George,

Good question, is all politics entertainment? That's very close to the answer, in my opinion. Our politics, wrongly, assumes that people will act rationally, but they rarely do. Just listen to "Washington Journal" on C-Span for proof of what moves citizens.

My prescription for improving our system would be to go back to Alexander Hamilton and make the president a monarch. Congress would choose a prime minister. Thus, we would have a ceremonial head of state and someone who knows how to govern. Our system is no better than that of 18th century England, and maybe not as good.

People need a figure like R. Reagan to worship and emulate, e.g., in his role as a good family man. What we are getting with W is a shoddy shadow of a monarchy. I don't think anyone will agree with me.

- Kay Peaslee (electronic mail, June 11, 2004)