I found this poem on the creative writing thread for several years ago. Seems very apt:-
21st Century Democracy - Gadzy
The democratic theory is, like many things, ideal,
Allowing folk to vote on issues that they strongly feel
Need to be brought into the public view, put to the vote,
Informing politicians so that they can then take note
Of all grassroots concerns that their constituents espouse,
And they can act on their behalf when sitting in the House.
The theory's fine, but party politicians always see
That the system is controlled by local, zealous devotees,
Totally dedicated, loyal to the party cause,
Ensuring that the candidate elected always toes
The party line, obeys the whips and never disagrees,
Committed to perpetuating party policies.
The upshot of this partisan commitment is quite plain,
The proper business of the house is squandered yet again.
As party politics takes hold, they count the points they've scored,
While issues of importance are conveniently ignored,
So they can ensure that they're safe again for their selection
By voters with short memories at a General Election.
And so the country slides into a pit of dark despair,
While elected representatives, completely unaware
And unconcerned by ordinary people's wants or needs,
Continue their incompetent, self-seeking, sordid deeds,
Feathering their nests, and making sure it comes to pass,
That when promotion looms, they'll be up there, as bold as brass!
It seems, in this democracy, we won't find our salvation
Until the answer's found for the wit and participation
Of all the British public; the electorate at large,
To see that our democracy is not again in charge
Of a small clique of useless non-achievers once again,
And end professional politician's evil, awful reign.
So would compulsory voting be the answer to our prayer?
If all were to be forced to say which candidate that they preferred,
Would that now stop selection of the children, kin and spouses
Of Ministers and Members claiming for their second houses?
We're down on a collision course, accelerating faster,
As long as this remains unchanged, we're heading for disaster!