What it comes down to is this: How much power do voters actually have. In theory, a democracy gives voters all the power. But in reality, big business and the upper class call the shots. Can the proletariat rise up simply by voting? Right now in Detroit, opponents to emergency managers have gathered enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot. If emergency managers are banned, what then? Do we go back to inept city council members who spend more money than they have? If there are enough have-not voters maybe they will eventually demand laws that guarantee them a job, a swimming pool and a cottage up North. Where does it stop?  The U.S. Supreme Court is considered a final safeguard against such foolishness. And those top judges are usually wealthy to begin with. But couldn’t the have-nots elect a president who promises to appoint have-not judges? I can see them now in their tattered black robes. It could get interesting. We saw what just happened in France -- Hollande was elected president simply by saying that austerity cuts aren't needed, when obviously the cuts ARE needed. Voters like to fool themselves from time to time.

What it comes down to is this: How much power do voters actually have. In theory, a democracy gives voters all the power. But in reality, big business and the upper class call the shots. Can the proletariat rise up simply by voting? Right now in Detroit, opponents to emergency managers have gathered enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot. If emergency managers are banned, what then? Do we go back to inept city council members who spend more money than they have? If there are enough have-not voters maybe they will eventually demand laws that guarantee them a job, a swimming pool and a cottage up North. Where does it stop?  The U.S. Supreme Court is considered a final safeguard against such foolishness. And those top judges are usually wealthy to begin with. But couldn’t the have-nots elect a president who promises to appoint have-not judges? I can see them now in their tattered black robes. It could get interesting. We saw what just happened in France -- Hollande was elected president simply by saying that austerity cuts aren't needed, when obviously the cuts ARE needed. Voters like to fool themselves from time to time.