Democracy for all

I am astounded by the naivete (deliberate or otherwise) of people who constantly write to complain about the ruling party and its treatment of the Scorpions. Either we don't understand politics or we refuse to acknowledge that we are all complicitely in the state of things as they are.

I have heard people bemoan the fact that a few thousand people decided the fate of the Scorpions. Yes, they did. but did they do anything wrong? The answer is a simple no. That is how a representative democracy works. Members of the ruling party took a resolution and the party acted to realise that mandate. They took the process through accepted channels and processes and tabled the motion in parliament, took a vote and the decision was passed. Thats democracy people. The majority calls the shots.

The ruling party is acting on a mandate given to it by its constituency. It is that simple. If you are not a member of the party you may be able to criticise its internal democratic choices, but you cannot expect them to take any other position than that which their membership has decided. They have a majority and can essentially pass whatever legislation they feel compelled to. The majority was gained in a democratic election. Whether they represent the will of the people or not  - they represent a legal majority and that cannot be contested.

So all the moaning an groaning aside the only option we have available to us is to act to create change. That means getting out there and influencing the political environment. Join a party - any party. Attend a public meeting. Engage political representatives. And, most importantly VOTE. Anyone who says they will not vote is foolish and shortsighted.