A large percentage of activist American voters have forsaken more moderate politicians to support either a major swing to the left (Sanders) or the right (Trump). These men present grave danger to their economy and system of government. Interestingly, voters for both don’t seem to care about the risks to their own country or the world.

Recently in Austria, the major centralist political parties were abandoned by voters and the role of the country’s President  was decided in a close finish between candidates from both the extreme right and the extreme left.

The last 50 years the world has seen results of government by both extreme parties. Most of them have been authoritarian with little regard to the human rights. It would appear that many voters don’t read much history.

If a country is to enjoy a stable, democratic form of government it requires responsible behaviour from politicians, bureaucracy and voters. While there’s been plenty written about responsible behaviour from government, there’s far less given to voters’ responsibilities.

We’re fortunate to live in a democracy where the rule of law applies. Few people alive today have had to fight to preserve our democracy. Having it given to us, many people don’t appreciate it. This can lead to abandonment of responsibility by voters to give thought to whom and what they are voting for. 

While Australia hasn’t seen the big swings to the extreme left and right that’s happening overseas, we are certainly seeing plenty of populist policies trotted out in this election. Short sighted populism is the enemy of responsible government. If a country is going to offer its citizens good quality, long term health care, education, social security and defence, it needs to have a strong, viable economy and a healthy budget. It doesn’t happen governments hand out middle class welfare like there’s no tomorrow.

Politicians making expensive promises to get elected, then leave bills to the future, are not behaving responsibly. If they were directors in business they would probably be charged. However if voters reward this populist behaviour because they want what’s being promised, they are also abandoning their responsibilities. Australia is not guaranteed long term wealth and stability. History offers countless examples of countries and empires that rise and fall. To retain and build on what we have, both the government and the voters need to act responsibly.