"As an independently funded nonprofit it would be immune to pressure from all of the special interest groups."

You sure about that? Isn't that an oxymoron? It seems to me many of the "special interest groups" ARE "independently funded nonprofit" foundations.

I understand your point, though. I just question your solution, not that I have a better one. Well, I have ideas, but they involve a LOT of social engineering, and they won't happen any time soon.

Brian