As a general matter, most Americans insist on placing their collective faith in "democracy" as the primary means to address the escalating problems of rising consumer and commodity prices, the value of the U.S. dollar on the edge of free-fall, a foreign policy based on aggressive imperialism, and the gradual erosion of the nation's infrastructure and natural resources. These are undoubtedly issues of great importance and concern. And yet, Americans seem to have either lost total faith in the electoral process and feel utterly powerless, or they still honestly believe that their votes for the "right" presidential candidate will "make a difference" or lead to "change" (Obama, anyone?). This st[...]