The trouble with democracy

Democracy is presently being presented as the highest value. It was not the view put in Plato's Republic - where it was argued that democracy is a step on the path to tyranny.

The difficulty with democracy is that it demands an electorate composed of voters who are mature enough to vote for any candidate other than the ones who appeal to their selfish short-term interests.

In practice, it seems that elections actually produce a worse result than random selection of representatives.

Anyone who thinks they can represent their constitituents should be allowed to put themselves on a list for selection by lot. The only qualification should be that they live in the area they wish to represent. Remuneration could be tied to a civil service grade.

We already accept the principle of random selection for jury service, so why not for government?

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