Term limits now

[MediaMike]

I always thought term limits were unnecessary ... until seeing these idiots abuse their power and pervert the concept of elected office as "service."

Term limits do "snag" some good folks, but there are so many rotten eggs that it's time to throw them out.

I am disgusted by lifelong elected officials who do nothing but try to hang on to their power rather than serve the people.

[DrWarren]

Once upon a time (about a year ago), my son and I started a state-by-state petition for term limits.

It did not gain much traction. I guess we were a bit ahead of the curve.

The ONLY way to get term limits is to petition the individual state legislatures to call for a Constitutional Convention for the express and only purpose of adding a term limits amendment.

Now, before anyone goes off and says but that would open the entire Constitution up for revision - that is a lie used to keep people from exercising this right. I'll have to go back and find it but a Constitutional Convention can be called by the states for a single amendment purpose.

Moreover, how many state called Constitutional Conventions have there ever been?

Any guesses?

NONE.

It has never been done under our current system.

The original Constitutional Convention was organized under the Articles of Confederation.

Some will argue that "term limits" are built in with the election process. I disagree and all evidence is to the contrary. Congress people get in and spend tax money to keep their power. They get their campaign pockets lined with lobbyist cash. A Congress person, generally, has to REALLY screw up in order to lose their position.

I could real easily resurrect that state-by-state petition.

[Big Texan]

Absolutely! Term limits need to happen. One term for both Senators and Representatives.

No retirement program, they get Social Security just like we do!

All Lobbyist money banned! No gifts either!

No earmarks of any kind.

President should have line item veto.

Judges should be elected by the people, not Congress.

Electoral College should be done away with.

A flat tax or consumption tax should be in place, don't need the IRS or should be greatly reduced.

No salaries from U.S. taxpayers as a whole. They get a salary determined by their state constituents. If they don't perform, their state can cut the salary. Also, they would be subject to recall anytime by their state.

In the past, these positions were considered honorary. They received no salary, the object was to do what is right for the country, not themselves or their individual states. The problems of the state belonged to the state and the folks who lived there.

Tommy

[TimOK]

I'd settle for 1/2 of those to be passed. But Term Limits severely stops a lot of the corruptions rampant in our country right now. It's difficult to develop a power base if you can't stay in office for life. If you ever doubt that, think of Ted Kennedy.

[Luke]

Absolutely! Term limits need to happen. One term for both Senators and Representatives.

No retirement program, they get Social Security just like we do!

All Lobbyist money banned! No gifts either!

No earmarks of any kind.

President should have line item veto.

Judges should be elected by the people, not Congress.

Electoral College should be done away with.

........their state.

In the past, these .....

Tommy


Tommy,

You're sounding like TRUE Texan...

I'm with you Pardner...

L~

[Big Texan]

Thanks Luke! Coming from you, that's a real compliment! I've got the bit between my teeth brother! I want this nation restored to its former greatness. We are Americans! By God, if we can put man on the moon, then by the grace of God we'll be able to do this! The time is now.

Tommy

[Cyneca]

I hate to say this but....

I have been doing a TON of research (I got tasked with the job of fact finder for this project) *sticks tongue out at DrWarren*

As much as I think Line Item Veto is a good thing, unfortunately it is unconstitutional. For the president to be able to veto certain lines in a bill while leaving others is tantamount to producing legislation, a power that is clearly not his to do as outlined in the powers of the executive within the Constitution. So when it comes to passing or vetoing a bill, for it to be constitutional, its all or none.

[Big Texan]

This why an amendment needs to be added. The powers can be limited and spelled out in the amendment. Remember, it was unconstitutional for Congress to pass that 90% tax on the AIG execs. No matter how you feel on that, it was unconstitutional to pass it. In fact, they are grabbing power left and right that is also unconstitutional.

Amendments are not easy to pass. The require 2/3 vote in the House and Senate for them to pass. However, if they ban earmarks, then a line item veto may not be necessary.

You are correct!

Tommy

[Horizon3]

You Folks have some good ideas,
I would like to add to or offer some comments if I may.

1) Term Limits, 2 terms of 2 years, banned from holding public office again.
this would prevent the disease of career politicians.
2) The office of Representative or Senator should not be occupied by anyone associated with the legal profession. (having lawyers make the law is like the fox being in charge of the hen house)
3) Judiciary, The controls for this are already in The Constitution, they are just not being enforced. ....
Article III
Section 1
The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one
supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may, from
time to time, ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme
and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour,
and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation,
which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.
This means that if they act contrary to The Constitution or break other Laws they should and can be removed from office.

I think that appointment to the judiciary should be banned, and should be decided by the peoples vote, several states and counties have gone to this and it is quite effective, this will prevent lifetime appointments.

On the subject of Constitutional Amendments,
These are very difficult to enact as it takes a "super majority" in both the House and Senate, then and Ratified by 3/4 of the States to become Law.

Line Item Veto,
This is generally a bad idea, as it allows a President to shape the law, which can be a double edged sword, in that he may veto items that are designed to either benefit the people or curtail the power of government, as well as the frivolous spending or other lunacies of Congress. In short it just gives one man too much power.

Earmarks,
Although many find them distasteful, These can also be of great benefit to the people, it is one our greatest weapons against a runaway Congress. an example of this is the "poison pill" gun rights amendment, that the Senate was able to put into the Bill that would give D.C. a floor vote in the House, It is presently stalled in the House and will probably stay that way. There are many good reasons for D.C. not to have representation in the House, Federal funding being just one of them, as well as its role in Impeachment proceedings that could be compromised, The Founders knew this and expressed it in The Constitution. IMHO No one except the President, His Family and White House Residence Staff should be living in D.C. anyway, The Founders never intended it to be a city or a State, just The Seat of Government.

More to come after I rest a bit :D