If there ever is going to be meaningful reform within the federal government, it must begin with term limits for Congressmen. Unlike a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage, this is one that will really unite all Americans. As long as lawmakers are incentivized to perpetually remain in office, the odds of this becoming a reality are slim to nonexistent. Let’s consider the case of West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, who today became the longest serving Senator in American history.
When he was first elected to the United States Senate, Dwight David Eisenhower was the President, the nation consisted of 48 states and the word “beetle” still referred to a diverse group of insects. Byrd is also the poster child for the earmark process, inserting countless items into spending bills that directed federal taxpayer dollars to his home state. Drive through West Virginia and it won’t be long before you find the Robert C. Byrd School of This or the Robert C. Byrd Highway to There.
Being in the Ku Klux Klan is another reason he should be barred from running for re-election. It really makes you wonder what the citizens of West Virginia look for in their politicans (besides being named Robert Byrd). We implore the citizens of the Mountain State to consider voting for his opponent when he attempts to win a historic ninth term. It’s bad enough that our “democracy” consists of incumbents being re-elected back into office at a 91% clip. Besides, isn’t perpetual rule by a small number of people exactly the type of government our forefathers jumped onto boats to escape?
