In my judgment, this is the number one thing we need to get done to really have hope and change in America. This is from the blog site of Senator Jim DeMint.
Hello again. I’m Senator Jim DeMint, and this is Freedomcast for October 22, 2009.
You know, the longer I stay in Washington, the more I have come to realize that the problem in the federal government isn’t just the people… it’s the process.
The system itself is so much more powerful than either party or interest group, let alone one president or congressional leader.
In Washington, the rules of the game are rigged — in favor of bigger government, higher taxes, more debt, and the time-honored system of political back-scratching of “go along to get along.”
Fifteen years ago, Republicans — who had been out of power in Congress for forty years – made term limits a centerpiece of their “Contract with America” agenda.
The term limits constitutional amendment ultimately failed, in part because so many new reform-minded congressmen imposed term limits on themselves. After six or eight years, these members voluntarily went home, leaving behind those Republicans and Democrats who fully intended to make a career inside the beltway.
The fact is, party doesn’t matter when it comes to reform. If you want to change the policies, you have to change the process.
That’s why in the next few weeks I will introduce a new constitutional amendment to limit members of the House of Representatives to three terms (which is six years), and members of the Senate to two terms (which is twelve years).
As long as members have the chance to spend their lives in Washington, their interests will always skew toward fundraising, relationship building among lobbyists, and trading favors for pork – in short, amassing their own power.
Since all that power is going to disappear in a few years, anyway, term-limited legislators will be far less likely to make compromises with the system.
Opponents of term limits say that the nation needs wise and seasoned leaders to lead the nation through crises and find consensus on difficult issues.
Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got now… How do you think it’s working out for us?
It wasn’t the “people” who gave us a 12-trillion dollar debt, trillion-dollar deficits, 100-trillion-dollar long term shortfall in Social Security and Medicare, the Wall Street and auto bailouts, and the health care takeover.
It was those wise and seasoned leaders, who enjoy lives of privilege almost wholly immune from the consequences of their policy failures.
Term limits are not enough, of course. I hope my amendment will eventually be ratified, and then followed by other structural reforms to make our public institutions more transparent and accountable.
But term limits are a good start. Because if we really want reform, we all know it’s not enough just to change the congressmen – we have to change Congress itself.
Thanks for checking in. This is Freedomcast, and I’m Jim DeMint.
I hope Senator DeMint can make progress with this effort, but I’m skeptical. Below are comments to his work.
Bill Robertson
Many of us would LOVE to see term limits in the houses! However, since they vote for themselves, how can we, the people, get this implemented?
It’s time to put such things out nationally to the PEOPLE for vote, where it regards any issues related directly to the congress or senate.
+5 MR ( Ssgt RETIRED )
written by MANLY D.BRELAND, October 23, 2009
I like the idea but in addition no full retirement at leaving and no lifetime medical free ! Let them pay !
+6 Retired U.S. Navy
written by Bill Plaster, October 23, 2009
Senator DeMint, I concur with your initiative to limit the terms of our representatives. In my opinion, the longer anyone remains in Washington and acquires more political clout, the power that individual possesses many times leads to corruption and misuse of power. I support your efforts 100%. Thank you.
+2 …
written by Paul Hosse, October 23, 2009
Excellent! Finally something that make sense out of Congress.
Paul Hosse’
Editor/Publisher of Another Opinion
http://hosse.blogspot.com/
+2 …
written by Mark Irwin, October 23, 2009
All three of the federal government’s branches of power must have term limits, not just the executive branch. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
+4 …
written by Clair/TX, October 23, 2009
Actually, whether Senator De Mint’s proposal ever gets further than Reid’s garbage can, there is a far more serious option… and one that will get the Senators and Congress people’s serious attention very quickly. Vote Them Out! If you are not in their district but are sick of them having control over you in yours, donate or support or do something to support an oponent of theirs from the party you prefer.
+2 …
written by Nathan Earle, October 23, 2009
That’s my Senator!
+1 Term Limits
written by Bob Irwin, October 23, 2009
Why is it necessary to have a second term. Did the founders all have second terms. If people going into these positions were only planning to be there such a short period of time, how is it known that they would not make good decisions based on public need. It is known that long term users of these offices react to what the office means to them personally as few leave the office poor.
+1 Retired old fart tired of career politicans feathering their own nest.
written by John Young, October 23, 2009
Thank you for steping up the plate to take on this issue. I am with you.
+2 Mr
written by Tim v, October 23, 2009
Have it exempt current members of congress. that is the only way they will vote for it. Eventually they will die off even if they don’t leave on their own.
+0 Paramedic/ Auxillary Sheriff’s Deputy
written by Chris Black, October 23, 2009
I’m very pleased to see that someone in D.C. has some the ability to see the problems that are staring this country in the face and tearing it apart at the foundation. The founders could never have forseen the complexities of our nation today or they would have written term limits into the Constitution innitially. I believe in going even one step more; however, and restricting the office of President to a single term. Candidates today believe that they are entitled to a second term in the beginning and make plans for a second run while running the first time. it’s time our elected officials lick their calves right the first time.
+1 We need seasoned leaders, not seasoned politicians!
written by Dean C, October 24, 2009
The leaders we need are those who have obtained their “seasoning” (read common sense) in the real life of ordinary citizens. Just like kitchen spices, citizens who migrate permanently into politics rapidly lose their seasoning.
+0 6 Years Max!!!
written by SonofaStitch, October 24, 2009
I appreciate that the Senator appears to be listening, but 12 years is too long for any politician to be in office. Change the proposal to limit Senators to one term only!
+1 Concerned citizen
written by Dave P., October 24, 2009
Thank you for standing up for term limits. I have been an advocate of term limits for years, buut I never thought I would see the day. As long as the politicians are voting for themselves it will be a rough road. With all due respect, I have lost all faith in politicians. I feel that we, the common folks, are out here all by ourselves with no weapons to fight with.
+1 Thank You
written by Matt, October 24, 2009
Term limits are a must for a sound government. However, I agree with another’s comments about how do you get legislators to vote themselves out of power? Perhaps an exemption for current legislators is the way to get a consensus. Then it would be up to the people to get rid of the ‘lifers’. I wish you the best of luck.
+1 Whatever happened to “Of the People, For the People, By the People”?
written by Bill Z, October 24, 2009
Mr Senator, I applaud you for standing firm, even in opposition to the majority, again and again. As I see what is happening in this country as it is thrust into further debt propagated by failed welfare, entitlement and special interest promoted policies, I fear as many do that we are reaching the point of no return. I cannot fathom a time when our Republic is untraceable, and yet it disappears slowly every day with each new infringement on our constitution and God given rights. Men like you are a rarity on capitol hill, and it is my hope that you will be heard and make a difference when standing in near solitude and facing the den of wolves we so affectionately refer to as our “representatives”. You are in my prayers sir, may you be emboldened as you seek true change for the good of our nation. God bless you…
+1 FINALLY….
written by Gayle Beckley, October 25, 2009
We are long overdue in getting term limits started for the congress. I agree with Sonofastitch that we need to limit the Senate to 6 years only. I realize things can take a while to get to the floor of both the House & Senate, but perhaps if they only have limited time in office they might work a little harder & faster. I am wary that the congressmen may not vote this into law so, is there any way those of us with this concern can get written petitions up that would help facilitate this action?
