Time for a Tune Up
Thank goodness for American democracy. Here the “ruler” is a government composed of three separate, independent bodies. Those bodies are composed of officials democratically elected on staggered terms. Representatives must be elected every two years, Senators every six years, and the President every four years.
The President is limited to two terms, but, unfortunately, there are no term limits on representatives, senators, or Supreme Court justices.
In theory, the most beautiful feature of this government is that in nearly every case, no laws or regulations can become effective without the concurrence of all three branches.
Unfortunately, though, one of the basic features of the government envisioned and created by the Founding Fathers has been nullified by an amendment. As originally created, the representatives would be spokesmen for the people and the senators would represent the states. Representatives would be elected by the people; senators would be appointed by state legislatures.
Today, the only difference between representatives and senators is that representatives have to get a majority of the votes cast in relatively small districts while senators have to get a majority of all the votes in his or her state.
Unfortunately, also, there was more tampering with the original design that has had more serious consequences than changing the manner of electing senators. As envisioned in Philadelphia, Congress would be in session for short periods. The capital would not become the home of the representative and senators.
Congress would be in session for short periods and the representatives and senators were to spend most of their time living at home with the people they were elected or selected to represent. That way they would always be aware of the needs and desires of their homes.
Today, it is just the opposite. Congress is in session virtually 365 days a year and members of Congress live in Washington, D.C., with periodic overnight trips back “home” to attend fundraisers.
As we seem to like to amend the Constitution, particularly here in Texas, why not try two more?
The first amendment would be to limit Congress to one six or nine month session every other year. The second would be to require balanced budgets and to be debt free after 50 years.
If balanced budgets will be the norm, at least 50 years and the efforts of our children and grandchildren will be required to pay the 20 trillion dollar debt now weighing us down.
Another amendment would be to limit representatives to four terms and senators to two terms. If there were effective term limits, maybe the first order of business on the first day of each new session would not be to start fundraising for the next election.
So here’s the perspective.
There is no better form of government than the one we enjoy in the U.S. Maybe, though, a little fine tuning of the 200 year old system that is beginning to run a little rough under its 20 trillion dollar load might rev up the old lady.
The previous tune up of limiting Presidents to two terms has certainly improved the gas mileage. Just think of the rough ride we would be facing if any of the front runners in this year’s presidential elections could be seeking the office with no term limits?
That is one scary thought.
enough
