f_d, I thought democracy was based on the principle of putting the government in the hands of the people, and not just those wealthy enough to afford to waste 3 or 4 years studying political science. I really cannot believe that somebody as outspaoken as you is truly advocating leaving politics to 'hired guns' ("the people that we pay".

As for your comment about "if you don't like what they're are doing then vote for someone else", I'm sure those that can, and care, will do just that. They should also be able to express that opinion here without all the petty name calling they get from opinionated, closed minded people such as you are portraying yourself to be.