The attack on America, the war against terrorism, the sagging economy, celebrity journalism and partisan politics have our nation in the grip of a highly disturbing combination. Question is, are the powers in control of those elements up to dealing with the national interests, more importantly, the people's interests?

Alas, the track record established thus far doesn't look very promising, simply because of selfish interests. The economic euphoria of the 90's peaked with "irrational exuberance," partisan political hysteria hit a fever pitch with presidential scandal and impeachment, and the media was laced with celebrities, bias and sensationalism, while the Clinton administration toyed with military police actions and fragmented, irresponsible responses to terrorism.

Granted, President Bush and his administration took bull by the horns after the unprecedented September 11th terrorist attacks our homeland, and we know that we're in for a protracted assault against the sources of terror, but even though our lives have changed from the combination of hits, it hasn't changed business as usual by the usual suspects.

It's election year 2002, politicians are frantically posturing for power, government is pumping up for who knows what?, media war rooms are hustling between terror scares, global conflicts and making President Bush and Enron CEO Kenneth Lay the poster boys for corruption, while special interests whine, businesses and employees are struggling with losing their shirts, and no one seems to have their ducks in a row.

And that leaves the people at the mercy of it all, steeped in uncertainty. One thing is certain, however. It's time to stop jerking around the voters. Indeed, it's time for the public to take the front row seat in deciding policy with more democracy.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
The Direct Democracy Center