[Python-Dev] Finding Guido's replacement

[Chris Angelico]

Guido's term as Benevolent Dictator For Life has been a long one, but
in the wake of his resignation, we have an opportunity to correct some
fundamental flaws in the system. Among them:

* Guido lacks patience, as evidenced by the brevity of his acceptance
posts. See https://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2017-December/151038.html
and https://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2011-November/114545.html
and particularly
https://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2016-May/144646.html
where Guido specifically cites his own lack of patience.

* Lately, all Guido's actions have been to benefit his employer, not
the Common Pythonista. We have proof of this from reliable reporting
sources such as Twitter and social media.

* Finally, "For Life" is far too long. We need to change our rulers
periodically.

I propose a new way to appoint a project head. All candidates shall be
flown to an island owned by the Python Secret Underground (which
emphatically does NOT exist, but an island that would be owned by it
if it did), whereupon they parachute down, search for guns, and
proceed to fight each other until only one is left alive. The survivor
shall be treated to a chicken dinner and proclaimed Patient,
Understanding, Benevolent Governor, a title which shall be retained
for one fortnight, after which we repeat the exercise.

If this plan meets with broad approval, I shall write up PEP 3401, in
honour of the prior art in PEP 401.

ChrisA