I must admit: I’ve been, in a word, casually ambivalent to the call for congressional term limits. It has been a sobering experience to realize that my voice, while not singularly able to make a difference, was nonetheless missing in a critical debate.
The most powerful man in the free world, the president of the United States, gets two four-year terms to accomplish his mission. And while presidents may remain after their terms, as ghastly caricatures haunting the political landscape (think: Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton), they are limited in what they can do. Congressmen, however, can serve a lifetime, and for what? To what end?
There is nothing that can be accomplished in a multi-decade career that cannot be accomplished in six years, except for them to grow rich and accumulate the kind of obscenely lucrative retirement packages that they deny us. If, as my grandmother used to say, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” how much more so corruptible men and women with every corrupt temptation at their disposal.
Strict term limits would in theory return the power to where the Founding Fathers intended – to the people. Strict term limits would limit the amount of influence lobbyists have over both sides of the aisle.
There is a reason why companies like Goldman-Sachs have given Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., $458,000. It’s for influence and access. It is the voters – the very people who carry the water to get every Republican, every Democrat and every Independent elected – that get the short end of the stick.
The elected on both sides of the aisle have forgotten whom they are in office to serve. It is not the auto industry, it isn’t Planned Parenthood, and it certainly isn’t Citicorp. They are there to serve and adjure on behalf of the people.
Term limits would also allow for more people to have a realistic chance of running and winning. They would encourage a larger selection of candidates to choose from. One can even theorize that they would give birth to viable third-party choices – because candidates would not be competing against incumbents who have had years, even decades, to become involved with the extortive end of elected office.
I remain convinced that the Founding Fathers did not view political office as a lifetime career – Supreme Court Justices notwithstanding. They certainly did not intend for Congress to become a monarchy comprised of ruling elite – the elected and their minions deciding who would run, who would replace whom and when, and who would be funded and who wouldn’t. The Founding Fathers took painful steps to prevent the kingship form of government they had left behind. If only they could have foreseen that they were paving the way for a monarchy, whose members would view themselves as the ruling elite – knights and lords, if you will.
Members of Congress should know what it is to work and struggle to make ends meet. If they are able to amass wealth – so be it – but it shouldn’t be amassed at the expense of the voters. It should be because they labored. It is obscene to listen to liberals like Pelosi, Waters, Schumer, et al., pontificate about someone else’s wealth, as if they have done anything to earn theirs.
Two terms of three years – maximum – for life, would solve much of the political cronyism and obstructionism. Republicans would be able to show resolve because they wouldn’t have to worry about chairmanships and committee appointments. Said limits would also, by default, bring men and women who actually know what they are doing – people that actually care about more than how much the last smile and/or handshake put into their campaign coffers.
Congressmen as a whole are interested in money, votes and self-preservation. So instituting term limits is not something that will be easy to accomplish. There is no incentive for politicians to limit their ability to bilk the voters. If we are to take back our country and government, it isn’t enough to vote out the bad – only to install new ones, who over time become as corrupt as the ones thrown out.
Having said that, let me address the cynical. Actor Danny DeVito’s character in the movie “Other People’s Money” uttered one of the classic lines of all time when he said, “Change all the laws you want, but you can’t stop the game. I’ll still be here – [I don't go away] – I adapt.” Great line, absolute truth – however, by changing the laws, we can minimize the harm they do and lengthen the period of time it takes them do it.
We don’t need 22,000 gun laws. We don’t need Congress involved in the cigarette industry. We don’t need them involved in education and creating race/sex-based punishments, as if one law for a crime isn’t good enough. We need Congress and the president to understand “secure the borders now, no work permits, no amnesty and no citizenship for illegals – and severe punitive action for businesses and individuals who hire them.” Congress should know that America believes marriage is between one man and one woman, and that we’re fed up with the death tax. They should know we’ve had it with their arrogance and pomposity.
It is time to form coalitions and groups to work together for the reform of our government – by taking it back. Keep in mind: Politicians are no smarter than the next guy – just slicker.
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It’s not only time for term limits, but it’s time to reform if not eliminate the “retirement” plan these “congressmen” have voted for & implemented for themselves after they finally leave office.
pat: amen
There should absolutely be term limits on Congress. That’s why these poor freshman Congressman and Senators end up shell-shocked and marginalized, because there are so few of them and the professional crooks, er, Congressmen, jealously guard their power to prevent anything from getting fixed.
