Letters to the Evening Advertiser express many different views relating to politics and democracy.

By definition a career in politics implies the pursuit of personal gain only; a lucrative occupation nurtured solely by divided opinions.

My generation learnt that a true democracy is the name given to people when their country needs them.

Politicians (all breeds) speak with one voice when promising better health, education, welfare and all essential non-profitmaking services, unless political or personal gain is best sustained by asking: "Where will the money come from?"

This stupid and belated question explains why promises never work as well in practice as they do in speeches.

That is why they tell us to forget the past and look to the future.

But where does the future begin, if not in the past? You don't have to live in the past to learn from it, but the only thing politicians learn from the past is they don't learn anything from the past.

Politicians constantly brand each other liar, fraudster and worse to attain their political aspirations, having completely undermined the legitimate duties for which fewest MPs need be employed.

Divided opinions make 'career in party politics' ideal cover for participants who seemingly 'do their country' out of what the people 'do for their country'.

In the process they make what they take from the people seem like a gift when handed back.

Without payment, are we not capable of getting ourselves into the mess politicians constantly accuse themselves of getting us into?

G L VITTI

Shrivenham Road

Swindon