Posted by
Ray on Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:40:06 PM
We have all heard that power corrupts. Sadly, we are seeing this ring true at all levels of government, from local to federal office holders. This is not a partisan issue. The problem exists in both parties as well as non partisan offices. We should expect more of elected officials, but unless we demand it, it will not happen. I could discuss the issue at any level, but today, I’ll concentrate on the US Congress (Senate and House of Representatives). In the past year, we have seen the conviction of Congressman Cunningham (R-CA), indictment of Congressman Jefferson (D-LA) and most recently, FBI and IRS raids on Senator Stevens (R-AK) home, just to name a few. I have had the unique experience of being a member of a Senator’s senior staff, as well as serving as a military Congressional Liaison with daily access with, and traveling with members of both parties. What I quickly learned in Washington was that in most cases seniority and longevity leads to special treatment by everyone, shifting loyalties and an attitude that any of their actions can be justified. In general, the longer a member serves the more out of touch with ordinary American lives they become and the more they begin to think of themselves as “special” and deserving of special treatment and privileges. There are, of course some exceptions in both parties, but for the most part, these servants of the people are treated like, and begin believing they are, royalty the longer they serve. I must stop here and tell you that we are truly blessed that Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn and Congressman Ralph Hall are among the exceptions. Their steadfast loyalty to the citizens of our state and district are widely known by everyone on Capitol Hill, K Street and in the government departments. Unfortunately, there are not many other exceptions. In Washington, the Chairman of any committee, and especially any appropriations committee, are wined and dined by lobbyist, special interest groups, administration officials and even other members. I’m sure it begins by accepting favors, small items and services, and of course campaign assistance; but in time it develops into expectations and even demands. As I learned first hand as a Congressional Liaison, some of the member’s demands and attitudes are as bad as you commonly hear about Hollywood celebrities.
However, I’m not one to complain without offering some recommended solutions. First is a Constitutional amendment concerning term limits. I am normally the last person that wants to see our US Constitution amended, as I believe our founding fathers crafted one of the most perfect documents ever written. However, only an amendment would mandate term limits across all states. If states established term limits individually, they would be cutting their own throats, since their members would never become Chairmen or senior committee members. They would also be challenged as unconstitutional, as they were before. I therefore believe an amendment establishing 24 years as the limit should be presented to the states and their voters. Why so long? I believe it is important to have experienced members and to match up time limits between the House and Senate; but believe 24 years allows for a full career and provides the public the ability to support good members, while preventing absolute empires from being built where it is impossible for anyone to run against them. When members reach the point of no serious competition, they are almost uncontrollable. 24 year term limits allow plenty of time for key members to develop the experience and serve as Chairmen and committee leaders. However, we could not grandfather the change. The limit needs to take affect at the next election, meaning members beyond 24 years would be ineligible to run. This would open many seats that have been occupied by the same person for too many years. In some cases over half a century. We would loose some good members, but as we said in the Navy “they have honorably completed their duty, but now it is time turn over the watch”.
My second recommendation would be to change the House of Representative’s terms from two years to four years. Our Founder Fathers hoped that short terms would make the House more responsive to the people. Unfortunately in today’s 24/7 news cycles and polls, this has lead to over responsiveness, knee jerk policies and constant campaigning. Increasing House terms to four years, would hopefully allow Congressmen to think in longer terms and not be as beholden to big campaign contributors or over reactionary to events and polls. Just as the Senate currently does, I would recommend alternating elections every two years to elect ½ the members every two years.
These changes may not solve all the problems, but it would definitely help. The only real solution is for us, the taxpayers, to stay informed and hold our EMPLOYEES accountable. Remember one of President Reagan’s best quotes, “Trust but Verify”. It works for many things in life.
Ray Ivie
Heath, TX