Scott Weiser says:
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representative democracy and capitalism are the most effective way to
ensure liberty, freedom and justice for all.
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Like the Queen of Hearts, you are free to define words anyway you
please. And, yes, I know that you Americans have your own specific
definition of "representative democracy". I'd like to suggest,
however, that you're playing fast and loose with the definition of
"representative".

You've had elections where a significant proportion of your electorate
(hundreds of thousands? millions? you're the American, you'll know the
exact data.) voted Green in the hope that their view of the world would
be represented in your Congress. But the system of government your hold
up as praiseworthy disrespects the ballots of Green voters. How is that
representative?

Or, even more dramatically, in recent history, how was your process
"representative" when it ignored the wishes of millions who cast
ballots for Ross Perot and the Reform Party.

I accept your answer if you tell me that that's the American system,
that all candidates and parties are aware of the system, and that
everyone has to live with the consequences of that system. Fair enough!
It's YOUR system.

But please don't hold it up as an ideal. Please don't presume to
lecture, for example, the Germans, about "representatve" democracy.
You'll note that the voices of Greens and Perot-like politicians in
German are heard in their parliament. Maybe, one day, when you bring
your system into the 20th century (never mind the 21st), others will
listen.

"Representative" indeed!

Cheers,
frtzw906