SNIP
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>Nothing is ever as simple as what ANYONE can state here, but the best we can do is make a point or two or three, give an example, and remain civil.

Ain't that the truth!
As an outsider looking in, though, I'd have to say that having only two REAL political parties that, worst of all, control all the levers that could lead to more real choices for the people, just about guarantees lousy government there in perpetuity.
Not that things are that much better here with 5 or so parties, but at least the control is watered down so that newer parties have a chance to establish. And every now and then we get a minority government that forces politicians to consider "the people" a little more than usual.

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>BTW, I saw on the SouthwestFox web site that Jim Nelson was attending that conference, and I got a little pumped. Then I saw he is from California. Oh, well. Some day...

Seems my name is about the same as "John Smith"... I've met (in person) 3 Jim Nelsons here in Toronto (not related in any way) and heard of another. Some day I will get to some VFP conference.

cheers