TURING TEST
It may sound a little fascist and even dictatorial
But as part of my ‘emperor for the day’ fantasy
I’d make populations subject to the Turing Test
As the world needs intelligence more than ever
At least show common sense, if not too clever
Then from those who pass, even if not the best
Selection by lottery for each to give their energy
Applied to govern, in a manner not imperatorial
But no wriggle room for those with pretentions
Or claims of special status in yesterday’s world
Each would have to commit to public scrutiny
Of incomes and outcomes, externally vetted
Plus all the cost benefit analyses, once netted
With effective policing to manage any mutiny
And at least for a while, leave the flags furled
Giving support for innovation and inventions
Intelligence also must be of the emotional kind
The ability to read people as well as dry reports
Yet there is room for all those who do not pass
Just never to be placed in jobs that are crucial
As there are plenty of markers that are fiducial
No longer peering through rose-coloured glass
We can cut a swathe through all those noughts
And celebrate all the new wisdom that we find