These are the responses to my August 17 article "What Might Have Been -- The Effects of Term Limits." Thanks to all, please continue to provide us with your feedback.
I wanted term limits, because sinking the whole idea of "career politicians" is central to my idea of government [and a lot of other people too!] I want a citizenry that serves in an elected office and then goes back to a real job like the rest of us hold. They will stay in touch with ordinary things and no more of these folks living like royalty. Enough already!
All of which points to a flawed political system throughout this > country. Politicians should be forced to resign from their current > positions before running for another. The taxpayers are not being well > served when their representative is out campaigning for a new job and > getting paid for it. We ordinary citizens cannot do this (except while > on vacation time), so why should politicians be allowed to do so?
I've always thought legally mandated term limits an anti democratic/anti republican (small letters deliberate) idea. The only term limits allowed should be those imposed by the electorate on election day. The present condition is just further proof of a lazy, ill-informed, non-participating, citizenry failing to take responsibility for its own governance. Perhaps,under these circumstances, it is just as well. But I can't help feeling that this is a sorry and dispiriting state of affairs, for the richest and most powerful nation in the history of the world, and one launched with such hope and promise.
My Name is Henry Stern, President of New York Civic. Please feel free to comment on our articles, and give us your feedback. What you have to say is important to us.
I wanted term limits, because sinking the whole idea of "career politicians" is central to my idea of government [and a lot of other people too!] I want a citizenry that serves in an elected office and then goes back to a real job like the rest of us hold. They will stay in touch with ordinary things and no more of these folks living like royalty. Enough already!
ReplyDeleteAll of which points to a flawed political system throughout this
ReplyDelete> country. Politicians should be forced to resign from their current
> positions before running for another. The taxpayers are not being well
> served when their representative is out campaigning for a new job and
> getting paid for it. We ordinary citizens cannot do this (except while
> on vacation time), so why should politicians be allowed to do so?
Time to impose term limits on the entire state legislature!
ReplyDeleteI've always thought legally mandated term limits an anti democratic/anti republican (small letters deliberate) idea. The only term limits allowed should be those imposed by the electorate on election day. The present condition is just further proof of a lazy, ill-informed, non-participating, citizenry failing to take responsibility for its own governance. Perhaps,under these circumstances, it is just as well. But I can't help feeling that this is a sorry and dispiriting state of affairs, for the richest and most powerful nation in the history of the world, and one launched with such hope and promise.
ReplyDeleteHey bud. Just happend on your site and thought I would send a shout out. Good job.
ReplyDelete