h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Personally I believe that anyone who wishes to be in power has already disqualified themselves.

If you put some poor sod picked at random from the population in power for one year (with various controls obviously) and just let him or her get on and do their best, it could certainly be no worse than the current govermental organisation. At least they could be expected to try and do the right thing, rather than what ever suited their own agenda. By the time they were organised enough to have an agenda their year would be up.

Don't they have something like that in Italy ~grin~

Yes but what can you achieve with only one week in power? I think a little longer would be preferable. Bigger grin

on a more serious note, while I agree with you that anyone who wants the job should be barred the problem with just pick someone at random is that the country would most likely be run by civil servants (much as it seems to be now if you give any credence to "Yes Prime Minister" which I'm told is fairly true to life in many ways.
part of the problem of government is how to get a competent person in the highest office without all the bias that is inherent in the system itself, I don't think there is any good way round it so the best option seems to be to stick with what you know doesn't work rather than experimenting with something that will not work in a much more spectacular way.
opinion only of course, representative democracy seems to work after a fashion, ideally some system where everyone gets to vote on every issue seems desirable but I think in practice you would get everyone voting in their own self interest. besides which most people wouldn't bother putting in the time necessary to be informed on the issues.
perhaps a limited implimentation similar to the ancient greek pattern using your one year madatory service for a substantial group to act as representatives, maybe 100,000 people who have to continue with their normal jobs but run the government at the same time voting via computer or some dedicated device with punishment for any found to be failing in there civic duty. of course there would be some who just vote randomly but I think people may get into it ~shrug~ probably wouldn't work

There's a great film starring Peter Cook which you've just reminded me of. I cannot remember the title; it was made about 1970 I would think and all I can remember (without giving away the plot) is that he becomes Prime Minister and drives a royal blue Jenson Interceptor. It is worth watching in the light of this conversation. I am sure someone will furnish the title given time.

just checked IMDB.COM could it be "the rise and rise of Michael Rimmer"
about a market researcher?

Sounds about right. I suppose I'll have to track it down now so's I can see it again. Good film, should put the willies up everyone as well as being entertaining.