[SOC] Californians asked for it

[JMcAulay]

Re Heinlein's position on seeking political office:  

The Republic of San Marino has always fascinated me.  It's a small country
surrounded entirely by Italy and is the oldest Republic on Earth.  Two
years ago, its citizens celebrated 1700 years as a nation; the country was
founded in the year 301.  Curiously, it has more registered motor vehicles
than human population.  Also curiously, San Marino has rarely had a serious
disagreement with any foreign power throughout its history.  Furthermore,
its standard of living is excellent, even by European standards, with a per
capita gross domestic product of around $35,000 per year. 

Even more curiously, it is illegal for a citizen to refuse to act as Chief
of State if elected to serve.  There are two, with six-month terms, who
share the duties.  Refusing to serve as Chief of State is punishable by a
stiff fine.  

Might all this somehow be connected?

Heinlein was no fool.

Regards,
John