Critics ensure true thoughts only expressed in poll

But our country has changed and with the age of political correctness upon us, many other subjects have become taboo.

A letter writer says millions of Australians only truly express themselves within the confinement of the polling booth, where they don't have to justify their opinion or beliefs. Picture: Thinkstock

I WAS always taught there were two subjects of discussion that you were not supposed to bring to the dining table.

One was religion and the other was politics.

But our country has changed and with the age of political correctness upon us, many other subjects have become taboo.

One of them of course is the immigration debate, with many, despite feeling strongly about it, too scared to state their opinion for fear of being labelled and ostracised as an extreme racist or a fascist.

Obviously, the other one is global warming, more appropriately renamed climate change, as no one is really sure what the weather is doing.

Mentioning either of these two subjects might get you in deep trouble and sadly lose friends.

If you are wondering why the polls, surveys and betting agencies got it so wrong in the recent elections, do not look any further.

The reason is simple.

Millions of Australians only truly express themselves within the confinement of the polling booth, where they don't have to justify their opinion or beliefs.

After all, it's what democracy is all about.

DOM MASSONI

Verrierdale

Originally published as Critics ensure true thoughts only expressed in poll