It is all about ideology. Politicians will create the climate in which they think chances of re election and retaining power is highest. Liberal philosophy is about minimal government interference and belief that capitalism brings the greater good for a society.

Socialist thinking on the other hand, where there is a belief in government control of varying degrees for the greater good of a society, has neatly been portrayed as evil.

I think capitalism in the form driven by the economic behemoth the USA is as dangerous to the well-being of a society as is communism. In Australia we are well on this way. This is the greatest threat to 'Australian Values'. Don't worry about non Anglo non Christian immigrants.

Recently the UNICEF brought out a paper on the well being of children.
In this it shows that the well being of children is not dependent on the economic power of the nation, but dependent on good social policies. The children of the richest nation on this Earth are at the bottom of the heap.

Johncee... I can't help but feel you're a little divorced from reality... I suggest you go and talk to your local member about your concerns. Believe it or not, politicians are people just like the rest of us.
Yvonne is right in that they'll alter conditions to suit their chances of being re-elected - though they're doing what they're doing for ideological reasons.

Your notion that politicians are all evil, and need to be stopped is kind of flawed. Who would you replace them with? Sooner or later you're going to end up with the same system again.

I heartily agree that privatisation is wrong - I don't like it, and I certainly don't support it. But ultimately: Politicians are just people - you can disagree with them sure but they're not some kind of evil empire specifically out to get you.

Turn right then left. Careful you are not turning to the right again.
"Politicians are just people - but they're not some kind of evil empire specifically out to get you."

I have never subscribed to moralising about politicians that 'they are evil'or extreme subjectivism such as 'just out to get me.' Clearly, it is their criminal politics that determine their criminal actions. ' And what are their politics that they actively fight for day in, day out. To shovel all the wealth into the top 1 or 2 percent in society, such as banks, petrol/oil cartels, big landlords, media barons such as Murdoch etc., irrespective, of how much wealth they have, and of course plenty for the polliticians. 'Capitalism at all costs.' As well, 'workers have no rights and management has every right.' 'You voted for us and we are going to make you pay for it.' Let us not forget their use of racism to scapegoat immigrants.

They get into Parliament fraudulently through deceit and treachery and it doesn't stop there. Through lies and treachery, took this country to an illegal war in Iraq with 655,000 deaths and an estimated 3 to 4 million casualties. This was a country that had lost three quarters of a million people through US sanctions placed on medicine, so that disease would spread. Those most affected were the aged and children. What sort of criminals place sanctions on medicine? This week in Sydney the government have closed down a surgery ward in St. Vincents hospital despite long waiting lists for surgery. Closing down hospital wards or hospitals is not exactly unknown in this country. It was not that long ago the government closed down the Childrens hospital in Sydney that over the decades had built up a very experienced and specialised staff. Let us not forget the mental homes the governments closed down, throwing the patients out on the street. You do not seem overly concerned,almost indifferent and rationalizing or appologising for their actions.

The difference is Johncee - rather than just rail about how bad everything is, I try to take an approach that looks at solutions.

You're not putting forward any solutions. You can say how bad the politicians are, but then what? get rid of them? What then? Is your new government going to be any different?

On a practical level, we're living in a blessed country - though I fear it won't be if we continue down a free market path that is being embraced. I'd rather oppose it from a practical standpoint than an extremist one. No offence, but if you approach the political system using the language you are now, you will get absolutely nowhere.

And yes, I believe the system isn't quite as bad as you paint. The problem is with the policies embraced by major political parties - but those parties are predicated on votes, and votes are determined by perception. The business community has done a fine job of convincing the public that their best interests are also the best interests of the public. There's where your main problem is.

Well, if you consider a public utility like Telstra which used to belong to 'the people', being taken off the people and then being sold back to some of them at a price which later dropped - it looks more like a triple-whammy extortion-scam rather than simple theft.

Is anybody else's post 'preview' function not working?

Rob513264, Yes, and as well, restricting, undermining, or closing the services that did not bring in the big buck. Country services and low income services will see further cuts. Country services which at best are unreliable, disgraceful or even non-existent in some areas.
Telstra did have or professed a charter or guide as a public service; a public asset or treasure that was not for sale nor lend itself to jacking up and price gouging all the service charges to very high levels. Shown up making billions it would be easier to sell off. As well, 1000's of jobs were slated for axing, and in the place of many, a smaller workforce offered re-employment with less pay and minimum conditions.
Why couldn't the internet and phones have much cheaper services? After all, Telstra is a public service and no matter how they weasel and twist the politicians are paid to creatively defend and expand these services. Next, they will exclaim they do not have responsibilities. The politicians actively interve to degrade and debase society.