TURING TEST

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