The Democrats lost their way, became bogged down in minute detail of legislation; Their decisions on legislation like Telstra produced apparent contradictions so joyfully swallowed and regurgitated by others who live politics.

The Democrats forgot their core, their most succesful policy - keep the bastards honest !

Most Australians try hard to ignore politics.

On most issues each Democrat MP could vote differently without real problems from within their geo-political electorates.

There were really only a few issues Democrats really held balance of power, most were promotional rhetoric they came to believe.

Sadly, on few occaisions when Democrats did hold power and influence as decidors they failed to use it effectively.

They failed to use it effectively in terms of policy, in terms of good democratic principle, and, in terms of party self-purpose.

A good future for the Democrats exists, as do issues worth the effort, not clear is whether todays Democrat politicians see these issues and see the roles they have in resolving them.

Australians face hard labor, without democrat principles

p.