On Term Limits

Term Limits Needed

 

More than two centuries ago, George Washington got it right when he chose to serve two — and only two — terms as president of the United States.

 

…In recent years, “culture of corruption” has become a political catchphrase, dominating press conferences and campaign commercials.

 

…Corruption so often happens when people become too engrained in Washington. They forget who they represent and why they ran for office.

 

…Term limits would help to foster an environment of citizen legislators, an early American tradition that is a tradition worth bringing back to the forefront. In an earlier time, individuals would leave their careers in medicine, law, education, or any other discipline to help their countrymen for a few years. And then they would go back to their careers.

 

Now, it seems as if people run. And run again. And then they run again. And it’s a continuous, vicious cycle. Sometimes, voters have an epiphany and send the politicians packing. But, the incumbency is a powerful tool (the Center for Responsive Politics , a watchdog group, reports that, in every election cycle since 1994, more than 90 percent of representatives have been re-elected), and, historically, voters aren’t big on change.

 

…People used to seek office in the spirit of public service. We’d like to see a complete return to that philosophy.

 

It starts with term limits.

 

October 2, 2009

Crimson White Editorial Board