I am always cautious on this issue since I believe we already have built in term limits via the voting booth. However, career politicians who legislate only to keep their jobs is a real problem. Concrete term limits would punish both the Representative and their constituents if they are doing an outstanding job for their district. They are so few and far between and the number of entrenched do nothings is so high that it gives one reason to consider limits.
Term limits are like cutting off your head to cure lung cancer.
The issue isn't the individual representatives. If they were bad representatives, they wouldn't get reelected. Even in gerrymandered districts, they would get primary opponents.
And the system has a way of weeding out corrupt ones or ones who have gone off the rail (see Chris Lee).
The problem is the party system, which tends to make even good people do bad things just so as maintain standing in the party.
So long was we have two parties that wield as much influence and power as they do, representatives will never really represent constituents rather than represent the party. Term limits won't fix that. There's no place in America where term limits have produced anything like an improvement.
I understand what you are saying Jeff but, not having a concrete term limit also, hurts the constituents. Most politicians start off good but, over time things do not truly improve, they stay stagnant and things then become the norm. Fresh ideas and new views usually keep things updated. If, you know Congresswoman Louise Slaughter she is a perfect example. She started off great but, now she is a multi-millionaire and things have not improved under her tenure so, how is keeping her benefit anyone? We also need to put a cap on Congress and Senate representatives’ ability to collect a full pension via taxpayer's dollars. They hold a position they volunteer for just like a military member. However a military member has to serve at least 20 years of service to collect 50% of their base pay. Not to mention a military member puts their life on the line for their country and you cannot place a price tag on that. Politicians place their own greed and needs before their constituents. Though there are some who truly care about their constituents and country.
Term limits would need to be realistic and have rule such as discontinuing retirement pensions. I for one think a four term limit would be reasonable. This would allow them sufficient time to set in place programs and policies and show us they can or cannot work. Even if, our representative shows a good promise and their term ends. Our new representative has show big shoes to fill and if they are unable to then we get rid of them. This would also, force constituents to research candidates and stop taking the word of our corrupt media correspondents. The media like I have stated before, is corrupt, bias and politically motivated. Researching your candidates allows you a fuller picture of where one stands on issues and what their ideas bring to the table. It also, allows you to compare their perform with others without bias influences. Ask yourself this question, how many of our representatives would vote to take their retirement or stipends away? I bet very few would. Let’s face facts; no politician is hurting for cash and most have businesses or careers that sustain them. That is why they hold their position in the first place.
No career politicians, no lifetime benefits, no 6 figure salaries, election reform, performance based requirements for maintaining your seat between elections, no added pay for committee participation, required fiscal responsibility - on time balanced budgets, goals for decreasing size of government, use of the web to provide concise data on votes made, legislation proposed, etc... After 200 years we should show improvement not the mass corruption, bloat, and self-serving representation we are forced to endure.
I am always cautious on this
I am always cautious on this issue since I believe we already have built in term limits via the voting booth. However, career politicians who legislate only to keep their jobs is a real problem. Concrete term limits would punish both the Representative and their constituents if they are doing an outstanding job for their district. They are so few and far between and the number of entrenched do nothings is so high that it gives one reason to consider limits.
Term limits are like cutting
Term limits are like cutting off your head to cure lung cancer.
The issue isn't the individual representatives. If they were bad representatives, they wouldn't get reelected. Even in gerrymandered districts, they would get primary opponents.
And the system has a way of weeding out corrupt ones or ones who have gone off the rail (see Chris Lee).
The problem is the party system, which tends to make even good people do bad things just so as maintain standing in the party.
So long was we have two parties that wield as much influence and power as they do, representatives will never really represent constituents rather than represent the party. Term limits won't fix that. There's no place in America where term limits have produced anything like an improvement.
I understand what you are
I understand what you are saying Jeff but, not having a concrete term limit also, hurts the constituents. Most politicians start off good but, over time things do not truly improve, they stay stagnant and things then become the norm. Fresh ideas and new views usually keep things updated. If, you know Congresswoman Louise Slaughter she is a perfect example. She started off great but, now she is a multi-millionaire and things have not improved under her tenure so, how is keeping her benefit anyone? We also need to put a cap on Congress and Senate representatives’ ability to collect a full pension via taxpayer's dollars. They hold a position they volunteer for just like a military member. However a military member has to serve at least 20 years of service to collect 50% of their base pay. Not to mention a military member puts their life on the line for their country and you cannot place a price tag on that. Politicians place their own greed and needs before their constituents. Though there are some who truly care about their constituents and country.
Term limits would need to be realistic and have rule such as discontinuing retirement pensions. I for one think a four term limit would be reasonable. This would allow them sufficient time to set in place programs and policies and show us they can or cannot work. Even if, our representative shows a good promise and their term ends. Our new representative has show big shoes to fill and if they are unable to then we get rid of them. This would also, force constituents to research candidates and stop taking the word of our corrupt media correspondents. The media like I have stated before, is corrupt, bias and politically motivated. Researching your candidates allows you a fuller picture of where one stands on issues and what their ideas bring to the table. It also, allows you to compare their perform with others without bias influences. Ask yourself this question, how many of our representatives would vote to take their retirement or stipends away? I bet very few would. Let’s face facts; no politician is hurting for cash and most have businesses or careers that sustain them. That is why they hold their position in the first place.
No career politicians, no
No career politicians, no lifetime benefits, no 6 figure salaries, election reform, performance based requirements for maintaining your seat between elections, no added pay for committee participation, required fiscal responsibility - on time balanced budgets, goals for decreasing size of government, use of the web to provide concise data on votes made, legislation proposed, etc... After 200 years we should show improvement not the mass corruption, bloat, and self-serving representation we are forced to endure.