[anderriter]

Well I think you are wrong.
It can certainly be eliminated, as it does not exist in other actual democracies that work quite well.
Ninjahedge, we voted in a warmonger anyways, two times. (well, loosely speaking since he wasn't really voted in by us to begin with). I don't see how the electoral college, which kicks in once every four years, is an effective buffer in the way you describe. The electoral college is made up of people, just like the rest of us. They would be just as outraged and succeptible to bad decision making in times of crisis as anyone else. I'd rather trust my future to a larger body, namely the entire population not some electoral college.