Letters to the Editor
Checks and balances
Sir,—Cheryl Irwin (September 9) correctly questions the lack of checks and balances in our political system. She compares this fact unfavourably, and erroneously, with the American system. Safeguards there were certainly a major consideration of the liberal pioneers who framed the United States Constitution in 1776 (for just 13 states). However, their idealistic concerns were soon subverted and are now just an illusion. Wealth, power, patronage and manipulation epitomise the American political system today — the culmination of 200 years of decay. Many Americans must agree, because only about 50 per cent of those eligible have even bothered to vote since 1952. The comparable New Zealand average is 86 per cent for the same period. Better a majority expression every three years here than no real choice between two sides of the same debased coin there. — Yours, etc. M. T. MOORE. September 10, 1988.
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Press, 14 September 1988, Page 20
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150Letters to the Editor Checks and balances Press, 14 September 1988, Page 20
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