[Eric]

Maybe in a democracy, folks get the kind of politicians they deserve. Here's an idea: "Annual parliaments, thus presenting the most effectual check to bribery and intimidation .... since members when elected for a year only would not be able to defy and betray their constituents as now." Not an original idea; it came from the Chartists. I've always found it interesting that it the only one of the Chartists' six points that was never adopted.