We've set up a system where the sort of person who will do what it takes to get the job has a very good chance of being just the sort of person you wouldn't want in the job.

We select for raging ambition and candidates who believe they are the only route to the salvation of the country. It didn't matter so much when the government was less centralized--sure we got abuses at the local and state levels. Sometimes very bad ones. But now, with the Federal government's power at an all-time high, we essentially elect gods.

When I look at the primary and selection process for what most people consider the most powerful person on the planet, I get chills. An astounding amount of it is sheer luck.

Mary Anne posted this largely in jest, but I've done a lot of thinking about this sort of thing.

Is there a better way to pick our leaders? I haven't come up with any solid answers yet, but I'm still thinking.

An example idea: Should we go back to having state legislations select Senators? Pros and cons?