The fix becomes obvious

In 2004, Michael Badnarik (Libertarian Party), Michael Peroutka (Constitution Party) and David Cobb (Green Party) were all excluded from the nationally televised presidential debates. This, despite the fact all three parties had achieved ballot access (itself no small hurdle) in more than a majority of the 50 States. The message is clear: only the Republican and Democratic candidates will be allowed a national platform from which to woo voters.

In fact, only "approved" Republicans will be allowed to speak:

The New Hampshire Republican Party is sponsoring a forum for Republican presidential candidates on Jan. 6, two days before the state's first-in-the-nation primary.

Participating in the forum will be Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson.

Unlike a debate, the candidates will face questions from Wallace around a table in a studio on the campus of St. Anselm College in Goffstown, N.H.. The 90-minute encounter will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel and on Fox News Radio.

So, two days before the "First in the Nation Primary," the one always touted as a bellweather, a campaign that has broken all fundraising records and drawn a unique base of supporters will be excluded. On what grounds and whose authority? The smear tactics and ad hominem attacks have escalated against Dr. Paul in recent days--proof that somebody, somewhere, is afraid his ideas may be taken seriously. But if he's really a "crackpot," why keep it a secret by preventing his legitimate participation in the process?

A substantial part of this country's citizens feel alienated from their system of government. Excluding candidates with a demonstrated base of support does not help this--in fact, it may be the latest dangerous step toward fulfilling this definition:

"Revolution (n.) - A bursting of the boilers which usually takes place when the safety valve of public discussion is closed."
-- Ambrose Bierce, 1906