When polly-bashing becomes a cowardly act

OPINION: Abuse towards politicians or elected officials by people who haven't enrolled to vote, or who hide behind a pseudonym, is a cowardly act, says a reader.

Having moved to Geraldton only 12 months ago and having what I believe is a well-rounded political view and understanding, I am appalled at the way in which many people denigrate our elected representatives in local, state and federal politics.

Being in the public eye is a tough gig, made tougher by small-minded bigots whose sole joy in life seems to be trying to break the very people elected to represent them.

We live in a democracy and we all have a right to an opinion.

Constructive criticism is a good thing, however abuse delivered behind a pseudonym, or by people who may not even have enrolled to vote, is a cowardly act.

I am grateful I live in a democracy, grateful I live in a beautiful city such as Geraldton, grateful we are not at war, grateful the sun came up and I get to live another day, grateful that under my real name I have the right and the obligation to vote and be called a constituent, grateful my life is not full of hate and negativity, grateful I am not so insecure I need to publicly belittle fellow human beings for having a go.

Please, be grateful for your elected representatives in the council, state and federal political arenas.