I’m sure Pam Henson’s words (Upfront, November 9) on our “sickly form of democracy” had heads nodding in agreement all over the land. However, I think the election results that delivered Brexit, neo-fascist parties and Trump were inevitable responses to neglect by elected representatives; a desperate last cry to stop uncontrolled immigration. In America’s case, it was about poverty and immigration. But most of all, it was about representatives sliding into jobs for life and going to sleep.
Most of us have no say in the selection of the people elected to represent us. It seems their characters have hardly been examined. They stand and, if they win the popularity contest, they’re in. And rather than standing up, alone if necessary, for the people they are elected to represent, they steadfastly follow party direction, because it’s easier that way. And that’s our fault.
