> i don't think that any reforms--abolishing the electoral college,
> introducing a parlimentary system, publically funded elections,
> whatever--will make much of a difference in so far as assaulting
> entrenched "economic" power is concerned.
Oh yes it would. There's a reason our ruling elites have preserved an 18th century electoral system: it's because it serves their interests very well indeed. Without a PR system, you can't create a viable 3rd party (let alone a 4th, 5th or 6th); you end up with a cynical, demoralized electorate, ripe for the neoliberal plucking. PR is a crucial step in the decommodification of US politics.
-- Dennis