''I think you will find that democracy and elections are part of the same deal. It's the political funding/lobbying that throws the democracy train off the tracks.''
I agree ---------------- the point is that we wouldn't have political funding and lobbying if we didn't have elections
we 'might' - but, if we didn't have the incentive to get people who we want in power 'elected' - then, that part of the equation disappears
no doubt that money and business would want to 'buy' influence and certainly get access to decision makers - even if we didn't have elections - but, that could be banned - straight up banned - and any transgressions punished by mandatory jail terms and total loss of business - forfeit the entire business - shut down and after very very long jail terms - business owners, all - yes ALL directors and executives to be never allowed in business again.
For government representatives entertaining any transgressions - they also get hefty mandatory jail terms and total loss of reimbursement for service
dropping off the election system for sortition - drops out the narcissists, egotists and nut jobs --------- just pick by raffle citizens ---------- filter out the particularly stupid and ignorant and simple by some pretty basic testing -
Form government from the group selected - AND look after them - people will do their duty, but are paid well for it - they are guaranteed where possible re-entry into their old lives, old jobs etc - if that's not possible, then they are fatly compensated for any loss
it's one of the only ways I can think of to give democracy a really fair go - government by the people, for the people, of the people
