Shakespeare quotes aside, in the editorial supporting President Trumps first 100 days (This Is Going to Hurt, 5-7-25) the writer concludes, “And, frankly, no one else has a better idea”. I always like a challenge, so let’s try this out. It may take a few Letters to the Editor, so I will address only one idea today.
A republican value that I believe in is limited government. To this end, limiting leadership and laws may have some benefits.
Starting with political positions, we already have term limits on the president. This limit came about after FDR held the president’s seat through the 1930’s and into the 1940’s. I understand re-electing a war-time president, but other competent leaders should take over, especially when one gets… well old physically and mentally (“Original Sin” might be considered the desire to hold onto power too long, whether than is an individual’s or party’s lust). There is a process for setting term limits.
Let’s set term limits for Senators, Representatives, and Supreme Court Justices. Two terms for Senators (12 years), 4 terms for Representatives (8 years), 18 years for Justices. That is plenty of time to pitch one’s agenda, propose some legislation, pass some laws, test those laws out, and have your day in court. Then move along; go on the book and speaking circuit; play some celebrity golf or sponsor a motorcycle ride; set up a foundation, etc. There is much good that retired politicians can do, but not when you get to Nancy Polosi’s or Mitch McConnell’s condition. And, we do not need Strom Thurmonds, Robert C. Birds, and Tom McCains being rolled out in coffins to vote…
Politics is also a skill of networking and negotiating that works best when someone has moved up the ranks. Get on the school board, the county commission, state legislature and governor’s office, then toss your hat in the ring for a federal leadership slot. No one politician has expertise in all issues. Knowing lots of people gives a leader many opportunities to call upon the expertise of associates when reviewing bills. Rarely have I seen an effective leader jump into congress or the presidency without those prior steps and relationships.
Next, set limits on all legislation, departments, and programs. Many laws come with time limits, such as the 2017 tax bill. This is good and should be applied to all laws and programs. Sunset clauses, or re-authorization time frames, give the laws time to demonstrate whether they achieve their goals, and forces congress to toss ineffective programs out or make adjustments. Five or ten years should be sufficient. Let’s not waste time voting on repealing stuff without plans for something better. Develop a replacement ahead of time. Do not let programs go on forever, usually with mission creep upping their budgets.
With technology changing so rapidly, congress needs to bring the laws and programs up to date. Air traffic controllers, Home Land Security and the IRS should be working with the latest equipment, not something so-1990’s.
Should some faction, say Nation of Islam or Christian Nationalists, pass some niche legislation due to popular or party momentum at one time, in five or ten years, there is an automatic dismissal of such capricious laws.
Term limits and sunset clauses would set the pace for limited government. Force decisions on what programs are worth keeping or adjusting. Prevent mission-creep and perpetual entitlements.
These are only two ideas among many options. I hope that other readers will write about their ideas. I have more ideas to share in the future. First, I need to split some wood to be ready for next winter’s heating season.
Oscar Larson
Baker, WV
