Philosophy Now Forum

Neither election or appointment is sufficiently rigorous for positions of high power such as judgeships. They may be used appropriately only as a stop-gap, in emergencies, or particularly to choose between otherwise sufficient options. The basic requirements for the position must be particular, necessary, explicit, clear and obvious, and the selection of "best" can never be arbitrary or capricious. The actual best person for the job cannot be known and should not be attempted, except that best practices, well established, might limit sufficient options to one or none.

I once had an appointment with and electron but he gave me some spin about not having enough energy to make it, and never showed up.