On 12/31/12 12:53 PM, Eisboch wrote:


"ESAD" wrote in message
m...

On 12/31/12 9:29 AM, Tim wrote:
On Dec 31, 8:14 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
I was just reading that with all the negotiations, posturing, name
calling and blaming by members of Congress, it now appears that any
last minute agreement likely to be approved will do absolutely nothing
to address the federal deficit for at least 10 years.

Basically, all this grandstanding for nothing.

Next election cycle, let's boot them all out. Nobody in the real
world could keep a job with such a dismal performance record as these
people have. That includes Democrats and Republicans.

Furthermore, eliminate their federal pension. Require them to pay
into Social Security like anyone else.
Eliminate their special privileges and health care. Make them buy it
like everyone else.

Finally ... pass term limits. No more lifetime politicians.

The bad part is ... who and/or what do we replace them with?


Precisely.

---------------------------------------

Maybe I am naive, but I think there must be conscientious citizens with
a patriotic streak that would be willing to serve their country. They
can still promote and work for the interests of their constituency.
Being a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator for one or
two terms is still quite an achievement for anyone. Pay them well for
their time served, but after that they revert back to private citizens.




It takes at least a full term in the House and a half term in the Senate
to figure out which end is up. Being a qualified, contributing, thinking
member of Congress takes time and effort. I don't see "terms" as the
answer. I see political fundraising, lobbyists, et cetera, as the
problem. A Representative has to start fundraising for the next election
as soon as he/she is elected.

Further, the committee and oversight duties of Congress are very
complex, too complex to figure out if there are short term limits.