Well done essay, Thom. The system has become overwhelmingly corrupt. The only thing that could be added is the revolving door of bribery by offering very lucrative positions within the bribing corporations after the politician leaves office, which is rampant. Government employees in key places often go back and forth between working for government and corporations. The corporations make it sweet for them to take somewhat reduced government pay by giving stock options and promises of coming back to a higher position within the company. Dick Cheney was an example of this. Again, really great essay! SuZett