SNIP
>As long as you have the election system where big money has more rights than the people, there's no way to fix the rest of the system. Very few public servants get elected because they will do the best job for the people. They get elected because they get the most money for their campaigns. Ergo, the criteria for a successful politician is not what are they able to do for the people, but how much money can one attract.

You've been in American too long! You've figured it out... Sad isn't it? While our forefounders had great ideas, even just over a hundred years ago those that wanted to become President or get their candidate elected just purchased a newspaper. Today most of our newspapers still reflect a party's position. With most people getting their information on candidates from the news and media, those with the money get the most advertising and hence, come out on top.

It is true that we all have the right to our own opinion and can voice that opinion but typically those with the $ get the best avenue to project that opinion out to the masses.