Obama’s Path From Critic to Overseer of Spying

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I don't see how having "amateur" members of congress will automatically be an improvement.

If a congresscritter knows he or she only has short time in office, what is to prevent them from just doing what will benefit them in the short term and then leave the problems to the next "amateur"?

It is not the length of the term/terms that is the problem. The problem is the person.

I would say that it is partially because of the length of terms and near unlimited time to hold the power of office, is one reason why we get the people we do in office. I've heard all the "amature" and "continuity" arguments before and I am unconvinced. I would give senator's like Feinstien as a great example why. The power someone like her wields through committee is frightening, and she or someone like her is at the center of our dwindling civil rights and liberties. Furthermore, the longer someone is part of the washington club, the more locked in to party politiics and ideology they seem to become.

Overall, all arguments considered, I think a maximum of 4 two year terms for a Representative, and a maximum of 2 six year terms for a Senator, is quite reasonable.