Fix Political Leadership With A Constitutional Amendment for Longer Terms and No Reelection
As Washington engages in a game of Chicken on the debt ceiling, it is worth considering some structural solutions to solving the problems of America. I am not talking about cutting entitlements, which must be done, or raising revenues, which must be done, but something far more fundamental.
You see, what is broken in America, and in many democracies for that matter, is leadership. The debt ceiling is a symptom. Politicians are so focused on getting elected and staying in office that they forget why they went into politics in the first place. Or, at least why they should have considered politics in the first place. Most, nay...all, of our feckless "leaders" are focused on posturing for elections. President Obama, either purposely or subconsciously, indicated as much when he said that any deal on the debt ceiling and spending cuts must take us through the next election. It is all about getting elected. None of Americas "leaders" in Congress or the Oval Office have the cajones to make leadership decisions, break stupid pledges and just do what is right. They are no Abe Lincolns.
Given the sorry state of leadership in 2011, it is worth considering fundamentally altering the Constitution's view on elections. I would propose that Presidents be elected for at least 6 years (maybe 8) but have a 1 term limit. No re-election. This should give them enough time to make a difference and not fret another election. Senators, who already have 6 year terms, should be limited to two terms and or perhaps one ten year term. And representatives, should be given 5 year terms with a second term possible if they get a super majority of votes.
Longer terms will provide stability. No option of re-election will mean that posturing for reelection will be a waste of time. You can just do what is right. It will also put an end to recycling politicians in Washington and likely reduce corruption since it takes a long time to cozy up to someone inside the Beltway. Taken together though, it will give a chance to people who truly want to make a difference and want to be leaders to take the risks needed in leadership without fear of being punished at the ballot box. It also means that more talented people will come into Politics because you will need to have made a name for yourself; you can serve your country and go back to what you were doing.
Now, what are the odds that some sitting politician will put electoral reform on the agenda for a constitutional amendment? Are there any leaders out there?
You see, what is broken in America, and in many democracies for that matter, is leadership. The debt ceiling is a symptom. Politicians are so focused on getting elected and staying in office that they forget why they went into politics in the first place. Or, at least why they should have considered politics in the first place. Most, nay...all, of our feckless "leaders" are focused on posturing for elections. President Obama, either purposely or subconsciously, indicated as much when he said that any deal on the debt ceiling and spending cuts must take us through the next election. It is all about getting elected. None of Americas "leaders" in Congress or the Oval Office have the cajones to make leadership decisions, break stupid pledges and just do what is right. They are no Abe Lincolns.
Given the sorry state of leadership in 2011, it is worth considering fundamentally altering the Constitution's view on elections. I would propose that Presidents be elected for at least 6 years (maybe 8) but have a 1 term limit. No re-election. This should give them enough time to make a difference and not fret another election. Senators, who already have 6 year terms, should be limited to two terms and or perhaps one ten year term. And representatives, should be given 5 year terms with a second term possible if they get a super majority of votes.
Longer terms will provide stability. No option of re-election will mean that posturing for reelection will be a waste of time. You can just do what is right. It will also put an end to recycling politicians in Washington and likely reduce corruption since it takes a long time to cozy up to someone inside the Beltway. Taken together though, it will give a chance to people who truly want to make a difference and want to be leaders to take the risks needed in leadership without fear of being punished at the ballot box. It also means that more talented people will come into Politics because you will need to have made a name for yourself; you can serve your country and go back to what you were doing.
Now, what are the odds that some sitting politician will put electoral reform on the agenda for a constitutional amendment? Are there any leaders out there?
Labels: Constitution, Debt, obama, politics, USA
posted by Michael Eisenberg at 1:35 AM
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