A big story recently was Biden getting called for jury duty; he went. Last year Obama begged off. A tiny story, really, but it does stimulate the mind.
A great problem in government well recognized by America's founders and demonstrated at every government turn is the eagerness of some to lead others, the need of the ambition of some to be satisfied. Whether it is driven by philosophy, kindness, hubris, religion, inherited royalty or greed the drive of some to run the lives of others seems to be a curse of man that is both ceaseless and unquenchable. Indeed much of the inefficiency in government that so many decry in the United States was built into the infrastructure by the nation's creators to blunt the aspirations of just such people. To paraphrase Madison: "We have government because men are not angels; we distrust and control government because men are not angels."
A modest proposal: Make the land a true democracy. Eliminate these contaminated elections and select our leaders like we select those who sit in judgement of their fellow citizens and hold their fate, their very lives in their hands (certainly there is no greater responsibility.) Appoint them off the tax rolls like jury duty. Pick our leaders at random. Could the results possibly be worse?
Can't you just envision it: A working guy gets a letter from the draft office, he and his family huddle around it, they worry and pray, finally with trepidation they open it. It's true! He's drafted to be a senator! Immediately the family goes to work: How can he get out of it? They pace. They fret. They call their friend the lawyer. Finally they go to the doctor with the hopes of getting a medical excuse.
How different it would be.
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