Commenter Cheeks advocated election by lottery recently, and now Jody Bottum brings up the same in an interesting context: “I’m actually fascinated by similar questions about things like the effectiveness and social effect of trial by combat and code duello, or the arguments in favor election by lot that Cicero, as I recall, mounts.”

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Local Culture

7 COMMENTS

  1. Well, I’m glad to see you’re still with us…IT’S BEEN A WHILE!
    Re: me and Cicero, methinks the election by lottery goes back to the efficacious Greeks in their ongoing effort to separate the spoudaios (aner) from the sophistes but the eyetalian fellow was the MAN, particularly his brilliant definition of the morbus animi.
    A review of a couple of good books dealing with the contemporary application of the “lottery” vote are here:
    http://metapsychology.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=book&id=4560&cn=139
    I think “election” by lottery gives us a better class of people to serve in the lower house, not that I’m a fan of democracy.
    Also, when are you going to go see “The Book of Eli?” I am awaiting a blog on the movie!!!!!

  2. I thought the book of Eli was quite good really. Considering the comercials made it look like a terrible movie, but I was quite shocked to like it so much. Had it gone just one step further in its theme would have made it infinitely better, and that is saying alot for a good movie. I think it just sold itself well short of its potential so as to not offend the masses. A great movie watered down into a good movie.

    -Junker

  3. Hopefully Junker, we can get Rev. Stegall to take the wife and go see The Book of Eli and give us his opinion…….! We’ll argue about your “watered down” comment when that propitious blog is published.

  4. Interesting commentary……my main gripe with the flick was how it fell short in carrying out its original vision so as to not piss off the heathen populace, leaving open the idea that this adventure was more folklore/fantasy than a matter of fact, it is what it is, act of God. I suppose I am mostly speaking of the shelving of said object…..right between War and Peace and The adventures of Tom Sawyer.

    I could site specific things, but dont want to be the spoiler.

    -Junker

  5. Well, let’s wait an see if Caleb or one of his blogging bros/sisters will comment on it! Obviously I don’t agree with you but we’ll hopefully discuss in the future.

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