then Dems or Repubs would be OUT the DOOR if they buckled under party or lobbyist pressure over pre-election promises to their voters....And I'd take away their benefits while I'm at it .....Who ever heard of an employee voting himself a raise!!!!...And as long as I'm wishing I would rip any politicians knickers that had a lobbyist in their pocket!!!....Anything on your wish list? Would a petition make this happen! You will certainly never see this on a ballot if we are waiting for congress!

I have often wodered how a private citizen would go about getting an amendment to the constitution on a general election ballot. The only way term limits will ever get approved is by the general population starting the movement to have it on the ballot in all states. No one elected official will ever start something like that.

I agree, but two years is not enough to really get up to speed and get anything done. Besides that it brings elections up too often. Four or even six year in DC then get your ass home and do some real work. No lobbying after your term either.

By now, we should recognize that the electorate seems to prefers divided government. When one Party controls 2 branches of the gvt., they always seem to overreach.

IMO, we already have term limits. They are called elections. I, for one, am very happy with my congressman, US Senator, and POTUS.

Originally Posted by coralway

By now, we should recognize that the electorate seems to prefers divided government. When one Party controls 2 branches of the gvt., they always seem to overreach.

IMO, we already have term limits. They are called elections. I, for one, am very happy with my congressman, US Senator, and POTUS.

With all due respect coralway, this is a major part of our problem, especially in the case of the house. They have to run every two years, they are in the district campaigning constantly instead of doing the business in DC they were hired to do, and they bring home the pork, thus "I like my congressman/woman, it is all the others that are the problem". Well they are all a part of the same problem and if everyone likes his/her guy/gal, then we get these career politicians who's main purpose is to perpetuate their job.

I like my congressman - he "brings home the bacon", which, IMO is one of his main jobs. And, as far as we know, he hasn't slept with any little boys or girls.

Many years ago, I was a young volunteer to Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro's campaign in NY-9. I recall one of her regular staffers commenting that as soon as this one is over, we have to start on the reelection.

The "problem" as you refer to it, is not the individual congressperson. IMO, it is the "conference", The Speaker and his (or hers) minions who really decide which way The House goes. The "conference" sets the course for the majority, and the sheeple follow - if they want to get their piece of "bacon".

It's the nature of the beast and although it is frustrating at times, it has worked for many years.