There is a great letter to the editor in this week's Economist. Titled Chaos Theory (I cannot find an online link), the letter is in response to the newspaper's lament two weeks ago over the chaos that is the upcoming California Gubernatorial Recall. Frank McCormick of Eastbound, Washington, writes

You underestimate the long-term value of chaos to modern societies ("Democracy as chaos, August 9th). In the decades following the second world war, America strayed frequently into political gridlock at the national level, almost always to the benefit of the nation. Americans long ago observed the threat to life, liberty and property while legislatures are in session. The only known antidote--meaningless infighting--is part of America's genius. When elected officials squabble bitterly and obsessively among themselves, everyone else is freed to get on with productive life."

heheheh This is fabulous, and I wish I had written it.  I remember having a similar reaction to the original article, although the taxpayer cost of the recall election leads me to disagree with Mr. McCormick on whether or not this particular form of chaos is good for anyone. But his points about political gridlock are dead on.  As I've written before, I'm a huge fan of political gridlock, and I would love to see the House triple in size, so that it was more representative (which many naysayers claim would lead to still more gridlock). I also would love to see the Democrats win the 2004 presidential election by a landslide while the Republicans keep control of the House and Senate with comfortable but not overwhelming majorities. Imagine how much living we could do if the President couldn't force anything through the House and the House couldn't force anything through the Executive?