Don't mention the economic crisis - there's an election on

The Greens should, before the election, also announce that they will refuse to participate in a minority ALP Government (thus retaining the ability to attack Labor from the left) but guaranteeing supply for that government. They should also make it clear that they will oppose any attacks on workers and their jobs, wages and conditions. Let them proclaim they put people before profit.

If they join the Ministry, any illusions about the Greens could quickly disappear since the role of the state in managing capitalism will see the Greens attack the very base that got them into power. They will, if in government with the ALP as the economy falters, possibly support and undertake attacks on workers. Like Peter Garrett the host will take over the parasite, and destroy it.

The elections are a sideshow. With a rapidly declining economic climate, who knows what these so called representatives will do once in Parliament and power?

The real game? It’s where labour and capital intersect at the workplace. If workers accept wage cuts, jobs losses and the destruction of important public services, then whoever is elected can get away with murder. If workers fight back, the whole world is changed. The struggle for better wages and defence of jobs opens up the possibility of a struggle for a better world, one where workers run society democratically to produce goods and services to satisfy human need - socialism.

But just as no local politician dare mention the economic crisis, no local politician is talking about a rational society at all. We are left with the madness of capitalism.