Who’s with me on term limits?

No one can argue that the financial deficit faced by this country is totally unacceptable. In a few articles I will try to address why this deficit has happened and what might be done to correct the situation.

First is the issue of term limitations. Professional “career politicians” take whatever actions are necessary to ensure their re-election. This results in excessive spending to accommodate and satisfy those who contribute to their campaigns.

Henry Clay once said, “I would rather be right than president.” Sadly, this is no longer the case with those seeking to attain or to hold their elective office. Money talks and leads to legislation that is not in the public’s good. Expensive legislation.

A series of questions for Sens. Durbin and Kirk and Rep. Randy Hultgren. First, why are term limits appropriate for the president of the United States and not for members of Congress? Do you favor term limits? Would you vote for a constitutional amendment limiting senators to two terms and representatives to three? If not, why not? And, please gentlemen, don’t trot out the timeworn adage that elections serve as term limits. They do not. They are controlled by money from special interest groups.

Granted, more definition is necessary for any proposed amendment but are you philosophically in favor of such an amendment?

I will send this letter to the three members of Congress mentioned above. If, and when, they respond I will include those responses in subsequent letters. This is a vital issue that must be addressed if we are to return to the intent of the Founding Fathers that politicians are public servants and not career office holders.

Charles L. Barr Jr.

St. Charles