Its not a novel thought, by any means. I’m sure its occurred to nearly everyone who stops for a moment to consider the effects of power. It goes at least as far back as Plato’s musing about government and philosophy, kings and leadership.
The best person to wield power is the one who does not want power.
And thinking about that led me to ponder sadly our current political system. I’m only pondering about politics and how it plays out in THIS country, the United States of America-as that is the only system in which I have any experience or significant knowledge-but I’m going to go out on a limb here and speculate that there’s nothing new under the sun when it comes to political and social relationships no matter where you are. Again, not exactly a novel thought.
Back and forth it goes. By definition, anyone who runs for office is seeking to be elected (spoilers aside-they are part of a larger strategy but are well within the system and common ways of manipulating it), and, it can be assumed, seeks the power that comes with the position for which they are running. Now, his or her intentions may be as pure as the driven snow (or not). He or she may authentically be reluctant to wield power, and strive to do so only for GOOD. He or she MIGHT even have plans to change the system from within.
In my humble opinion, none of this really matters when we get down to where the cheese binds. Embracing the system of allocation of power requires that you work within its confines to achieve success for any of your goals. Even the metrics of success are determined within the context in which one operates. Its futile. You WILL be assimilated.
What if I could choose a new manner by which to govern the country? What would I like to see?
It’ll never fly, Orville, but I’d like to see a draft. A governmental draft.
Silly, I know. But let’s kick it around a little. You guys can poke holes in it, tweak it, or lift me onto your shoulders and proclaim me the new goddess of love and politics. Whatever.
But it could go something like this....
The governance of the country is too important to be left to people who want to govern it. It is too important to be left to people who wish to influence it for their own benefit to the detriment of others. It is also the solemn responsibility of EVERY citizen.
So every currently elected position would be filled via a random, lottery draft. From the national down to the local level. Every citizen over the age of, oh some arbitrary age reflective of life experience...let’s say 35, would be placed in the pool. Exceptions would be given only for those who request them based upon physical, emotional, or mental challenges that would prohibit them from carrying put the tasks of decision making AND for those who engage in some other form of service to the nation, such as service in the volunteer armed forces, or in a program such as Teach America, VISTA, Rural Medicine Volunteers, etc. The exception worthy services could be hammered out later.
We could even leave the bicameral legislature in place, for checks and balances. position filled by the appointment process could remain as they are. But, elected representatives from every level are chosen randomly from our citizens. Those chosen serve a fixed term, and then they are no longer in the pool. Let’s make all the terms six years-enough time to learn the ropes and get stuff done, but not so long as to be a tremendous hardship. Six years is similar to the standard initial enlistment in the armed forces. They would receive a relatively decent salary that would enable them to live a basic, comfortable lifestyle wherever they are serving. For some folks, this would be a pay increase. For others, it would be a decrease. Some sacrifices are necessary to honorable service.
But, under no circumstances, would outside money be permitted. No lobbyists. No “gifts,” monetarily or in kind. Anything other than salary would be viewed as a bribe and both parties involved subjected to severe legal penalties. After all, there’s no election expenses to worry about. No advertising necessary.
Just think....anyone could serve. Yes, its possible that the raving, conservabot down the road might be selected. But its equally possible that the thoughtful, progressive across town might be chosen to serve as well. There’s simply no telling.
What about the education needed to make laws? Well, there is currently no requirement that lawmakers be lawyers or have a background in law. And such a system might encourage a significant change in the perceived need for GOOD public education. After all, there’s no guarantee that the person chosen for the next round will have forked over for higher education, so it might behoove our nation to ensure that EVERYONE has access to the best possible public education.
But what about our right to vote? Well, it really was a fine idea-one person, one vote, everyone gets a voice in the governing of our nation. But it really doesn’t seem to be working out so well. I’m sure you’ve heard the quip: “If voting made a difference, it would be illegal.” Its difficult to call what we have “representative” in any meaningful sense. So maybe, the vote isn’t all that and a bag of chips if it doesn’t do what it claims to do.
Yes, this is a rambling, rather tongue in cheek essay wherein I express my frustration with the status quo. And yes, this is unlikely to ever be enacted in any universe. But, would it be so bad, really? Could it be worth a spot of consideration and discussion? It was fun to think it up, going through my mind at all the people I know and how things might be different if they were the ones governing us right now. I don’t mind telling you, some of my thoughts gave me goosebumps of trepidation. But some of them gave me chills of excitement.
Just playing around a little. You come play too. What do you think?