It's my opinion that in the past 15yrs, with the increase in globalisation and influence of multi-national companies and their increasing sophistication, they have 'bought off' democracy, to the extent now that most all western democracies (politicians) are pawns to 'big business'.

Evidence?

- Current global recession, including initial GFC event precipitated in the USA on bush's watch & now Europe = Greece & Italy & Portugal & Spain & Ireland &.......................biggest of all the us of a!
- Current anti Global climate change activism funded by the 'big' end of town, to the exclusion of real science.
- Liberal vs. Labour?, Conservatives vs. Labour?, Republicans vs. Democrats?.....= same vs. same....both have 'moved' to the centre.
- Concentration of media interests.