How To Fix American Politics

Enough, already. I’m tired of reading everyone else’s ideas. Here’s mine.

Term Limits? No. Just a Lifetime Limit of 20 years in national, political, elected office. For example, six years as a Representative, six as a Senator, four as a Vice President, and four as President. Then go home. Appointments and State careers do not count. As of 2026, over 95 members of Congress have served over 20 years with 35 over 30 years. And no, the 20 years do not have to be consecutive. It’s cumulative, over a lifetime. Joe Biden would not have been able to run with Obama in 2008, for example, and 2020 and 2024. For the sneaky, snarky, word-conscience and necessary lawyer: No running for office if serving the complete term of your election would take you over the 20 year limit.

Supreme Court Justices must be over the age of 60, have 20 years of judicial experience, and have at least 10 years of civil or criminal trial experience as a prosecutor or defender. Confirmation needs to be 70 votes, with all congressional and court work stopped until all justice are confirmed. Put forth candidates for the entire population not your own party, damn it. There are currently 3 justices under the age of 60. For those legal scholars who make a life in education, keep making your money as a consultant/advisor, but don’t advance to the court. I am okay with raising the age to 65, if everyone agrees. Might generate a lot of Age Discrimination lawsuits, too.

Any congressional politician who votes with their own party over 75 per cent of the time, cannot run for re-election. The 75 percent is for PASSED bills that become legislation. It may lead to a lot of “inconsequential activity” like Public Building Naming Bills but we can work that out later. It’s incomprehensible when an intelligent person gets elected with 51 percent of his constituents votes, then goes to Washington and votes 90 per cent of the time with a “Party Boss” from other states. Is that “representation” for even the 51 percent that voted for the intelligent person? BTW, I’m open to identifying and “outing” congresspeople who do nothing but get re-elected. Legislate congressional voting standards? Ideas?

All congressional votes are “Aye” or “Nay”. “Not Present” and any of the other voting gimmicks are abandoned. Congresspeople currently get plenty of time off so NO ABSENCES when congress is in session. One of the biggest issues we, the public face is getting anything done. Maybe we* pass a law that sets a limit for how much “meaningful” legislation is passed in a congressional term. Then mandate limits are met or ALL politicians involved need to be re-elected before they can return. Would that cause a chaos any worse than the dysfunction  what we already have? Modern congressional activity is setting records for least “activity”.  Google: “How many laws has congress passed in the last 20 years, by year?” And then try to weed out the “inconsequential activity” legislation.

It’s bad enough congress doesn’t do anything but then there is “Rescission”. Rescission is an act of ignoring or reversing properly legislated and approved funding. In plain English, one congress finally does something in 2024 and in 2025 the new congress (and administration) rescinds what the 2024 congress did. At least it’s activity, right? Imagine you telling your home remodeler you want your down-payment back the day after they start working on your house. How idiotic is rescission?

Register all citizens as voters when they turn 18. Default affiliation: Independent. Let them live and decide and maybe they’ll vote more, and with brains instead of feelings. Am I really suggesting young people might make a difference?

Enough self-flagellation. It is what it is. Que sera, sera. Water over the dam, under the bridge, spilt like milk. Let’s all just be happy we live in a true democracy where we all care about each other.

As Dr.** Steven Wright said: “A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.”

*Isn’t it cute, this “we” stuff? Like we can pass laws. We can make politicians accountable. We can change things.

**Honorary, from my  mythical university since no real university has awarded won, yet.

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