It’s probably not much use to try to persuade an American that his system of government is less than perfect. The sublime superiority of American government is imbued in our southern cousins from an early age.

But, what if they amended their system to incorporate the confidence vote? How long would Bush/Cheney have lasted if Congress had the power to vote them out and force them to stand for re-election? How much damage might the United States and the world at large been spared if these irresponsible clowns had been held accountable for their duplicity, lies, neglect and incompetence back in 2005 or even earlier?

Instead of dissolving Congress outright, perhaps only those senators and representatives slated to defend their seats in the next election would have to run.

Imagine what would visit Republican incumbents this November if their constituents had the power to punish them at the ballot box for not dumping Bush and Cheney back in 2006 when the public was already clamoring for their heads?

Imagine what might have happened had Bush/Cheney been toppled years ago and a responsible executive brought in to clean up their messes in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Imagine what might have happened had Big Oil and Big Coal’s dream ticket been turfed years ago and replaced by an administration willing to tackle global warming and the other aspects of climate change?

I think Bush/Cheney have shown that fixed, four-year terms are no longer suitable to meet the challenges in today’s rapidly changing world. A four year term imposed by a blatantly partisan court followed by a second, four-year term won from an electorate powerfully cowed by fears inculcated by their own regime.

Imagine.