there's a certain truth to G's insight. Here in California -- especially Los Angeles, it seems -- we have been the beneficiaries of a lot of "progressive era state-based 'reform' programs." Like having a elected but "nonpartisan" mayor who doesn't have much power. Like having a county government with lots of power but whose chief executive isn't elected. The recall and state-wide initiative laws were also progressive "reforms," but these generally democratic measures are two-edged swords that typically cut to the right because of the continuing and worsening inequality between classes. -- Jim Devine Bust Big Brother Bush!