If I could stand up and ask just one question

[Ghost]

I don't know about you, but if I had a spare 200 million I'd put it into my Jeep

I was not refering to the Commander in Chief job. Any of the elected offical jobs would be a start. Look at obama and how far he has come in jsut a few years.

 

[5-90]

I believe it's 5-90 who says "if they actually want the job, they shouldn't be allowed to have it"

I apologize if I have misquoted you 5-90 - but I think I've read that in your posts on more than one occurance

The sentiment is there. I think I actually state it as "Active pursuit of the position is an automatic disqualifier" or somesuch. Essentially, give the job to someone who does not want it.

You know, muckelroy, I rather like that idea. No-one wants jury duty (although that's because the system is set up stupid. You have to put your life on hold for a week while they decide whether or not you need to come in. There are easier ways to handle that...)

Draw the summonses from, say, tax records. Disqualify anyone who makes more than, just for argument, more than $100K per adult in the household (this should draw more from the Middle Class, and get people who are used to struggling.) Make the term six months, you have your job when you get back, and your extant bills are paid while you draw a stipend for incidental expenses.

Current elections are largely a popularity contest among the overprivileged, and I'm quite sure that's not what was intended 230 years ago. It hasn't worked for the last forty years or so, and it's going to require something drawtic at this point. The Constitution proper is sound - the problem is the current batch of yo-yos we've hired under its rules...

 

[beakie]

I can't say much on the state of affairs down there, but I feel much the same as a few of you on the electoral principles.

I figured a good way of becoming a candidate would be by being nominated by someone other than yourself in the first place.
No "Well if you'll back me, and we can get a few more than ya I'll run"
Just be sitting at home, and a few of your friends, or co-workers, or people from around town who know your a stand up guy, honest, trustworthy and above all, true to your word decide you would be good in office. They nominate you and you get a letter in the mail (like jury duty) that says you are now in office in this appointment. Granted you can turn it down, but there are so many people that grumble and talk about it, that never do just because... maybe a few presented with the opportunity would take it up.

It would be interesting to see an average Joe with a head on his shoulders, someone who has run a family business, succesfully, or who has made their way through the ranks of society by hard work and honesty who was put in charge of things. Would the power turn them, or would they stay true.

Ask those in the military, I see very often people who 'were' just like me, promoted, and become power mongers, licks, etc who I hardly have the time of day for anymore.

Power changes, money too.