.com]

Not all credibility, IMHO. Because of the way the party's structured, members are free to do what they want without playing "follow the leader" like the major parties (ie: even on "conscience votes", every Lib is expected to tow the line with Honest John).
I don't want to speculate on why they made this decision but I think it's a sign of how desperate they are for survival...and that's sad.

Looking on the bright side:
Natasha Stott Despoja, Dems senator in SA and former party leader has publicly advised voters to vote below the line and put FF near the bottom.
Interestingly, I think this preference-deal will get them a net gain in votes (thanks to preferences)...but will piss-off the highly-principled voters who have until now been their core.