Seems to me the longer they're in the more crooked they get

Question:
Do you think we should push harder for term limits?

Choices:
One Term, Your out
Two Terms, Your Out
No Limits
Other

 

There was a time when public office was about service instead of a career. Somewhere it has went horribly wrong.

It is called greed.

I like the idea of two terms, I think they need a good part of the first term to "get the la of the land".

Right on and you know they won't vote to p*** any law limiting terms. The only recourse we have as voters is to vote them out.

I so agree with you guys.

First term they learn the ropes. Secong term they test the waters. Anything beyond that is open season.

During the era of "The Articles of Confederation", before the Constitution, all congressmen had 2 one year terms they could serve. The problem was the people continually cycled in and out. There was always a large number of people who were not well enough acquainted with the process that very little got done, or got done right.

This was the success**l argument for the removal of term limits at the constitutional convention. People like James Madison argued that men were out of office before they even got settled enough to get something done. He was one of those people serving 2 single year terms for Virginia.

While we don't like major incumbents in indefinitely, one term then out will simply revisit the same problems this country already worked out. I voted "other". I think you should limit terms to 3. And shorten Senate terms to 4 years. House of Representatives would have a maximum of 6 years service. Senators would have a maximum of 12 years service.

This would mean that each person would have time to acclimate to protocol and learn the ropes and still get something done. Then they would have to move on.

quote:

Originally posted by NamVetMike1969:
First term they learn the ropes. Secong term they test the waters. Anything beyond that is open season.

Anything beyond a third shouldn't be allowed.

They shouldn't be allowed to appoint someone to replace them either.

I agree. Three terms and you are out. I don't care if you did a great job or not. Thank you for your service, because at that point that is what is was and not a career, and now you can return to your normal pursuit of career and we will all be the better for it.

And while your at it get your own healthcare and retirement plan

quote:

Originally posted by NamVetMike1969:
And while your at it get your own healthcare and retirement plan

I'm cool with healthcare plans taking care of you while you are a public official but the retirement thing...that's ridiculous. If that were gone it would be less attractive to become a career politician. I think that those who answer the call of real service should not have to worry about providing something like healthcare for their families. It should not be that kind of disruption to their lives to serve. It should also not be the kind of situation that entices someone to stay after their three terms is up. Our whole congressional system is completely broken.

Just wondering....if the majority of the voters think that a person is doing a good job, then why remove them (Kennedy)? If they are really doing something wrong, then get someone to run against them and get the word out.
Term limits will cause someone to simply run for a different office when they can't run for their current one anymore. If the people like them, they will continue to get elected to different positions. Will this help the cause any?

quote:

Originally posted by Tobi Jones:
Just wondering....if the majority of the voters think that a person is doing a good job, then why remove them (Kennedy)? If they are really doing something wrong, then get someone to run against them and get the word out.
Term limits will cause someone to simply run for a different office when they can't run for their current one anymore. If the people like them, they will continue to get elected to different positions. Will this help the cause any?

Because political office should never be a career in and of itself. If there were less to be obtained from being a politician there would be less corrupt things occurring.