If we knew more fresh blood would come in every year, we would have more of a chance to get things cleaned up.
jeanne nicholson: if they won’t set term limits we can do it by voting them out every two yrs…the power lies w/ us…we just have to convince people we’re not helpless…
ABSOLUTELY, I always believed that there should be time limits to public office. These power hungry reps make me sick with their regulations and insane ideology. And now I heard Barney Frank is getting hitched with his lover after the damage he’s done to the housing market, a great wedding present for this creep would be to confiscate all his earnings from his public office career and take away his pension!
henry: barney frnak getting married is wrong on so m any levels…imagine what kind of person/man it would take to wake up beside him…
Finally!!!! I am so glad to see that there are other ppl who are thinking like myself. I have been saying for YEARS that congress should have term limits! Why in the hell has this NEVER been discussed in talking head circles? (oh, that was a silly statement) Besides term limits, when their term is done…they too are done gettig any more money, benefits, etc. I know of no other profession (and being a congressman/woman should not be a profession) that give you unlimited pay and benefits. If they are old enough to “retire” then retirement benefits are what they get. The same as the rest of the country. I am sick and tired of where our country is going and I personally think the majority of the blame falls directly in the laps of congress. Get the ones who have served (and SERVED is the operation word here not “been employed”) more than 6 years out and some new blood in. That’s all…
lol: we’re out here…more than you may realize…
Well, apparently my comments didn’t make it past the “truth squads” because it won’t post. So now I’m wondering what happened to Gunny’s remarks?
wakinyan: any time that happens immediately send a detailed report to support…
True enough, there needs to be term limits, retirement and pension cuts and eliminations and the end brought to their hoggish health care plan that is different and much better than the rest of the Americans.
Term limits also need to be enacted for the Supreme Court members as well as the fact that they need to be elected to office and not appointed by the President..
Next there needs to be an elimination of the outdated Electoral College voting system and replaced with the popular vote. A large majority of those that make up the electoral college are living in cities and are collecting food stamps and welfare. These individuals are not gainfully employed and need to have their privilege to vote denied until they are employed and/or retired.
noah: I disagree about term limits for scotus…
Your always so right on point. Biggest problem is that the only people reading your posts already know the problems and what needs to be done. Its like they say”preaching to the choir”. Those who oppose will never be convinced and as long as we continue to elect career politicians, nothing will ever change. As much as I want to see this President ousted, his replacement will continue to rape the American people, by allowing business as usual. Politicians say and do only enough to get elected and most times they are only because they become the lesser of two evils. Its too bad people like Herman Cain never make a serious run, if only because of “tainted” backgrounds. He might not have known enough or had the experience to run a country, but that is what a strong Cabinet is for. I didn’t know how to run a business when I started, but I had sense enough to realize that and surround myself with people who knew more than I did about the areas of my business that I didn’t. We need strong business persons running this country. People like you said, worked and earned what they have not make a living off the American taxpayers. Keep up the good work..Great reading!!!
slip60: not preaching to the choir exclusively…many are waking up and gaining courage…
Term limits on Congress. Agree. Also, when congressmen/ladies leave the white house after two years, they do not get retirement pay. They go back to their jobs if they had one and become part of the American public. Also, any legislation that is voted and passed will affect not only the public but all of the Congressmen/ladies. They are not exempt from laws they design. No more lobbying allowed. If companies want their products/businesses to continue on the market without kickbacks they must promote their own in the best way they know how. We need to get rid of selected depatments; this should take government back to the States and the American Public. We Americans can manage our own lives without Big Government. Every time Big Governement steps into our lives, it becomes disaster. I do believe in EPA but it has become ridiculous with Gore in the political lead. “American innovation and ingenuity has served us well for hundreds of years, and these tools will take us, and the rest of the world, far into the future, unless shackled by the contraints of an unrealistic government.” by Ed Farnan. I won’t make this into a speel on carbon dioxide vs soot. But I will state that global warming as stated by Gore has only made the man rich and his approach is definately political and not scientific. The Department of Labor is greatly over-exercised. Big Unions have helped to destroy this wonderful country. At one time, unions were helpful but they have outlived their usefulness. In a time when unemployed are at all time high, it is absolutely unbelievable that people MUST “pay to work.” And, pay into what? I’ve seen hard working employee’s union bucks being squandered on parties and for presidential election purposes by Big Labor. No thanks. I don’t have all the answers but I am for down-sizing the Federal Government. As a tax paying citizen, I really feel stupid. I’m helping to pay the wages of those on THE HILL and that means I’m helping to destroy the United States.
marilyn: interesting point…
Finally, we have an opportunity to limit congressional terms for all the reasons so clearly expressed by Mychal. Sen. DeMint has proposed an amendment with about a dozen co-sponsors –you can help to get public support for his proposed Amendment to the US Constitution to limit terms of congress by signing our petition at http://www.termlimits.org Please do. For actual proof of the dire need to save whar’s left of the Republic by limiting terms see http://www.posterchildrenfortermlimtis.com –they are the “worst of a bad lot.”
george blumel: if they won’t we must take it into own hands and vote them out every two terms…
Amen & Amen! What I’ve been saying for years & for the same reasons. And while we’re about it, limit campaigning for congress to 3 months; no exceptions & limit campaigning for President to 6 months, including the sitting President. I realize the latter would be hard to do since our current Pres. has been campaigning since about Jan. 23, 2009, but somehow it could be significantly curtailed. We also don’t need congress investigating steroid use in professional sports or whether a person should be taken off life support (e.g., the lady in Florida).
cammylane: i agree…
RE: cigarette issue – I am not a smoker, but I DO believe in capitalism! The audacity of our elected officials continues to amaze me…where has HONOR / STATESMENSHIP / LOVE OF COUNTRY / FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY / LIMITED GOVERNMENT gone????????????????????
cape conservative: well said…
ellen – I would give your post ten thumbs up if I could!
