Triangle Bar said:
Oldtimer said:
I've always been a strong proponent of term limits- but just to play Devils advocate-- in some of the states where they have implemented them, I've talked to several current and former Legislators that say it takes at least one term just to learn your way around- along with all the rules and protocol- and gain the ability necessary to file bills and resolutions...
In other words....it takes a while to learn the good old boy system, which hand greases which, and the best ways to hold out till you sell your vote for the best price.
These folks can rely on seasoned staff & those of reputable non-allied opinions for advice, if need be. That being said, why are we electing these folks? It's for their leadership abilities.
If they need a term before they can take off their training wheels....they better look for another line of work.
Well- if you want a legislature made up of attorneys experienced in writing/interpreting law- or in lobbying- they probably have the experience :???: ....But how many common main street businessmen, housewives, or farmer/ranchers have spent enough time in Congress or working with all the varying laws to know all the operations and legal twists to all those varied issues... :???:
I spent several years going back and forth to the State Legislature in Helena when I was a board member with the Sheriffs and Peace Officers Assn- and learned dozens of new things every trip- and never left that place amazed that anything got accomplished....
Like I said- I support term limits- BUT- will we only get attorneys to run- or people wealthy enough to put their business/professional life on hold for 4-8 years- and then be able to come back to pick it up.... :???:
I don't know what the answer is...One would be to outlaw all lobbyiest money/campaign donations, so the Congressmen couldn't be so bought out-- - but in the arguments I heard last week in front of the Supreme Court-and Judge Roberts comments in return- it sounds like the court may just go the opposite way- and throw out 100+ years precedence and say that Corporate entities have the same 1st Amendment rights as an individual-- and can openly donate as much money as they want to a candidate....
If that happens- the example used was- conceivably the Insurance Industry or Big Oil could totally bankroll the entire campaign of the next Presidential candidate or virtually "buy" the next open Senate or House seat....
And it brings up a lot of questions about foreign money as many of these corporate entities are heavily or totally owned by people/entities in other countries.....