Thank you for a very good reply, Tyler. I like the logic that you are using. I think we disagree where this involves the more complex parts of democracy (and the very nature of power).

I also like your logic of ensuring that spending coincides with making decisions, though using credit is not always bad for an economy; we probably agree that it should only be used in moderation. And moderation requires a good form of governance.

The US Constitution is a blockade toward reforming the Federal level. But the US Constitution actually desires proportional voting for the local level. The 14th Amendment has been interpreted to mean that a government cannot use a system for government if a better system is available. Proportional voting is that better system because it makes every vote be expressed in equal manner in the actual results.

This means that reform can happen today -and in light of the US Constitution- at the local level. I am trying to wake folks up toward that part close to home and build a multi-party system from the grounds up -- it is the safe route. The frustrating part is that folks tend to be happier about their local politicians than the Federal politicians. No grumble, no rumble. : - )

It gets trickier with the State level, because the US Constitution gives States a good amount of power to do whatever they want. But that also means that the Constitutions each state put in place for themselves can more easily be changed than the US Constitution.

I like that you believe voters can learn quickly, and I will agree with you there. Seeing the results of one's own actions equals learning indeed. But... I don't think direct democracy works for the more complex parts of power. If things get messy, there is little learning and finger-pointing is then so much easier.

Thank you again for a well written reply with good passion showing.