THE BEN'S opinion (December 2) read almost like a party political broadcast. Was that why it was not as convincing as usual?

Political statements are nearly always based on bias; they please some, they annoy some, and wise people who wish to remain friends avoid the extremely divisive subject of politics altogether.

The system used in deciding the American presidency is indeed flawed as few presidents were ever carried by large majorities.

In the present wrangle the eventual winner may even have a 'majority' of only some 0.01pc which means that half of all American voters are bound to be losers. Since it is obvious that they want both, Dubya AND Big Al (Bore), they therefore should have both - or a new system.

Old-fashioned systems in Britain are by no means better, contrary to smug die-hard opinion. Our 'first past the post' principle often leaves, with an 'absolute majority', a party in power that has only attracted well under 50pc, and that only of the votes cast. The result is that most of our governments are actually loathed by the majority.

Indeed, apart from those who are always too disinterested to vote at all, there are now a good 50pc of eligible voters who, tired of continuous insincere political rigmarole, have made a reasoned decision - with a heavy heart - not to cast their vote any more because they have realised that the ballot box no longer offers any real choices.

City/town mayors with executive powers in Britain would not have to be 'American-style' as repetitive propaganda wants to make us believe. The example of Bolton shows precisely how badly flawed our 'superior' system has become: the present Council leader has a mandate from a mere 1,000 voters out of an affected 200,000 A non-political mayor, as voted in by constituents of all eight parts that are Bolton, would require much, much broader support and would have to EARN his (her?) re-election time and time again.

This system, of course, could move dangerously close to genuine democracy because it would at last be carried by a genuine majority and give the comatose patient democracy a desperately needed kiss of life.

Besides, how could any change make matters worse? Have another good look around our 'rotten boroughs' -- how much more incentive for change do we need? (Or try to imagine newspapers being run by Council cabinets. Nuff said?)

And, by the way: the American way is not ours?

Well, it most certainly is in many areas of our daily lives. In fact, the American way of life so dominates the running of this planet that it has become one of the two huge millstones that are grinding our traditional societies and their cultures to pieces.

Mrs B Stuart

Lord's Stile Lane

Bromley Cross

Bolton