For JTF's Reading Pleasure: "What is the Tea Party"

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

I've stated my ideas before, but as you mention below, they'll never happen.

Agree 100%. I don't know if term limits fix this, but it's certainly a start.

The middle of the road Tea Party candidates also get stomped out by the legacy Repub machine (just happened in our primary in VB).

The only problem with term limits is that you eventually cede control and influence to the lobbyist with 20 years of experience. Imagine a freshman Senator standing toe-to-toe with one of these guys who's been working the Hill for two decades. No chance he'll get the support he needs. Our most respected Senators are our most seasoned ones, not the other way around.

Secondly, if we go term limites you'll never become an expert at anything. Imagine some of the Senators that have chaired and served on the intelligence committee or anything related to foreign policy. It's takes many years to accumlate the knowledge and depth to shape policy and understand the world abroad. Again, some young buck just coming into congress or the senate just can't do it if we institute term limits.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

The only problem with term limits is that you eventually cede control and influence to the lobbyist with 20 years of experience. Imagine a freshman Senator standing toe-to-toe with one of these guys who's been working the Hill for two decades. No chance he'll get the support he needs. Our most respected Senators are our most seasoned ones, not the other way around.

If term limits are in place, it decreases the power of lobbyists. Assuming a constant flow of funding to the lobbyists, with more turn-over, more ground to cover.

Secondly, if we go term limites you'll never become an expert at anything. Imagine some of the Senators that have chaired and served on the intelligence committee or anything related to foreign policy. It's takes many years to accumlate the knowledge and depth to shape policy and understand the world abroad. Again, some young buck just coming into congress or the senate just can't do it if we institute term limits.

I'm talking something along the lines of what Newt proposed in 1994, 12 years for each house. You'll still have enough experience on the various committees to bridge any gaps as newbs get up to speed.

Pretty balanced article from Time on both sides of the argument (go figure, LOL).

Congress Term Limits: No Magic Fix for Washington's Woes - TIME