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As I listened to one more "is not-is so" exchange, taking me back to the schoolyard, or felt my eyes glaze over at one more party political broadcast, a thought occurred: democracy is good. It fortifies the soul. It also presents a challenge - how to retain faith in it as an ideal? A list was necessary.

Why democracy is good, No. 1

It turns self-delusion into self-parody, which is always good for a laugh. Recently a candidate for the seat in which I live was pictured in a local paper. She was attending the announcement that her party would build speed humps on a road in the town centre. How good is that? Not only would there be said humps, there'd be more kerb and guttering and more road signs. Her opponent has also attended many announcements.

Announcements have involved large and small animals, large and small children, netball courts, soccer grounds, kindergartens, schools, community groups and flagpoles. I confess I'm not too sure about the flagpoles, but if there hasn't been an announcement involving flagpoles, there should be. Of course, attendance at announcements has been happening across the state.

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These events are undertaken in the mistaken belief that showing your face where it's never been shown before is a plus to the electorate. Laugh? We almost cried.

Why democracy is good, No. 2

Because we are made to feel special, loved and important, if just for a few weeks. We are pampered with gifts, stroked with affection, listened to (listened to!). Isn't that the desire of every object of desire? We have sweet nothings whispered into our ears while we bury the doubt: will he/she still love us in the morning?

Why democracy is good, No. 3

Because it brightens the streets and highways. Up and down the tarmacadam,billboards of happy, smiley faces declare a zest for life wrapped in a slogan that commits said face to a duty of "BUILDING THE FUTURE", "SECURING THE FUTURE, MOVING FORWARD", or any other form of propulsion.

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Seven reasons to love democracy