It has been my observation, over the years, that Candidates promise many things, or some things. Then, when the Candidate becomes the President, s/he finds that the System is so in control that very few major changes are actually possible. I am beginning to believe, that yes, our president is only a figure head, very much along the lines of HRH. Prez tries to mount a campaign against firearms--enter Chuckie Heston and NRA. Prez tries to revamp health system--enter AMA and HMO's. Prez tries to stop a war somewhere--enter Pentagon, CIA, Boeing, Morton Thiokol and State.

I think that the President really has very little power of his own.........It is the big money lobbyists who really control this country. Cynic? you bet.