An article to really stir up the wing nuts: End presidential term limits

[n2doc]

By Jonathan Zimmerman,


In 1947, Sen. Harley Kilgore (D-W.Va.) condemned a proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict presidents to two terms. “The executive’s effectiveness will be seriously impaired,” Kilgore argued on the Senate floor, “ as no one will obey and respect him if he knows that the executive cannot run again.”

I’ve been thinking about Kilgore’s comments as I watch President Obama, whose approval rating has dipped to 37 percent in CBS News polling — the lowest ever for him — during the troubled rollout of his health-care reform. Many of Obama’s fellow Democrats have distanced themselves from the reform and from the president. Even former president Bill Clinton has said that Americans should be allowed to keep the health insurance they have.

Or consider the reaction to the Iran nuclear deal. Regardless of his political approval ratings, Obama could expect Republican senators such as Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and John McCain (Ariz.) to attack the agreement. But if Obama could run again, would he be facing such fervent objections from Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)?

Probably not. Democratic lawmakers would worry about provoking the wrath of a president who could be reelected. Thanks to term limits, though, they’ve got little to fear.

more

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/end-presidential-term-limits/2013/11/28/50876456-561e-11e3-ba82-16ed03681809_story.html

[Laelth]

1. Generally speaking, I am opposed to term limits of any kind.

Last edited Sat Nov 30, 2013, 11:23 AM - Edit history (1)

That said, the Executive Branch of the Federal Government of the United States has become so powerful since FDR that I support the 22nd Amendment in principle and practice. Fresh blood is needed in that office to prevent our becoming a dictatorship.

-Laelth

[NV Whino]

2. I think the presidential term should be one 8 or 6 year term

They spend at least a year and sometimes two campaigning for reelection right now. A longer single term would eliminate that. I believe the Senate, and House should have limited terms, too.

Admittedly it's a two edged sword, but I believe it would solve more problems than it would create.