I've seen threads touting term-limits for congresscritters. How about this?

[shraby]

Have them retire from public office at normal retirement age like the majority of citizens do.
That would allow new candidates to get in office and get rid of the deadwood the plugs up the system.
Thinking about people like Strom Thurmond.
Many old old candidates get back in office purely from name recognition and no other reason.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

1. How about, they can't take a job that creates a conflict of interest or

That would force them to find a job.

[think]

3. I'd prefer to pay them like CEOs and celebrities. And then make strict requirements that they can't

Last edited Wed Apr 13, 2016, 11:36 AM - Edit history (1)

become lobbyists and work for companies where their public service might be considered a conflict of interest.

If we don't pay them to work for us it's way too easy for corporations to pay them to work for them.

People often respond that people should serve out of shear dedication to the public good and not for financial gain. How's that working out?

About half of all Senators and 42% of all house members become lobbyists. That's the reality...

[RKP5637]

2. Yep, some, not all, become freeloaders feeding on the system. n/t

[jberryhill]

4. How about a democratic system where people elect whom they want?

[shraby]

5. They do, but some just check the familiar name and never bother to do any research on how that

person is governing.
Have them retire at retirement age.

[global1]

6. I Think The 2-Year Term Of A House Rep Is Too Short....

How can they possibly get anything accomplished when right after they win the seat - they have to begin fundraising for their re-election in a year or so? I'd be more for increasing the term of a House Rep from 2 yrs to 4 yrs and maybe restricting them to only 2 terms so that we can have turnover in the House.

The term of a Senator is 6 yrs. I know that the thought of 2 yr terms for the House was to allow for the possibility of more representation from a variety of people - but that's not how this has shaped up.

Also two - 4 yr terms would be compatible with the possibility of a two term president - as a president can only serve 2 terms or 8 yrs.

The same thing for the Senate - restrict a Senator to just 2 terms or 12 years.

Bottom line we have to do something that eliminates the career politician and increases the turnover so that Congress in general can be vibrant and full of new ideas - instead of forming cliques and creating gridlock that works against us.

Just my humble opinion.