May I respond to two particular reader’s letters in April 30 issue.
That from Dorene Loos is both valid and a reflection of many people’s feelings as also is the one from Andrew Hunt. They go some way to explain the low turnout in our elections.
I have long thought that our narrow approach to political arrangements does not allow a broad diversity of ideas and talent to flourish.
I think the German attempt to have genuine proportional representation is more beneficial to the entire population, and does not allow the sycophantic nonentities that support our two party system such unchecked and undemocratic scope.
The one saving grace of the American two party system is that they only allow a President to serve two terms in office.
Between them, their systems do not allow any form of dictatorship or grave abuse of a “democratic” system to become endemic as may be the case in the UK today.
Although such a question may never be answered, I wonder what the cost of all salaries, expenses and pensions covering all layers of government actually is.
It should be seen as a privilege and an honour to serve the community and country but there are undoubtedly countless (very costly) repetitions of all aspects of government.
Drastic reductions must be made at all levels.
The consequent reduction in salaries, expenses and pensions would probably clear the National Debt.
Leon Tetherton
Penway Drive
Pinchbeck
