Term limits for congressmen important

Judging by public opinion, if a vote were taken today about term limits for U.S. Congress, my guess is it would pass by at least a two-to-one margin. If we the people control our government, why has it not happened yet? It takes an amendment passed by two-thirds of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states.

There was a proposed term limit amendment by the House of Representatives following the 1994 elections. It was for a limit of six two-year terms for the House and two six-year terms for the Senate, but did not pass.

Now there is a proposed amendment in the Senate led by Sen. Jim DeMint, S.C. It is for a limit of three two-year terms for the House and two six-year terms for the Senate.

It was right for Congress to pass the 22nd Amendment, limiting terms for the president. It would also be right to limit the terms for Congress. The problem is, there is no incentive for Congress to pass this amendment.

To enable passing this amendment, two possible solutions should be considered: a grandfather clause for those already in office and/or early retirement benefits as an incentive for those retiring beyond amendment term limits.

Ivan Hardt

Cedar Rapids