That is indeed the problem. Where do you get the inspired leadership? And I haven't got a clue what any of us can do about it. How do you ensure that people with genuine ideals get to the top in a system that is run on influence-peddling (through money, in other words)?

The framers of the US Constitution were quite extraordinary for their time, and they initiated a process that eventually brought down several great monarchies and permanently transformed (and basically sidelined) several others. From their example rose: Republican government of the people, the French Revolution, and the various socialist and Communist revolutions (somewhat indirectly, but a definite connection there), as well as the rise of the modern multi-party democracy. Talk about being at the "leading edge"! Those were remarkable times.

Every real revolution is a struggle by the disenfranchised general public against an entrenched power elite. The only question is (usually) will the armed forces turn and join the public or fragment in the face of an armed revolt. If so, it's all over for the old elite.

And then...keep your fingers crossed and watch out for the new elite!

- LH