Idea: Random selection of representatives.

[TheWraith]

Here's an idea that I had. Not neccessarily suggesting that it should be implemented, but I thought it would be a fun topic for discussion, an alternative view of a representative political system.

Voters go to the polls and vote on the basis of a party. No candidate: just a party. Whichever party wins for a particular district or seat, you then take the list of registered voters for that party, in that district. From among this group of people, you randomly select one person to fill the office that was being voted upon. It would be rather like jury duty. That person is assigned the office for a given term--let's call it two years, figuring this is the House of Representatives--they serve it out, and then they're free with the next election. You would be able to opt out if selected, in which case another person would be randomly chosen. It would eliminate long-roosting incumbants, at the very least, potentially keeping things cleaner with less long-term temptation to become corrupt. Yes, you'd get a certain percentage of fools and nuts, but don't we have that now?

[MrCoffee]

1. Oh god no.

No. No no.

Constructive, aren't i?

[Phredicles]

2. That certainly is closer to what the *original* (i.e., Athenian Greek)

conception of democracy was. And it would eliminate the need for most campaign fundraising, too. Plus, I'm tempted to think 435 random people off the street couldn't possibly do a worse job than the congress we have now.

[TheWraith]

8. That was part of my thinking.

Another part being that sometimes the people who seek power are the ones who least should have it. If it were treated as a common responsibility, people might be more inclined to respect the obligations and decorum involved.

[iamjoy]

3. I See The Charm

but, really, we all know there are some Republicans more paltable than others. Can you imagine if the dude holding the "Get a clue morans" sign got picked to serve?

And what of people who want to vote candidate, not party?

I would rather see when you vote, you don't vote for a candidate, but for a variety of issues or platforms. At the end, a computer compilates your score and suggests a candidate. Sort of like those magazine (and chain e-mail) quizzes - which Looney Tunes cartoon character are you, etc.

Of course, this is assuming such computer programs were trustworthy.

[TheWraith]

7. The Morans? Who do you think the Oklahoma delegation is made up of? NT.

[Hosnon]

4. Sure...let's pick doctors this way too.

I see where you're coming from but I think there are benefits to politics being viewed, in part, as a profession.

[ms liberty]

5. Read "Give Me Liberty" by Gerry Spence

He suggests something similar that I thought was rather intriguing. I've never particularly been a fan of his, but this book is really good.

[berni_mccoy]

6. That's what we have now.

Some corporate lobbyist figures out which clueless dipshit will rubberstamp their bills and they get them elected. Look at Bush.