Statistical Democracy

From Greek Mythology...

Athena was the goddess of civilization, wisdom, justice, freedom, democracy, among other things.  She sprang forth from the head of her father, Zeus... from there we have, according to the Greeks, the roots of human civilized society.  From this spectacular mythology, the democratic Greek city-states, beginning with non-other than Athens herself, have changed the course of human society.

To American Society...

Today, no nation better personifies the democratic spirit than the United States of America.  Having taken up the mantle left by the Greeks, the U.S. has been the bastion of democratic rights since its founding roughly 200 years ago (democracy took a 'brief' interlude following the collapse of Greco-Roman civilization).

However, many observers (present company included) have remarked upon the continuing decay of the integrity of the American democracy.  This is a contentious point, and could serve as the purpose of great discussion on any occasion.  However, let us presume that, left to its own devices, democracy as it existed (back in the days of the Founding Fathers) may cease to exist (if it has not done so already).  Let us also dare to presume that any alternative form of society is not preferable to that which is the cerebral offspring of Zeus, and was made famous in 1776 - therefore, democracy is worth saving...

Note: When I refer to the democracy of the Founding Fathers, I refer to the spirit of the democracy, which is admittedly a vague idea.  I do not necessarily refer to the exact process of democracy, which should in my opinion change from generation to generation, as new (and better) methodologies present themselves...

Presenting, Statistical Democracy!

"Convinced that the people are the only safe depositories of their own liberty, and that they are not safe unless enlightened to a certain degree, I have looked on our present state of liberty as a short-lived possession unless the mass of the people could be informed to a certain degree." -Thomas Jefferson

Though no king of the Greek gods, an interesting idea birthed from my own cranium while riding home with my roommate.  I hold the opinion borrowed from that of Jefferson that the entropy of our current democracy stems directly from the citizenry.  I have often bemoaned the lack of understanding that current voters possess (present company included).  Without the requisite knowledge, we're left to vote on such outward (inconsequential) characteristics as what party they represent, what race they are, or what they promise (woe is us who believe!)

But then, what could we possibly do?  It seems too much to expect every member of society to become fully-versed in all the various matters (or at least most essential) that go into running a country... is there a feasible solution to this impossible predicament?

Here, we must turn to a field that is utilized in every field, except the political vote: statistics.  Wonderful was the day that this finer science was discovered!  I say that it is (long past) good time that we applied statistics to save the foundation of this fine nation, as well as democracies everywhere (at least everywhere with a sizable population)!

Disclaimer: The devil is in the details, and I do not mean to gloss over the sordid details of such a radical proposal.  However, the idea is interesting enough that I wanted to put it on paper in theory...

General Theory...

• Voting would no longer be open to the general populace
• insert "gasp!"
• Voters would be randomly selected 1-2 years prior to each election
• Approximately 1000 voters would probably be enough
• I think it is better that the voters remain anonymous
• Voters would be removed from their occupation, on paid leave
• They could be handsomely compensated (this is tricky...)
• Spend the next 1-2 year rigorously studying all issues
• Work independently to form opinions
• 40-60 hr work weeks at minimum
• Research staff available to provide info... not opinions
• If identity of any voter is compromised, they are replaced
• All compensation would be returned
• Harsher punishments may be appropriate
• (I realize family would prob know, but I'll throw that under 'Detail' for now)

In effect, the idea is that the voters would now consist of a sample of 1,000 which would represent the general population of the U.S.  However, after this selection, they will no longer simply be regular citizens, but through learning they will become 'super voting citizens'... essentially they will be armed with knowledge to make educated votes for the rest of the majority.

We can't possibly educated the masses, but we can try to educate a select few, and have them vote in place of the masses...

"That's insane!"

There's two major precedences for this that I can recall...

1. Military service - voting in this case would be akin to the draft... those who are drafted who perform their civic duty to the country by studying like crazy to become a super-voter...
2. Jury duty - speaking of civic duty, this is essentially the way portions of our legal system currently works.  Think of it as selecting the President through a jury of peers.  The functions would be very similar... the super-voters act as jurors who would become extremely educated on the merits of the candidates... and they would ultimately decide the outcome of the election...

*puts on flame-deterrent suit*