Why are you reading the Blab?

[~Rumormonger~]

When you should be voting (http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/election/article/0,1406,KNS_630_4843566,00.html) ;~)

Here's a random thought. What if all candidates were "write-ins?" as in, no names, parties, etc., on the ballots. Just a Job title, possibly a job description, and a space to write in a name of your choosing.

It would probably make it tough for people with long and/or hard-for-the-general-population-to-pronounce or spell names but it could make for some interesting outcomes.

Can't you just see it? "What? I won what? But, but, I'm not running for the Senate."

[knoxregressive]

Voting? Ha!

[JohnT]

When you should be voting (http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/election/article/0,1406,KNS_630_4843566,00.html) ;~)

Here's a random thought. What if all candidates were "write-ins?" as in, no names, parties, etc., on the ballots. Just a Job title, possibly a job description, and a space to write in a name of your choosing.

It would probably make it tough for people with long and/or hard-for-the-general-population-to-pronounce or spell names but it could make for some interesting outcomes.

Can't you just see it? "What? I won what? But, but, I'm not running for the Senate."

The only reason wrong with your suggestion is that not enough people know my name. ;)

[~Rumormonger~]

The other establishment rag (http://www.metropulse.com/articles/2006/16_28/editorial.shtml) tells you who to vote for ;~)

[dilettantedude]

When you should be voting (http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/election/article/0,1406,KNS_630_4843566,00.html) ;~)

Here's a random thought. What if all candidates were "write-ins?" as in, no names, parties, etc., on the ballots. Just a Job title, possibly a job description, and a space to write in a name of your choosing.

Interestingly, the Unity Party (http://www.unityparty.us/index.html) aims to do just that. It could be a total bust, or it could get completely out of hand. It will be fun to watch, though!

[Carl Snow]

Here's a random thought. What if all candidates were "write-ins?" as in, no names, parties, etc., on the ballots. Just a Job title, possibly a job description, and a space to write in a name of your choosing.


i've longed for a similar type election for y e a r s ...

IE:
Heres the JOB ... here are the job applicants ... YOU (and the rest of the voting public) are the boss; hire a worthy human.

[~Rumormonger~]

i've longed for a similar type election for y e a r s ...

IE:
Heres the JOB ... here are the job applicants ... YOU (and the rest of the voting public) are the boss; hire a worthy human.

I'm saying no list of applicants on the ballot.

That's the point. People who actually want the job are suspect from the start so, I'm thinking, anything that makes it easier to just pull a lever with their name on it makes it too easy for them to get the job.

Just making people think for a few seconds about who they know that might actually do a good job *might* help us get better governance.

[Gnaw Parker]

I really long for the day when presidential candidates really have to demonstrate that they're qualified for the job. An actual intensive job interview. Exams to show basic knowledge of history, foreign affairs, writing skills, mathematics, reading comprehension, geography etc...

An essay on "why I want to be president". A demonstration of speaking skills.
Mock disaster drills. Mock negotiations with a foreign leader. Create a mock budget for x, y, and z.
Have the candidates sequestered during each challenge with no outside help.

It could be really fun. Not that our present system isn't a spectator sport already, but it would be interesting to follow the competition and post test scores and such in the papers.

You don't get to take photos for Playboy without a damned good portfolio developed over years and years. You don't get to develop lipstick shades for L'Oreal without a degree in chemistry. Hell, you can't even become a member of the ABAA without having been in business for x number of years and obtaining three recommendations from existing members who each have to visit your store and examine the quality of your book selection and your knowledge of antiquarian books.

The most important job in our country demands an equally rigorous interview. The way things are now reminds me of how my friend, a union steward for the post office, described the promotion process in the postal system. As soon as one or two incompetent persons achieved management level, they would then rig the system to allow only promotions of fellow incompetents or friends. Thus assuring that their incompetence would go unchallenged and their good ol' boy club would be protected.

When W's resume hit the table, I wish a committee had had the power to say, "Wow, drugs? Um, you know we'll need a monthly urine sample. And lessee here...looks like you've fucked up almost every business venture in which you've been involved. Gee, look what you did to Texas. I'm sorry, we have a stack of resumes from far more qualified candidates, but I hear Cracker Barrel is looking for a regional manager. Best of luck."

[~Rumormonger~]

True dat (http://media2.adforum.com/zrIf58670C/W/WE/WEST_04353/WEST_04353_6685894W.MPG)!

[Ellipsis]

I really long for the day when presidential candidates really have to demonstrate that they're qualified for the job.

One thing I always liked about 'The West Wing' was that the president was a Nobel prize-winning economist. And I really like your idea, but I wonder if the ability to lead and inspire people and make the right decisions is something that can be measured (scholastically, a priori). Someone said of FDR that he had a second-class intellect but a first-class temperament.

And another problem: no human being could possibly master all the complex functions of the Executive branch. Good leaders have to be able to oversee the work of people doing jobs which they (the leaders) do not entirely understand.

But yes, I completely agree that the voters should look at the past track record of the candidate and judge his capacity to be president therefrom. (Hell, it would be progress if people understood that 'I don't like his wife' is not a valid reason for voting against someone.)

[Gnaw Parker]

I don't expect any one person to go into the job with proficiency, but I want to see that like for anything important and difficult, they study and practice first.

Kind of an aside, I'm always fascinated by the rush charm school that newly elected presidents undergo. You gotta study them fast when they're still wet behind the ears, because that person disappears within months behind the instant-makeover smokescreen. Unfortunately for W., you can't make that smoke thick enough.