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From: mc68020@gilbbs.UUCP (Tom Keller)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: other problems inherent to Democracy...
Message-ID: <41@gilbbs.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 7-Mar-86 04:32:03 EST
Article-I.D.: gilbbs.41
Posted: Fri Mar  7 04:32:03 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 10-Mar-86 06:06:43 EST
References: <1335@pucc-i>
Organization: Gil's Place, Santa Rosa CA
Lines: 46
Summary: longer terms, yes, but...

In article <1335@pucc-i>, afb@pucc-i (Michael Lewis) writes:
> 
>      I think that one problem that is present in American Government today
> is an *oversensitivity* to public opinion, particularly in the House.  The
> problem is that Congressmen are just about always up for reelection.  Two
> years isn't a long enough term.  The American Public is very fickle, and you'd
> better go along with it if you're a Congressman and you want to stay one.
> 
>      I realize that one of the functions of the House is to remain "in touch"
> with the people...but that can be over emphasized (too much of a good thing...)
> I think that the following changes should be made:
> 
>     1. House terms moved to 4 years.
>     2. Senate terms moved to 8 years.
>     3. Presidential terms moved to 6 years.
> 
>      I think that the volatility of American Public opinion has made it very
> difficult to operate in anything approaching the "long term".  Long term,
> consistent, bipartisan programs are essential in such pursuits as military
> planning, arms control, environmental planning, etc.
> 
>      I've been reading all kinds of things about how hard it is to get anything
> unpopular or controversial passed through Congress during an election year...
> but that's every other year!  No wonder Congress takes so damn long to decide
> anything...
> 
>      I'm sure this will spark some lively debate...don't disappoint me.  I'll
> just sit back and watch the sparks fly...


   I agree in essence with the items enumerated as 1,2, & 3 above.  I would add,
however, that to avoid the undue consideration of re-election from hindering the
processes of democracy, that the preseident should notbe allowed to run for
re-election.  One six year term, and out.  I believe that this will go a *LONG*
way toward improving the effiency and effectiveness of our elected president.

-- 

====================================

Disclaimer:  I hereby disclaim any and all responsibility for disclaimers.

tom keller
{ihnp4, dual}!ptsfa!gilbbs!mc68020

(* we may not be big, but we're small! *)