Clive Bibby: We can still do it the democratic way

Wow, how things can change in the twinkle of an eye.

The recent peace agreement between Hamas and Israeli is a reminder that perseverance by those who can make good things happen is a quality too often absent from international decision making.

But here at home, we have some important decisions to make of our own that will have a major impact on our future prosperity and racial harmony.

It is no surprise that MMP has failed to deliver the fairest system of voting for most people but, in the absence of an alternative, it is what we have and so we need to explore ways that can make it work in the best interests of a clear majority.

The main problem with our current system is that it is too prone to being “hi-jacked” by small groups of radical activists who have little in common with the true values of the general public let alone the party they represent.

No better example than the abuse of parliamentary protocol by the Maori party recently. It was a disgraceful exhibition of contempt for the rule of law, without which we are no more than an anarchistic rabble.

This flaw is less recognizable but just as negatively effective if the people we have chosen at the ballot box pay lip service to the principles they are meant to uphold.

For example, conservative voters like me are often frustrated by decisions being made on behalf of the Coalition constituency that are not considered to be a fair reflection of our core values.

Although there are times when the leaders get it right - the decision to not recognise Palestine as a good example - too often we are at odds with policies that are adopted which are contrary to what we would ordinarily expect from our idealogical leaders.

Some will say that this is what you get when you have a system that allows parties in power to override their own instinctive value systems in a desperate effort at survival.

But that is why the NZ Government’s Palestine decision provides hope that the current system can work if the politicians have the courage to make it happen.

However all is not lost if we are prepared to go back to the opportunities available at the ballot box and vote strategically.

By using this method, we can influence the outcome of an election by ensuring the parties that include fearless members are voted in with sufficient numbers committed to protecting our core values.

I have voted strategically at the last two elections and am generally happy with the results.

Next time, I intend voting National at the local electorate level and either Act or NZ First (probably the latter) with my party vote.

While this strategy is by no means the surest way to ensure out future is in the hands of people we can trust, it is the best available until we get the opportunity to replace it with something like the STV voting system currently in use in Australia.

In the meantime, I am hopeful that recognition is given to politicians at the ballot box who have demonstrated courage and conviction on the world stage and also here at home.

In that context, Winston Peters and his deputy Shane Jones stand out as MPs capable of leading us to the "promised land".

David Seymour isn't far behind them.

Who would have thought that an old punter like me would be so open about what I believe needs to happen in the nation's best interests.

But it just shows, we all need to adjust our thinking about who or what represents us at a time when we are under so much threat both externally and within.

Over to you.

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.