A Boston Tea Party …(American Patriot)

The text next to a picture of George Washington on the inside at the top of the Washington Monument says this:

George Washington was not a typical leader of his day. As the popular commander of a victorious army, he could have seized control of the fledgling government. Instead, he resigned to become a private citizen. Twice, the Electoral College unanimously elected him President of the United States. After he served two terms he resisted entreaties to become “President-for-Life,” and retired to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. In perhaps his most patriotic act, he stood aside and let representative government flourish.

George Washington was quite a man. I wonder if he had an ego? If he did, he sure was able to keep it in check. He set a precedent for Presidents and elected officials who came after him to follow. Contrast the actions of Washington with those of our elected officials of today. Bill Clinton would love to be President for life. The Republicans talk of electing another Bush. Members of Congress, mostly Senators, are in office for thirty to forty years.

Two weeks ago I toured Washington, D.C. As part our visit my wife and I were given a tour of the Capital. Every citizen must begin a tour of the Capital by starting at his or her respective state Senator’s office. Our tour began with a visit to Senator Dorgan’s office. He was gone because the Senate was no longer in session. As we entered his office the tour guide mentioned that we could “sit in his chair”. I respectfully said it was not that big of a deal (I am not humbled by such power as a Senator’s chair regardless of party). I mentioned to the guide that I someday want the Senator’s job rather than just the chance to sit in his chair. Again, I was asked, “DON’T YOU WANT TO HAVE YOUR PICTURE TAKEN WHILE SITTING IN HIS CHAIR?” It seemed like if I did not that I was somehow being disrespectful or that somehow this was a great honor. Upon asking a few questions about the Senator’s office I learned that the size of office and even the particular building a Senator is in is decided on seniority and prestige. The popular Senators are in a separate building and you get a larger office the longer you are there. I found this a bit juvenile since each state has two Senators. I was not sure why anyone was more important than the other and why office sizes would vary. Our tour of the Capital was interesting and informative. It was easy to see how these men become addicted to their position. An upsetting part of the tour was the inability of the average citizen to see the Senate chamber. We did get to see the Chamber of the House of Representatives but the Senate Chamber was not part of the public tour. I mention this only because it confirms what I firmly believe, the Senate is “THE country club” in this country.

I do not understand the selfishness, the immense ego, and the arrogance our elected leaders have in refusing to allow a true representative government. While many of us change jobs many times over in a lifetime these men and women want to be there for life. Every citizen in this country should have the ability to serve yet it takes a miracle for an incumbent to be defeated only because they want it this way. There are many, many, many citizens of North Dakota that could do the job Dorgan, Conrad, and Pomeroy do. We will just never get the chance because of their desire to be there for life. Do not get me wrong it is not their fault per say. It is the systems fault. It is a disease that infects both political parties. Jerimandering like what Tom Delay did in Texas goes on all over the country so that the other party cannot win. The money needed to win an election removes the chance for the average citizen to serve. The modesty of our elected leaders is far removed from the modesty of George Washington.

Term limits is the ONLY answer to change the direction of our country yet it is never discussed. While we have a limit on the number of terms a President can be in office we do not have a limit on our Congressional members. Why? The Senate, “THE country club” would never allow it. People these guys are there for 30 – 40 years. You know Robert Byrd thinks it is his birth right to be a Senator and he isn't the only one. The pathetic thing is is that Byrd will actually be elected again because the system is made for the incumbant to win. I for the life of me do not understand why the average Joe allows this. If Quenton Burdick were propped up from his grave folks in North Dakota he would be the favorite to win. Each Senator should be allowed to serve two terms. Two terms equals twelve years. Twelve years in Washington is plenty for any one person. After twelve years it is someone else’s turn maybe yours or maybe mine. If ALL Senators are allowed two terms then there is no argument for seniority and the power seniority brings. Representatives should be allowed no more than four terms in office.

Government would be returned to the people. Fresh ideas would flourish. People would feel they have a stake in their government. I have said it before term limits are so powerful they would probably cure the common cold. Serving in Washington should not be a membership to a country club, it should be about modesty and patriotism. There is no more amazing American patriot than George Washington. It is sad we have no George Washington’s in today’s Washington, D.C. instead we are stuck with men and women who are full of themselves. If we had term limits so other citizens could serve we may find the next George Washington. I most certainly know there is no Washington in the current officials. Wake up people………term limits is something we should all require.