OoP spoilers - Why I hate the prefect selection etc.

[Alia]

No: HPFGUIDX 71861

Hello,

I haven't been around for a while, and I'm typing this bit to avoid 
any spoilers being seen by the one in a million who hasn't finished 
the book... I've been away more than I've been home since before OoP 
came out so please forgive mentioning anything that has already been 
discussed - 

What the almighty heck was Dumbledore playing at making *RON* of all 
people a prefect?!?!? When I was in school, prefects were chosen 
based on a combination of things - popularity, sure, but more 
importantly, marks, points (official or otherwise), and above all 
*LEADERSHIP QUALITIES*.

Ok, so aside from the fact that prior to this book, JKR has always 
implied that Harry was a better student than Ron, and it's clear he's 
had more points than Ron - Ron has never shown anything like a 
leadership quality.

No offence on Ron. He's a good guy sometimes - I still haven't 
forgotten how easily he turned on his so-called best friend 
in 'Goblet', but since their first year, by and large he's certainly 
shown some bravery - but bravery when *following* Harry.

Ron is a follower. A follower is a dangerous person to give power to. 
Draco is another example (in canon) of a *follower* personality being 
made a prefect. Hermione too really.

Trying to put aside my frustration with this situation as well as the 
lame excuse Dumbledore gave for not making Harry a prefect, I start 
to wonder if there is something to this? Will something come from the 
fact that weak leaders are constantly gifted with power by those in 
authority?

Other examples:
Snape (don't get me wrong - I love the guy) - weaknesses: was a death 
eater, holds a grudge against Harry for things his father, and his 
godfather did... Power given: teacher, head of house, spy...

Filch - weaknesses: squib, vengeful, bitter...  Power given: 
caretaker, power over students.

Fudge - weaknesses: small-minded idiot, big fat chicken... Power 
given: Minister of Magic...

Umbridge - weaknesses : small-minded idiot, jealousy, bigotry, 
dictatorial tendencies... Power given:... YOu get the idea.

A lengthy few thoughts.

Cheers,
Alia
(who loved *and* hated OoP)