The best way to enact term limits is to somehow, someway, take away all of the special benefits members of Congress receive. Let them do exactly what those in the private sector do…I believe we would see a great exodus the following election!
However, much as We the People try to speak to our senators and representatives, they do NOT listen…therefore our COMMON SENSE wishes will fall on deaf ears. I am constantly reminded of the historical “Let them eat cake” quote…our government is CORRUPT!
Another poster made mention of single issue bills…another MUST! When I read that Max Baucus inserted a SINGLE PARAGRAPH into the transportation bill the president just signed…a paragraph that has put all roll-your-own cigarette enterprises OUT OF BUSINESS, I wanted to scream! What on earth does roll-your-own cigarettes have to do with TRANSPORTATION?
As I said earlier…our government is CORRUPT! There is absolutely NO reason for any member of Congress to doubt why their approval rating with the public is so low…the word is CORRUPT!
Mychal
was here about an hour ago and saw a blog written by Gunny McClain came back to read it and it’s not to be found. truth squad or what?
spark: truth squad…we were unaware…whenever you see something like that immediately send a detailed report to support…go to top of front page of blog and click on support…
Mychal you are so right.Our elected officals are no better than the rest of us. They are elected to serve us, not the other way around. Term limits would remind them who is boss. The old goose and gander way is the best. Our officials can come into the chicken yard with the rest of us.
ginny: many of them are not as good as the least of us…
It seems that when we vote in reformers, they quickly get sucked into the elite vortex-think Boehner & the Class of ’94.The perks need to go first! Speaking of,on Wed.evening-the 4th-I stepped outside & saw 2 lg jets flying @ low altitude heading in an Easterly direction to DC. No doubt the Ceaucescu wannabes were in his&her jets @ Camp David! Disgusting!!
chris: that is why we need term limits…
I agree with term limits. I want to see them, but I’m only a serf. Part of the “human capital” class. They don’t care what I want. It’s sad when you think of Ron Paul, Jeff Sessions and the like, but somehow we need to get rid of the freeloaders. I think that this ‘service’ in DC should be just that. NO SALARY OR HEALTH CARE OR RETIREMENT, especially when we FIRE THEM! They seem to have the money to get elected, so they should be able to support themselves. BTW Mychal, I didn’t see you listed as a possible running mate with Romney. What’s up with that?
j-m: hahaha…ask him…
I have also been a advocate of term limits since I have been able to vote. I read an excellent novel about term limits (An Act of Self Defense by Erne Lewis). I would hope we wouldn’t have to resort to killings, but I don’t see Congress or the Senate making any changes. I feed another war for independence will be fought in our land before any changes are made.
lana hessenius: htat may be what it will take…that said the power rests w/ us…but to many have been convinced they are powerless…our votes carry weight if we ever wake up and realize it…
As always you are right on! The frustration we “surfs” have out here is how to change the corruption when the corrupt are in charge?
The only help I see is what you are doing and our ability to reach the ignorant who have no idea what is happening. The stupid and the useful idiots are marching right off the cliff just like they are told.
The TEA PARTY is our last hope.
ben: God is our hope…
I have been an advocate for term limits longer than I care to remember! 3-4 year terms are the most anyone in Congress should serve….with only a one chance at re-election….just like the President. Honestly….I don’t approve of lifetime membership for the Supreme Court Justices either! They should also serve 4 year terms with a one chance re-election….again, just like the President! More than that in any branch of our gov’t can and usually does lead to tyranny or dictatorship! I used to refer to FDR as the time of the “FDR Dynasty”!
rvd: i say two terms and out…
Term Limits will go a long way in weeding out the more corrupt people in our Congress. It would be a step in the right direction.
Mandatory random polygraphs might also help restore common sense and honesty both so lacking in our current Congress.
bob chester: lie detector test should be accompanied w/ drug test…
As others have said, and I echo them, you are absolutely right about term limits. As others have also said, and I echo their sentiment aas well, I just don’t know how you get them to ever see it as something that would be good for them. Right now, they have it just like they want it, and they aren’t going anywhere. About the only way they might see it as being good for them, would be if they ran that as a part of their campaign, saying they favor it for all, including themselves, & that they would try to get that changed if they were to get into office. I know I would definitely take a 2nd look at that candidate! Oh well, I can dream, can’t I?
carol: they have it like they want it because we are letting them get away w/ it…
Thinkn J.C. WATTS.
len: watts is a race monger…
All good ideas Howard. But like I typed below, what’s the incentive for politicians to put this in place?
