The Case for Term Limits
If there is ever a case for Congressional term limits the following is proof. These are the ten members of Congress with the longest tenure.
John Dingell (D-MI) 58 yrs.
John Conyers (D-MI) 49 yrs.
Charles Rangel (D-NY) 43 yrs.
Thad Cochran (R-MS) 41 yrs.
Don Young (R-AK) 41 yrs.
Patrick Leahy (D-VT) 39 yrs.
Chuck Grassley (R-IA) 39 yrs.
Tom Harkin (D-IA) 39 yrs.
George Miller (D-CA) 39 yrs.
Henry Waxman (D-CA) 39 yrs.
Most other member of Congress have been there longer than 12 years. Senators are elected for six year terms. I'm of the opinion 12 years (two terms) is long enough for Senators. Representatives are elected for two year terms. I'm of the opinion eight years is long enough for Representatives. Federal judges, including Supreme Court Judges, are appointed for life. I'm of the opinion they should be appointed for no longer than 12 year terms. Amendment XXII of the Constitution limits the President to two four year terms, or eight years. If the President is limited I can fathom no reason why Members of Congress and Federal Judges should not also be limited.
There is no rational reason for anyone becoming lifetime professional legislators and judges. Its too easy to become overly comfortable and addicted with the power to spend other peoples money and dictate their lives. Its too easy to become self serving with few if any restraints. Its too easy to develop and enhance long term cozy relationships with lobbyists and special interest groups.
It all too often manifests itself as lofty unapproachable arrogance.
All this being said at age 85 I have no aspirations of living long enough to see Congress and the Federal Judiciary bite the humility bullet and rein themselves in.
John Dingell (D-MI) 58 yrs.
John Conyers (D-MI) 49 yrs.
Charles Rangel (D-NY) 43 yrs.
Thad Cochran (R-MS) 41 yrs.
Don Young (R-AK) 41 yrs.
Patrick Leahy (D-VT) 39 yrs.
Chuck Grassley (R-IA) 39 yrs.
Tom Harkin (D-IA) 39 yrs.
George Miller (D-CA) 39 yrs.
Henry Waxman (D-CA) 39 yrs.
Most other member of Congress have been there longer than 12 years. Senators are elected for six year terms. I'm of the opinion 12 years (two terms) is long enough for Senators. Representatives are elected for two year terms. I'm of the opinion eight years is long enough for Representatives. Federal judges, including Supreme Court Judges, are appointed for life. I'm of the opinion they should be appointed for no longer than 12 year terms. Amendment XXII of the Constitution limits the President to two four year terms, or eight years. If the President is limited I can fathom no reason why Members of Congress and Federal Judges should not also be limited.
There is no rational reason for anyone becoming lifetime professional legislators and judges. Its too easy to become overly comfortable and addicted with the power to spend other peoples money and dictate their lives. Its too easy to become self serving with few if any restraints. Its too easy to develop and enhance long term cozy relationships with lobbyists and special interest groups.
It all too often manifests itself as lofty unapproachable arrogance.
All this being said at age 85 I have no aspirations of living long enough to see Congress and the Federal Judiciary bite the humility bullet and rein themselves in.
posted by Donald G Davidson at 12:20 AM
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