Regardless of the outcome of the fiasco in Florida, one thing is painfully clear. It simply doesn't matter which candidate becomes the 43rd President. Indeed, American voters are disenfranchised because the two-party system undermined the sovereignty of the people.

Here is how it works: When the Democrats are in power Republican voters are disenfranchised. When the Republicans are in power Democratic voters are disenfranchised. And no matter which party is in power, independent voters and small party voters are disenfranchised because the two-party system controls all state and federal elections.

The result: Few, if any, voters feel their vote really matters. Clearly, the political war in Florida is being waged, not because of the "will of the people," but because only the will of certain voters matter to a potential winner. Alas, when the chads fall, only the winning votes count and only for the moment.

Truth be told, the sad story of our so-called representative democracy is wrapped up in the powers of the two-party system, those who finance candidates, political propaganda, media-driven chaos, lawyers and the courts. Lowly voters are left with little choice, archaic voting systems and arcane government, the result of which are disconnected voters.

Hopefully, the spectacle of the 2000 presidential election will stir the desire for a real voice among the electorate. Hopefully, it will create a demand for civic education. Hopefully, it will promote nonpartisan elections and government. Inevitably, it will establish secure electronic voting networks connected to voter's homes.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
The Direct Democracy Center