Do Americans think term limits are a good or bad idea? Surprisingly, over 75% of Americans across the political spectrum believe term limits are the way of the future. I’m not so sure. Let’s ask ourselves a few questions.
Term Limits: There’s a Deeper Issue
Don’t elected officials already have term limits? When we vote, we vote people in or out of office. We limit terms every election day. Americans cycle candidates in or out as we see fit. But you may say, “Not enough Americans go to the polls!” That’s a “you” problem, not an Article V convention problem. If Americans do not do their civic duty, there’s a deeper issue than term limits that we should address.
Why are Americans uninformed, apathetic, lazy, or a combination of the three? These questions need to be addressed before we pass another law. After all, We the People run the government. If we refuse to do our civic duty, other world powers would like to come in and do it for us. Translation: Either we guard our freedom with eternal vigilance or lose our liberty to communists who will do it for us.
Term Limits: A Good Idea?
Only the office of the President has term limits. Presidents used to limit themselves to two terms until World War II when Franklin D. Roosevelt won four terms in office. Since Congress ratified the Twenty-Second Amendment in 1951, presidents have been limited to a maximum of eight years in office. How’s that working for us? I’d say pretty good. In a day and age of apathy, we get a fresh start with a new administration after one or two terms.
Also, consider how officeholders gain wealth after being in office for so many years. They come to Washington, and many sleep in their offices because they can’t afford the rent in D.C. However, they leave the office with great resources, book deals, and professional positions in media, education, lobbying, etc. How does that happen?
In Conclusion:
What would cause only the truly serious, tough-minded American to run for office, serve We the People, and return home? On the other hand, what would cause Americans to get serious about vetting the candidates before voting? These are the questions we need to answer.
What do you think? Let us know here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=891021116364896&set=a.507545634712448
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.
