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Date:         Tue, 10 Nov 1992 00:45:53 -0600
From:         "VALENTINE M. SMITH" <CDELL@UMKCVAX1.BITNET>
Subject:      "On Term Limits, A Proposal Revisited"
Comments: To: val-l@ucf1vm.bitnet, jwales@iubvm.bitnet, olsenj@stolaf.edu,
              kousen@rayleigh.res.utc.com, klur@maristb.bitnet

"On Term Limits, A Proposal Revisited"

Now, here, in actuality, is the proposal on term limits I thought
Congress and the states would agree to back in December of last year,
with one modification (I left the Presidency alone in this version,
in the verson of 12/91, I proposed a term Presidency of 6 years,
along the lines of the proposal made several times by the late
Senator George Aiken). I perceived this proposal in the form of a
Constitutional amendment. It does embrace the idea of four year terms
for Congress, but allows for up to 12 years in each body, no more
than twenty-four altogether UNLESS elected to the Presidency.

Now, here, in essence, is the proposal I suggested in March, 1991.

[Limits on terms of office for Senator and members of Congress.] "No
person may hold Federal office more than twenty-four years unless
elected President, and then only the number of years past twenty-four
that two terms would give. Only the combination of terms in the
Senate and House described herein may make up the twenty-four years
of Federal electoral service, nor would this include service of
President of the United States. The term of a member of the House of
Representitives shall be changed from two years to four years. No
person may serve more than three (3) four year terms in the House. No
person may serve more than two (2) terms of six years each in the US
Senate. Terms in the US House will be changed from the two years
specified in Article I, Section 2; 2 to four years."

I would say that while I can partially agree with Julie in spirit, I
think term limits need to occur. I can recall arguing with the late
Rep. Richard Bolling (author of _Power in the House and other books)
that what was occurring was the creation of a class - politician
professionalinus - that I saw as dangerous. He disagreed, as I knew
he would, as he had served either 13 or 14 terms in the House. But,
we have to get back to the concept of "citizen politician," and away
from "career politician."

Reform of campaign finance, minority party access to debates and TV
time, PACS and what they can and can't do - personally I'd outlaw
them, but ... - duration of campaigns, when the President takes
office (I'd change inaugeration day to the same day in the first week
in January that Congress reconvenes, or earlier), tightening of
conflict-of-interest and ethics laws about what a pwrson can do after
leaving government (no outside boards that do government contracting,
or government-lobbying for five years) and Congressional pension and
campaign-fund reform all are prime measures in a comprehensive
campaign reform law. These changes all have to happen too for term
limits at the Federal level to make any sense. Rest assured that this
Congress has not the guts to pass such tough legislation, nor does
this President nor the next have the guts to send such legislation TO
Congress!
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU