Yuyutsu,

"The government is taking our money without our consent - what do you call a person who does that? and what do you call a person who enjoys the proceeds of such money?"

Well, you might call him Yuyutsu, because Yuyutsu uses roads, water and other infrastructure provided by the government. Why do you think it's fine and dandy to recoup your taxes by using infrastructure, but you denounce others who derive government support for healthcare? Shouldn't they also be entitled to feel they "have no reason to feel bad about reclaiming a small part of [their] own money back"?

Dear Yuyutsu,

Parliamentary democracy means that Australians
participate in how the country is run and how
Australian society is represented. Through
regular elections and through open parliamentary
debate, governments are accountable to all
Australians. Elected parliaments are the only
bodies able to make our laws or delegate the
authority to make laws. Australians recognise the
value of laws as rules of conduct that are
established by elected governments and followed
by the community to maintain an orderly and free
society.

Everyone in Australia must obey laws established
by governments. Equally all Australians are
protected by the rule of law. This means that
no one is "above the law," even if they hold a
position of power, like politicians or the police.

We have a strong tradition of "mateship," in this
country where people help and receive help from
others voluntarily, especially in times of adversity.
Then also the government supports in the form of a
social safety net for those who struggle through no
fault of their own. This is part of Australia's
egalitarian ethos and an Australian value that is
highly regarded by most people.

If you have a problem with any of this - then you're
on your own. And you have to wear it. The majority of
Australians have decided on the type of society they
wish Australia to be. However, you are entitled to
take up your dissatisfaction with your Member of
Parliament.

Cheers.

Dear Poirot,

<<but you denounce others who derive government support for healthcare?>>

This must be a misunderstanding - I do not denounce anyone. I'm only trying to help because that predicament of having to take other people's money against their will, or being partners to that, is an unpleasant one and I would assume most people would want to do their best to avoid it if they can.

Dear Lexi,

I know very well about the foundations of democracy and how it operates - but that doesn't make it right.

The word "democracy" comes from Greek "demo"=people + "kratia"=rule. The "demo" part attempts to soften the "kratia" part, but "kratia" is still "kratia" and no one has the moral foundation to rule over others against their will.

If a group of people wishes to have a common rule of any form or shape over them, democracy included, then it's their undisputed right, but no collection of people has a moral right to do more than what the sum of those people may do individually. As no individual has a right to impose him/herself over others against their will, so also the group.

Apart from that, the Australian electoral system is so broken that one cannot even call it democracy.

Dear Yuyutsu,

Thank You for sharing your opinion.
Mine happens to differ from yours.
And in this country under our
parliamentary democracy - we have
few reasons to complain. However
as I stated earlier any issues that
are bothering you - you can take up
with your Member of Parliament.

See you on another thread.

<<any issues that are bothering you - you can take up with your Member of Parliament>>

Prayer works better!

Dear Yuyutsu,

In that case I shall pray with you.
And hope that you will find what you
cannot find elsewhere - a peace that
is not of this world.

Take care.