From First Democracy by Paul Woodruff:

"Democracy depends upon listening to opposing views, but in time of crisis, people forget this. If you speak out against a popular measure, you may be branded as an enemy of the people. But that is not democracy at work; it is the majority of the moment acting the part of a tyrant, having its way by the use of fear and intimidation."

The more I think about appointment of leaders from the citizenry at large by lottery, the better I like it.

Also worth noting is that Athenians held their leaders accountable. Upon a public official's leaving office, there was a formal examination of how well he did. This was not committee of cronies, but a jury of citizens. And juries often numbered as many as 500. Too many to bribe. Interesting idea!

Don Firth