This is what democracy looks like?

[kayjayuu]

In the last two weeks, we have been treated to the way in which the two major parties conduct their own personal affairs, among people with whom they usually agree and whose support they need/want/seek out/spend millions of dollars on. This has meant the public has been exposed to the whole sausage-making process, especially thanks to social media

Comments

[tcpip]

Extraordinary. Why wasn't there a call for actual votes when amending the platform on the most contentious issues?

That's we do in the Australian Labor Party. e.g., http://blogs.crikey.com.au/thestump/2011/12/03/bowen-gets-offshore-nod-at-raucous-alp-conf/

[gunslnger]

Because they don't want an actual vote. That's the point.

[yes_justice]

Yeah, I guess that is the unfortunate take away.

[foolsguinea]

It should never have even been brought up on the floor. Too contentious, and can be twisted to smear the party. This was a gift to the GOP.

[tcpip]

I realise that; I was thinking more of the on-the-floor delegates having the capacity to force a vote from within existing standing orders.