[Illbay]

All the ranting and raving about "Republic not Democracy" is mostly trivia. The form of our government is a Republic, but we select our leaders DEMOCRATICALLY, all except for the President--a significant exception.

Our Senators used to be elected by the state legislatures--a practice that was far superior to what we have today--but are now elected democratically as well.

"Direct democracy" is seen frequently in the guise of state referenda which many states utilize.

The ultra-conservative insistence on making "Republic not Democracy" a continuing issue is mostly straining at gnats.

The only time the argument has been pertinent was to refute the Dems' grumping about "popular election" of the President in the wake of Election 2000. Otherwise, it is a distinction without a difference.

[Illbay]

Lady Liberty is a pro-freedom activist who lives on the coast of a Great Lake with her two cats and a large collection of science fiction books.

No husband is mentioned, though. Hm. Wonder why. </smirk>