You make mostly valid points. Most of which explain why the status quo won't be altered.

You are absolutely correct that everyone should put more time into meaningful letters(hand written ones are thought to be the best attended of written communication, including mass mailing lists), place your conclusion in the subject line of emails, phone calls can be difficult for want of vicinity to keep their attention and personal visits can be the best(by appointment, or however your jurisdiction plays) with preparation. Men fail themselves when we leave governance to others. Make a point to attend a public hearing or two near you(make a day of it, take a kid to their Capitol). I am told the key to public testimony is 3 points and a touching well told story, so just in case, prepare). I didn't recently. My first time. There was an hour of public testimony time remaining and few left to speak, so I talked myself into it ... you can do it better.

I like your letter and your intent D/VM, if only this were featured on the evening news. I appreciate the encouragement to change my inattention.

One other very serious problem you touch upon is a unified 3rd party candidate.

I imagine the strongest consensus hereabouts would be either Hillary or Gore, as they are electable, being they are mainstream image/icon(s). (cult of personality keeps popping into my head: the straight shooter express is one example)

I might even go for Kucinich if it looked like he could actually win, as Perot could have. 'cept me thinks it's a good way to get a relatively good guy dead. Otherwise, my point is is there is a viable unified alternate candidate?

As for me, I expect Kent's prediction of Hillary as the next President will be correct, although Ron Paul best fits my hopes for the future of humanity. The vast remainder of a more-of-the-same field, will continue the present trajectory.

Thanks fer this and good success in your efforts.