Obama’s Path From Critic to Overseer of Spying

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Ducimus

Now if we can only get the same limitation imposed upon congress.

They already have it. 2 years for Representatives and 6 years for Senators, unless the citizens of the respective states use their constitutional authority and re-elect them.

We may not agree with the decisions of the voting public, but I really don't want to place more restrictions on our dwindling civil rights.

Realize that the term "term limitations" really means that the government is telling the citizens who they can and can't vote for in an election. Is this really what we want?

A better solution is to educate the citizens so that they make informed decisions when it comes to voting. It is not an easy solution, but one I believe is the best.

Term limitations for congress sounds attractive as a short term solution, but I fear that it may be a cure worse than the disease.

What we really want is term limitations for those members we don't like, but no term limitations for those members we do like.

I don't like term limitations for the president, but I understand the historical and practical differences between a president and a member of congress.

Given the choice of one or the other, I would rather eliminate term limitations for elected positions.

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Platapus

They already have it. 2 years for Representatives and 6 years for Senators, unless the citizens of the respective states use their constitutional authority and re-elect them.

If they are still electable then there is no real term limit is there?

We may not agree with the decisions of the voting public, but I really don't want to place more restrictions on our dwindling civil rights.

Career politicians are one reason why our civil rights are dwindling.

Realize that the term "term limitations" really means that the government is telling the citizens who they can and can't vote for in an election. Is this really what we want?

I don't see it that way. Term limitations exist to limit or reduce power and corruption in the government. There is something inherently wrong when one can say that presidents come and go, but some congressman are always there. It's a good ole boys club on capital hill, and many times, they act in a way that is summarized as "I know what's best for you". That in my view, is dictatorial.

A better solution is to educate the citizens so that they make informed decisions when it comes to voting. It is not an easy solution, but one I believe is the best.

That is part of the solution, but not "the" solution. Sometimes I don't know what is worse, the politicians, or the idiots who elected them.

Term limitations for congress sounds attractive as a short term solution, but I fear that it may be a cure worse than the disease.

I strongly disagree here. Term limits are part of a long term solution to put the government back in control of "We the people", in this fast fading constitutional republic. We need to irraticate the truth that we have the best government money can buy, and getting rid of career Politicans is part of that solution. We do not need the situation where public officials can be bought and paid for in order to maintain power of office; which coincidentally makes voting, more often then not, illusionary.

What we really want is term limitations for those members we don't like, but no term limitations for those members we do like.

Can't do that without having a double standard. I think one standard will do, besides, resting our well being on the shoulders of an aging politician sounds like a very bad idea to me.

I don't like term limitations for the president, but I understand the historical and practical differences between a president and a member of congress.

Speaking of historical contexts of No term limits, "President for life" or "Congressman for life" is no different then "Dictator for life". Power corrupts, its a truth as sure as we are human.

Given the choice of one or the other, I would rather eliminate term limitations for elected positions.

I think you'd be trying to put a fire out with gasoline by doing so. We need congressional term limits, and we needed them yesterday. We don't need anymore Feinstien's or McCain's.

[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.

[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.

[soopaman2]

You forgot the power the California wicked witch of the west, Nancy Pelosi has, despite not being in charge anymore.

It reminds me of an Eddie Murphy movie, called the distinguished Gentleman,. He was a con man, who got himself elected because he shared a name with the old congressman who died, he preyed on idiots who pull the lever based on habit, and not education. Funny enough, this happened in Florida, long before the Bush Brothers election rigging debacle.

This is the main problem, partisan nonsense.


"Well,we always vote Jefferson"

movie quote.


Except in real life, the conman never has a change of heart.