Elections: Does the tail wag the dog?

As an avid people watcher I have to admit that times like this provide me with LOTS of entertainment. From watching the crazed ramblings of dysfunctional EX-politicians (or should I say dysfunctional journalists!!) to the way we all want to know what's in it for us.
I know that politics are supposed to be a taboo subject, but in this era of social networking I refuse to tiptoe around "taboo" when it's on most people's facebook profile.

"Political View: can't trust any of them!"

The same sentiment is all over facebook profiles. Back in the day you were either Liberal/National, Labor, or you didn't use deodorant and ate lentils. Now the lines are blurring and we just don't know. But one thing is certain, our democratic politics is changing forever. And the one thing that we all believe is that whatever their election promises are, there's not enough in it for me, and they won't keep half of them anyway.
There are a few myths however that are subtly doing the traps.

1. The only time to approach a politician is when they are in election mode. WRONG! We elect them to represent us. We can put our requests and concerns to them at any time, in fact election time is probably the time when they are MOST distracted. Try contacting them through the year... and if you're looking for a response from your local member, you may not get it this week!
   
2. They tell you what they stand for, and you either vote them in or not. WRONG You can sway your local member's opinion. If enough local members are swayed they will take it to their party and then tp parliament. Whether we elect Bob, Tony or Julia, if they can't professionally put their own opinions and feelings aside and voice the opinions of their constituents, they are in the wrong job!
3. We vote them in, we pay their wages... this gives us the right to tell them what we think of them. WRONG! You will always get a better response by treating them with respect. I wouldn't do their job for quids. Unless you are willing to run for politics yourself you should get off your high horse, look them in the eye and speak to them the way you would like to be spoken to. In fact, start with something positive, even if it's to say "You are incredibly brave doing this job!"
   
4. In a Federal Election you vote for the Prime Minister. WRONG! And every time I hear one of the candidates say "I will..." or "My government..." I want to leap down the TV and remind them that I am voting in a representative who can then elect the Prime Minister of their choice. We are not in America voting for a President! We should be reminded of this with Kevin's recent departure.
   
5. We only discuss PM Julia Gillard's appearance because she's a woman... discrimination!! HELLOOO! How short our memory is! Kevin Rudd - the milky bar kid; Tony Abbott - budgie smugglers and cycling shorts; John Howard - eyebows and tracksuits; Paul Keating - Italian suits; Bob Hawke - Aaaaaaarrrrgh... Do I need to go on? (in the interest of not showing favour to the one woman amongst the names mentioned I've just got one word - earlobes!)
   

You might think I'm naive and idealistic, and maybe you're right, but before you whinge to me about politicians and election promises answer me this;

When did you last thank a politician, speak to them politely, sent them a polite, succinct letter and make a suggestion to help them better represent you?