But the point is that in a huge number of situations you wouldn't need to check it. Checking for it all the time is something like using static methods (in Java) and doing "if instanceof" checks on the arguments all the time. That's the job of polymorphism! So, having a custom null-object for every object type would save the client a very big proportion of null-checks -- read "null errors." For example, one usually checks that a string is non-null and not empty; sums two Integers, always having to check BOTH for non-null; or, the most notorious of them all, just wants to see if two objects are equal. In all such examples the non-null check vanishes, resulting in code that is at the same time more elegant, more readable and more robust.

To my mind, this is a clear indication that the elections are rigged and that the public has practically no say in them. The effect may be created on at least two levels: by closely monitoring the public through polls and making "surgical propaganda strikes" at just those points where a small change can bring a large impact---and by plain swindling on the election day. The second approach means the public is getting cheated, but the first one is even worse---it shows that the public can be manipulated like a puppet. This is easiest to do with an already apathetic crowd that doesn't care anyway. So, if both parties use dirty tactics at the same critical places, there is fierce competition between matched opponents---and voila the outcome, a few deciding votes.