Move Over Democracy

After 230 years, I fear the concept of 'democracy' has become outdated. Yes, I know we live in a Representative Republic. By virtue of the fact we go to the polls to elect our reperesentatives, I fear the term no longer has meaning. Democracy just ain't what it should be. Instead of getting leaders who will listen to and follow the desires of those who put them in office, we are far more likely to get individuals hitching a ride on the gravy train.  What is the point of an election when hundreds of people can appear to protest an unnecessary action then get told to, essentially, get lost?

Since our duly elected leaders on the commission have no interest in democracy, I suggest the name be changed to the Clay County Taliban. Ayatollah Rutledge must be so proud. It's also shameful to have one commissioner removed only to have a substitute cog put in place. We deserve better than Mr. Thrasher, a man who has decided a reputation is unimportant at this stage of his life.

 Since democracy does not seem to be working, I suggest a modification to William F. Buckley's statement many years ago. He is reported to have said (sic) "I would prefer to be governed by the first five hundred people in the Boston phone book than by any politicians".  With the exception of the city,  I agree with this sentiment.  However, I believe an even better idea to choose our leaders would be to go to a modified jury system. Drawing on a pool of citizens in this county, certain people would be chosen to serve for one 2 year term. This way, there will be no distractions involving planning of a re-election bid. It wouldn't necessarily be a hardship as two years is not that long a time.

What about qualifications? What about experience? Well, we are pretty much up to our eyeballs with leaders who claim to have these attributes but has it been beneficial? No. I think we would be much better using a jury pool of every day citizens who are motivated by a desire to improve conditions in the county, not what we are saddled with today. A jury pool would be a great equalizer. Granted, this would not work in California, but let'e leave California to deal with their own problems.

As this is my first ever blog, I look forward to hearing from you readers.  Agree, disagree? I hope to contribute more in the future. Something must also be done about David Owens. Retirement is my first suggestion.

Lily's Lore