My shirt is hairier than yours

[The Beast of Bevendean]

As a rule, the people who want power are those who are least to be trusted with it. The model for me is a modified version of 5th century BC Athenian democracy, where participation in politics and the administration of justice is a citizen's duty, and every adult is expected to play a part in it, through involvement in assemblies and holding public office . I would modify the Athenian system by allowing women and slaves to take part, and by adopting Lenin's dictum that no one serving the state should be paid more than a cook's wage.
Would that stop corruption? Probably not. But it might be a better control on it.
Does anyone know how the marathoning MPs do in the expenses stakes? 10 MPs who want to run are guaranteed a place. No ballot for them, which to my mind is much more unjust than any amount of moat-cleaning at public expense.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/po...017098.stm