Terms limits are a step in right direction

Arguably, President George W. Bush and Congress did a very poor job of managing our economy, with particular credit going to Barney Frank and Christopher Dodd for the poor oversight of the housing industry. It can be argued now that President Obama and Congress are doing an even poorer job, passing a needed stimulus bill that in itself may not be very effective, but then added a lot of unnecessary and unwise funding for almost every pet project the Democratic Party ever conceived of.

President H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton brought us “free trade.” We are likely purchasing merchandise for less now, but the only thing “free” about it has been the export of our decent jobs.

If you are looking for an excuse to “vote all the rascals out,” look no further than our new federal courthouse. Who, besides the federal government, would be economically ignorant enough to spend more than $180 million of money they don't have for a building in Cedar Rapids? Why didn't our elected officials insist that the government spend $60 million for a new building and the other $120 million for flood recovery?

What is the solution? Elect people who promise to support term limits and vote for what is good for the United States - wouldn't that be a step in the right direction? Why shouldn't people serve their country for a few years, say six or eight, and then go back to the jobs they had before Washington?

Ron Thompson

Cedar Rapids