Every few years somebody wants to kiss somebody’s behind and we-the-people find ourselves reading about Constitutional changes that are being proposed. Remember when Sen. Orrin Hatch wanted to change the Constitution so that Arnold Schwarzenegger could become President?
Removing term limits for Presidents seems like a bad idea when it comes on the heels of all the Bill of Right violations that we have seen in the past 8 years AND those same violations have not been abandoned by President Obama. Both Republicans and Deomcrats appear willing to create an opportunity for lifetime Presidents. I wonder why?
Only in the 109th Congress, however, have these bills (of which there were two that session) since seen notable support from Congress members. One of these bills, H.J.Res.24 carried support from four democrats and gained bipartisan status with Rep. James Sensenbrenner’s (R-Wis.) graces. It is worth highlighting that its lead sponsor was Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the current Majority Leader of the House.
(Sensennbrenner?)
But Democrats are introducing them also and we citizens should fear anything that keeps any man running our empire for more than eight years in office. It’s one thing when you are an upstart and another thing when you are an empire.
Here is another item that crops up again and again, a new Constitutional Convention .
The John Birch Society is cautioning us all that our Constitution may come under serious attack from the Bill of Federalism Project. A new website that can be found at http://www.federalismamendment.com/ appears to have some JBS-ers concerned because of Michael Patrick Leahy’s involvement. (Tea Party fame)
I have speculated on a few constitutional amendments myself but none of them increase the power of the Federal government. One increases the number of Senators to three per state but allows the State government to choose its Senator so that the State itself has direct representation in federal affairs.
While we all want change, we should be very careful about changing the Constitution to allow more power in the hands of Washington. They appear to have enough already. And as the JBS points out, a Constitutional Convention takes direction from nobody and may not need Congressional, Executive, or Judicial approval when it is complete.
I highly doubt we’ll see a Constitutional amendment repealing presidential term limits during our lifetimes, if at all. In fact, I think we’ll see more support for a Constitutional amendment imposing term limits for Congresspersons and Senators.
Yes, and there is harm in that. I have heard the phrase ‘corporate memory’ to refer to the collective shared experiences of business executives. I fear that term limits in Congress would leave us with inexperienced legislators, no memory, and a powerful Executive. Just ripe for a dictatorial rule.
We all should oppose congressional term limits.
On the issue of constitutional amendments nearly all of the public is totally ignorant of the fact that Congress has long disobeyed Article V which gives us the option of a convention of state delegates that can propose amendments. Everyone should be angry about this, especially because there have been over 750 state applications for a convention, from all 50 states, way beyond the 2/3 required. Learn all the facts at http://www.foavc.org.
Joel, thanks for the information.
There is only one infallible way to make term limits happen: The American voter must IMPOSE term limits on Congress, by NEVER REELECTING anyone in Congress. Not your guy, nor your party’s guy, nor even a ‘good’ guy. Reelect nobody!
In other words, don’t let anyone serve more than one term. That’s the only way to teach them that the voter is the boss! The “one term limit” can be changed AFTER we citizens get control of Congress.
Congress will never allow you to term limit them. Your only choice is to NEVER REELECT them.
Remember too, it makes no difference who you vote for, as long as it is NEVER for any incumbent!
Mr. Walker,
Thanks for your comment. I think we need experienced legislatures and not amateurs, however, there is merit to evaluating every congressmen for effective legislation and booting out the bad ones.
I am with you on that.