What they have now is perfect for their purposes which is to get their way by hook or crook and have perfect cover for them to say it’s not their fault.
sumitch: we cannot leave it to them…we must rise up and vote them out every two yrs until they get the message…
We cannot expect any help from Congress to self-impose term limits or to amend our Constitution. We need to do it ourselves by voting to limit each Senator and Representative to just two terms.
deputydog60: AMEN…
“It should be because they labored. It is obscene to listen to liberals like Pelosi, Waters, Schumer, et al., pontificate about someone else’s wealth, as if they have done anything to earn theirs.”
As John Kerry’s grandmother said to him when he was a mere lad, “Little Johnny, ’tis far better to marry one who is rich and healthy than sick and poor” and so little Johnny listened and hid these words in his heart. Hello Teresa!–whose granny had given her the same words of “wisdom” (hence Teresa had married into the HJ Heinz fortune). Need one wonder that they favor socialism/communism? They think it has worked out well for them.
annie: good point…
You nailed it, Mychal. I’d rather see another term limits amendment to the Constitution than a marriage amendment. If the people get the chance to vote on an amendment to limit Congressional terms as they did for Presidential terms, I think they will ratify it. Make Congress part-time as it was originally intended.
norlyn: I agree w/ a part-time congress…
This is a real good place for A great big Amen Brother!!!!!
One more thing needs changing. Nothing but single bills will be voted on. NO ATTACHMENTS ON ANYTHING. Read and vote on everything seprate. Three day waiting before any vote. Cut out ALL PORK.
Howard
howard smith: I agree w/ you…
Many of us have preached exactly what your rant calls for Mychal. But as you point out, there is no incentive for the politicians to limit their terms. So what to do?
To me, it seems unrealistic to expect a group of concerned citizens to grow large and powerful enough to force the limits on the politicians. As a group, we can’t even decide on the fate of such a person as Obama, which fate should be obvious to the most ardent supporter by now.
The often repeated “You have the power of term limits already, simply vote them out”, is about as realistic as trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. When the entrenched politicians and their political parties have for all intents and purposes complete control of who gets to run with party support and who can run without any real chance of being elected (without company money), the game is fixed, and not by or for us.
The Republicans repeatedly put Senator McCain up as their candidate for office even though the voters have repeatedly said we don’t want him. What’s the saying about repeating the same thing over and over with the expectation of a different result? I believe insanity is the given answer. If that’s true, then the leaders of the Republican Party need to be put in rubber rooms and given paper slippers. They’re like little kids that keep touching a hot stove burner to see if it still burns.
I believe that the Tea Party has term limits as one of its basic principles and believe that this is a perfect plank for their platform. They are gaining some strength in Congress, but basically just enough to tip the vote a little on some issues, not enough to bring about something as drastic as term limits by themselves. Which puts us back to expecting the sitting politicians and their supporting parties to cut their own throats.
I’ll admit I don’t have the answer to this conundrum. I wish I did, but it’s going to take someone more familiar with party inner workings and far smarter than me to find the answer.
I haven’t seen this individual stand up and come forward yet. But I’m looking.
Congress will NOT vote themselves out-of-office, nor will they walk away from their ‘plush’ and Royal Benefits!
What to do????
Select Your Own Presidential Candidate!
Refuse to follow the ‘party line’! Dem or Rep, either Write-in Your Choice, or don’t vote!
roy stewart: I agree w/ you…
sumitch: it is only unrealistic until we are able to reach enough people…it is up to us to fight and press on…we do not have the option of surrender…
I agree with Mychal Massie 100%. It’s about time we set term limits for elected officials. We didn’t take them to raise or give them a lifetime job. We gave the opportunity to work for US – for YOU and ME to do their best for God, Country and US not for themselves. Neither senators or congressmen/women should be allowed to hold office for more than ten years. Their retirement plans should also be reviewed. Why should they get full retirement after only one term when we who work in private industry are required to work many long years to receive adequate retirement pay. Our military personnel must stay in for 20 years before receiving retirement pay. Why should elected officials be any different? Think about folks. Do the right thing.
swamprat: point made…
Absolutely, I agree. But not only do we desperately need term limits, but also Congress needs to participate in all the programs the rest of us are forced into. They do not deserve their elitist perks such as their great retirement programs, their automatic raises every years, their separate healthcare programs, not paying into social security, etc.
ellen: that is why we must elect those to promise to work to end same…