Plato was a wise man indeed

        2500 years ago the Athenian philosopher Plato wrote what he called 
a "dialogue" entitled "The Republic" which is now considered one of the 
foundational writings of western philosophy and civilization.  In this 
dialogue Plato discusses a system of government very similar to democracy, 
and what qualities make a man a good leader.  
	As I read through Plato’s work, I found that many of the problems 
we currently have with our government had been solved by him two and a half 
centuries ago.  For example:  Today’s politicians make very large salaries, 
and that is why many people want to be politicians, because of the money.  
Money attracts the kind of people we don’t want in office to office.  You 
know the type, money hungry, self-motivated individuals.  Not that all 
politicians are like this, but there are quite a few that could fit into 
this category.  I have often pondered a solution to this problem, but have 
never thought of a more viable one than don’t pay politicians at all, but then how would they live?  Most politicians are way too busy fulfilling the 
duties of their office to hold down a job. 
In "The Republic" Plato has solved this problem.  He says that to maintain 
harmony, true guardian-kings (politicians by today’s standards) "must live 
in common" with their subjects, and must "dare not have any dealings with gold or silver."  Rather the city (or country) should supply all their 
needs.
	I read this and realized that it is the perfect solution to today’s 
problems with politicians and with the budget.  If politicians are given a 
nice house, completely furnished, and all the food they could possibly eat, 
what more do they need?  They should live in a town with their constituents 
so that they can know the people’s concerns and face the same issues that 
they face every day.  Being under the watchful eye of constituents all the 
time would certainly put an end to a lot of political corruption, and the 
absence of a large salary would deter all those who are interested in 
politics simply for monetary reasons from running, thereby allowing those 
who truly want to represent the people into office.
	Plato’s solution could also help balance the budget.  If all the 
politicians in this country gave up their salaries (the president included) 
and instead were given a nice place to live and had all their needs 
provided for, imagine how much money the government would save each year.  
Then, the honest politicians who would be in office could put it to good 
use fixing the national debt and revitalizing public education.
	Its amazing to think that Plato penned such a simple solution to a 
modern day problem 2500 years ago.  What foresight he had.  It just goes to 
show what an intelligent man he was.  
	Unfortunately, I know that this solution could never be an accepted 
one.  What politician is going to vote to give up his own salary?  A few of 
the more honest ones perhaps, but the self-motivated majority would 
probably laugh at the very suggestion, and then vote themselves another pay 
raise.  But, it can be fun to think about all the changes that could be 
made.  
	So, all you overpaid politicians, when you get some free time, pick
 up a copy of Plato’s "The Republic" and read what a leader should be.  And 
while you’re at it, check out Machiavelli’s "The Prince" too, its an good 
guide on how to be an effective leader.  Now if only we could get the 
president to read it….