Political class?!
Posted by Ron Coleman on July 5, 2007
Instapundit: “The incompetence and venality of America’s political class surprises even those of us who are paying attention.”
That’s why we shouldn’t have a “political class.” It’s precisely the opposite of the democratic vision of the Founding Fathers, and it’s precisely what’s killing us now.
There’s one solution: Term limits.
Ara Rubyan said
All due respect, why should I have my right to vote for my (excellent) congressman/senator short-circuited just because you hate yours?
Ron Coleman said
Because the rest of us hate yours, too.
Ara Rubyan said
Then move here and throw him out of office, my friend!
Bob Miller said
The voter class hasn’t exactly covered itself with glory. But the teacher class seems to have taught it how to be couch potatoes.
DK said
The problem with that idea — and this isn’t to suggest it is a knockout, but never the less, term limits discourage long-term solutions, as the politician won’t be around to reap the rewards.
Alex said
Ara, the problem is that your excellent Senator or Representative is directly affecting me regardless of where I live, because the Federal government’s powers have been expanded to such an unprecedented degree. Sure I can move to your district and vote out your Senator or Representative, but what about his or her 500+ colleagues? I can’t live in all 50 states and 435 congressional districts at the same time.
Ron Coleman said
Also, the very fact that Ara loves his representatives is likely to be related — well, not in Ara’s case, because he is entirely altruistic, but for most people — to what a great job they “do for the District.” Yes, precisely, and contrary to whatever the national interest may be. The incentive for a representative is, in fact, entirely local.
This was once the basis of the concept of geographical representation, as opposed to a list scheme as in Israel. It seems not to work any more, or perhaps to work too well, because there is simply too much money in the system now.
Other solution: Line item veto. I guess it needs to be a constitutional amendment, but I can’t think of a better one. Puts real accountability on the Executive.
Lewis Walsh said
If you do not accept the concept of term limits, then you must believe that the rest of us could not handle a rather simple management type of job that comes with an immense staff and a gigantic expense account.
The notion that we should continue to reelect a “good politician” should be discarded since the essence of democracy is participation by as many citizens as possible. The abilities that are required to be a competent legislator are not rare.
To get the Washington scoundrels out of Office and to curtail the influence of their masters will take ingenuity and dedication from every citizen; the ruling minority has had many decades to rig the political process. Short of a French style revolution, consider the following:
Legislators are unlikely to approve legislation that would limit terms of office. If such a law were to pass, the Supreme Court is likely to strike it down. Remember that this is the court that has determined that money is speech. Remarkably, it would seem, the court believes those with the most resources should have the most influence in elections and the legislative process.
Despite the enormous resources leveraged against the people by the wealthy minority, there is a remedy to the costly corruption represented by the duopoly Democrat/Republican party. My idea does not require time or resources. There are no financial contributions to be made no meetings to attend no speeches to endure. Citizens need only join the One Term and Out movement by making the pledge then spreading the word.
The One Term and Out Pledge:
“With the recognition that there are huge numbers of intelligent, talented and qualified citizens who are prepared to limit their public service to one term, I hereby pledge that I will not vote a second term for any United States Senator or United States Congressman.”
Eric Brown said
It’s not the Senators & Representatives that need term limits so much as the staffers & career bureaucrats that need term limits. I would send large amounts of cash to any candidate who proposed that Civil Service jobs automatically expire every decade.