Folly of Term Limits

Term Limits as a proposed solution to stronger, more effective and more responsible political representation fails to address the very complex and deep seeded nature of the problem and thus falls far short of the desired outcome.  It is not our politicians that are the primary problem but rather “we the people.”

 The first and most crucial flaw in the term limits thinking is a belief that changing our politicians like we change out underwear will produce a different or more positive result.  Where has it ever been demonstrated that better or more viable representation will result from term limits???

We would also be wise to consider that any and all surveys and polls over the years have been unanimous in their findings that most Americans are very dismayed with congressional performance but always believe their representatives are admirable.  It’s always those other louts that are the problem.

Do we really think that Minnesota’s sixth district will ever elect anyone other than a Republican or that the fourth district will ever elect anyone other than a Democrat??  Those voters don’t care, and worse DON’T KNOW, what these candidates represent. They only care about their party affiliation.

 It also fails to take into consideration that a politician can be corrupted with guarantees of lifelong security or threats to his well-being with just a single telephone call.

 We are also laboring under the misconception our politicians will, without any public outcries, properly address our problems and challenges.  In reality they will not act without activism, without our very vocal demonstrations of strong public support or outrage, whoever occupies those elective offices.  “We the people” lack any such backbone today.

While our lack of resolve for breaking windows is a major concern, the abhorrent apathy of sitting at home on election day is even more repulsive.  Ninety-seven million (97,000,000) of the 241,000,000 eligible voters sat at home in 2016.  This allowed a scant 26% of the eligible voters to place Donald J. Trump in the oval office. 

One of the most important lessons we should be learning from the Trump presidency is that a novice in our political system is a disaster.  The “Civil Rights Act Of 1964”, ending the Jim Crow racist stranglehold on America, needed Lyndon Johnson’s and Hubert Humphrey’s knowledge of our governing system, legislative experience, political skills and long-term relationships with members of congress for the bill to gain legislative approval.  Johnson and Humphrey implored and convinced their long-time legislation colleague, Everettt Dirksen, to persuade his Republican colleagues to end the filibuster that was killing the bill. It was this acumen, forged through years of service, that ended the filibuster thus paving the way for its passage and signing.

Legislations enacted through the joint efforts of President Ronald Reagan and Speaker Thomas "Tip" O’Neil, both seasoned, veteran lawmakers, greatly benefited America.

 Not all career politicians are evil.  Only the bad politicians are evil.  Are we really comfortable with disposing of those dedicated public servants committed to the general welfare and common good of this nation???  Let’s hope not. 

Expressing our anger and frustration through adopting term limits advances no guarantee that there will be some momentous awakening to Chuck Hagel’s marvelous wisdom.

Let's also ask ourselves if we truly believe we are living in a democracy when the our government is dictating who we can and CAN"T support for elective offices?  

We should also contemplate how realistic it is to spend the time and money on a proposition destined to fail.  Do we really believe that American politicians are going to support any initiative that removes them from the gravy-train? 

It’s a whole lot easier to think our problems can be solved at the ballot box when, in fact, it requires national sacrifice and serious activism – taking to the streets – disrupting those in power with the stability they need to maintain their self-centered stranglehold on our political system and way of life.  For them to have control, “We the people,” must remain silent and inactive, regardless of who those office holders may be.  

The term limits suggestion and debate are a complete waste of time.  We have far more important issues that demand our attention not the least of which should be repealing the 22^nd amendment, not expanding it.