Vox Populi

In theory, anyone can run for congress and be elected. In practice, a successful campaign requires a number of things, but mostly lots and lots of money. This prevents most people from seeking public office.

The good thing about the current situation is that most politicians start small and gradually move up the political food chain. This results in some amount of experience and qualification for office. Or a really big pile of money, though that isn't always sufficient in and of itself.

The bad thing is that ordinary people hardly ever get into office. Ordinary people encompasses a lot: your doctor, your mechanic, your neighbor, your in-laws, and even you the reader. While we often refer to our country as a democracy, it is really a republic (we elect representatives who then decide things for us). If our representatives don't truly represent us then the system can not properly address the needs of the people.

So how would you or your neighbor or the person running the checkout stand at the supermarket ever get a chance to vote on important issues? Since few of us have the wherewithal to run a campaign the answer is "we can't."

Consider, however, a third house of congress. This house would be populated by several hundred people randomly selected from the population at large. They would serve much as jurors do, as a civic duty, for some period of time. They would have the privileges and opportunities afforded our elected representatives, and would be expected to participate in the process of governing our country.

We might call this the Random House but for the publishing company of the same name. More appropriately it would be the Vox Populi, the voice of the people.

Arguing against this concept one might suggest that the majority of people are not qualified to serve. While there is some substance to this argument, just look at recent elections. No matter which "side" you're on there will be at least one representative or senator with which you vehemently disagree. Can you say with confidence that are government is filled with people who are truly qualified?

Do we really want the people who continuously watch reality TV voting on complex issues? The answer, for those of us who believe in the concepts put forth by the founding fathers, must be "yes." Either we believe that ordinary people can rise to the challenge of governance, or we must give up forever the idea of democracy and hand over the reins of power to the richest, the most religious, the best looking, or simply those with the most weapons among us.

One might also suggest that there is a risk of upsetting the delicate balance of our legislative system, or that sensitive information might be disseminated in an irresponsible manner. Ordinary people might lack the decorum necessary for a statesman, or they might simply not understand the issues and responsibilities of the position.

Yet don't these things (and others) already happen? We've elected all sorts of malcontents to congress, usually on purpose in order to shake things up. Our elected officials have engaged in all sorts of malfeasance over the years. Would you or the driver of the bus you ride to work be any worse?
Location: Bellevue, WA 98008, USA

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